Sligo Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sligo, Sligo County, Ireland. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Sligo has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1349 mm (53 in) of rainfall per year.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Sligo occurs in December, which receives around 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, April, Sligo experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 95 mm (3.7 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C (48°F). The city receives 35 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 13°C (55°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sligo Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Sligo's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Sligo spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Ireland: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Ireland. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Sligo vs World: Rainfall Compared
Sligo's average annual precipitation is 1349 mm (53 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Sligo's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sligo Climate page.
