Somerset West Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Somerset West experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 761 mm (30 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The seasons in Somerset West, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, June, receives high rainfall, with an average of 131 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, February, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over 5 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 175 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 26°C (79°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Somerset West 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 Somerset West's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Somerset West spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in South Africa: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across South Africa. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
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almost none
Somerset West vs World: Rainfall Compared
Somerset West's average annual precipitation is 761 mm (30 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.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
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.
Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.
Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.
Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.
Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.
- Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
- In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
- Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.
For more detailed information about Somerset West's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Somerset West Climate page.
