Asmara Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Asmara, Eritrea. 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, Asmara receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 956 mm (38 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The seasons in Asmara, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, August, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 276 mm (11 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 9 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, October, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 31 mm (1.2 in) over 4 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C (79°F). The city receives 159 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month October you can expect a temperature of 26°C (79°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Asmara Temperature page.
Explore Asmara's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Asmara spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Eritrea: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Eritrea. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Asmara vs World: Rainfall Compared
Asmara's average annual precipitation is 956 mm (38 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
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.
- "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 Asmara's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Asmara Climate page.
