Dar es Salaam Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Dar es Salaam experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1112 mm (44 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct dry season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Dar es Salaam can be quite wet during April, receiving approximately 230 mm (9.1 in) of precipitation over 17 rainy days.

In contrast July, experiences much drier conditions, with 32 mm (1.3 in) of rainfall, spread across 6 rainy days.

April, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C (86°F). The city receives 154 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 29°C (84°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Dar es Salaam Temperature page.

Dar es Salaam's average annual precipitation is 1112 mm (44 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm (24 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

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.

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

• 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 Dar es Salaam's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Dar es Salaam Climate page.