Death Valley National Park (CA) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Death Valley National Park (CA). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Death Valley National Park has a dry climate with very low precipitation, averaging 89 mm of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Death Valley National Park, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives low rainfall, with an average of 18 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 5 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, June, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 1.3 mm over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 13°C and receives 188 hours of sunshine. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 33°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Death Valley National Park Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Death Valley National Park’s average annual precipitation is 89 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm, characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.

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

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

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Global Precipitation Patterns

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 of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm 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, with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm annually.

For more detailed information about Death Valley National Park (CA)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Death Valley National Park (CA) Climate page.