Essen Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Generally, Essen has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 1000 mm (39 in) of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Essen occurs in December, which receives around 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, April, Essen experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 62 mm (2.4 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 7°C (45°F). The city receives 40 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 16°C (61°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Essen 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 Essen's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Essen spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Germany: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Germany. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Essen vs World: Rainfall Compared
Essen's average annual precipitation is 1000 mm (39 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.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Essen:
- 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.
- 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 Essen's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Essen Climate page.
