Glasgow Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Glasgow, Highland, Scotland. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Glasgow is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1372 mm (54 in).

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The wettest period in Glasgow occurs in January, which receives around 141 mm (5.6 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, May, Glasgow experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 88 mm (3.5 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 8°C (46°F). The city receives 37 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 15°C (59°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Glasgow Temperature page.

Glasgow's average annual precipitation is 1372 mm (54 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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 Glasgow's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Glasgow Climate page.