Hokitika Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Hokitika. 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.

Hokitika is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 3373 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The wettest period in Hokitika occurs in December, which receives around 345 mm of precipitation. During the driest month, July, Hokitika experiences heavy rainfall, totaling approximately 222 mm. The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C. The city receives 197 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 12°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Hokitika Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in New Zealand

The map below shows the annual precipitation across New Zealand. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Hokitika’s average annual precipitation is 3373 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages [964 mm], with snowy winters and rainy summers.

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

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

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