Invercargill Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. 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.

Invercargill has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1277 mm (50 in) of rainfall per year.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The wettest period in Invercargill occurs in October, which receives around 127 mm (5 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, July, Invercargill experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 83 mm (3.3 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C (59°F). The city receives 176 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 11°C (52°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Invercargill Temperature page.

Invercargill's average annual precipitation is 1277 mm (50 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.

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

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• 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.

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Invercargill's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Invercargill Climate page.