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

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Kingston. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

On average, Kingston receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 921 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The climate in Kingston shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 156 mm of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 16 rainy days.

In contrast, February offers drier and sunnier days, with around 29 mm of rainfall over 6 rainy days.

October, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C and receives 226 hours of sunshine. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 28°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Kingston Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Jamaica

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

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Kingston’s average annual precipitation is 921 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

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

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

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

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

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