Los Angeles (CA) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Los Angeles, California, United States of America. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Los Angeles experiences desert-like conditions in terms of precipitation with almost no rainfall, generally receiving 235 mm annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Los Angeles can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 61 mm of precipitation over 8 rainy days.

In contrast August, experiences much drier conditions, with 0.1 mm of rainfall, spread across 0 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C. The city receives 220 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 24°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Los Angeles Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

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

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Los Angeles’s average annual precipitation is 235 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.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

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

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.

How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?

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

• Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
• Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

For more detailed information about Los Angeles (CA)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Los Angeles (CA) Climate page.