New York City (NY) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in New York City (NY). 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.

New York City has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1276 mm of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. June brings wetter days averaging 138 mm of precipitation, spread over 13 rainy days.

In contrast, November experiences a drier climate, with about 73 mm of rainfall spread across 9 rainy days.

June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C. The city receives 259 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 13°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our New York City 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

New York City’s average annual precipitation is 1276 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

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.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

For more detailed information about New York City (NY)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our New York City (NY) Climate page.