Port Elizabeth Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Port Elizabeth has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 584 mm (23 in) of rainfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The wettest period in Port Elizabeth occurs in August, which receives around 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, January, Port Elizabeth experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 39 mm (1.5 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 233 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Port Elizabeth Temperature page.

Port Elizabeth's average annual precipitation is 584 mm (23 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

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.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Port Elizabeth:

• 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 Port Elizabeth's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Port Elizabeth Climate page.