Rabaul Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. 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.
Rabaul has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 2778 mm (109 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct rainy season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Rabaul offers a pleasant mix of wetter and slightly drier months. The difference in precipitation between March (325 mm (13 in)) and September (156 mm (6.1 in)) is not too significant, making the climate enjoyable for visitors and residents alike.
March, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 130 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 29°C (84°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Rabaul Temperature page.
Explore Rabaul's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Rabaul spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Papua New Guinea: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Papua New Guinea. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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Rabaul vs World: Rainfall Compared
Rabaul's average annual precipitation is 2778 mm (109 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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.
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.
- 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 Rabaul's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Rabaul Climate page.
