Schiphol Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Schiphol, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Generally, Schiphol receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 942 mm (37 in) annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. August brings wetter days averaging 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation, spread over 13 rainy days.
In contrast, April experiences a drier climate, with about 56 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall spread across 13 rainy days.
August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 22°C (72°F). The city receives 202 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 14°C (57°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Schiphol Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in the Netherlands: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the Netherlands. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Schiphol vs World: Rainfall Compared
Schiphol's average annual precipitation is 942 mm (37 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.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
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.
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 (118 in) of rain annually.
Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) 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 (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Schiphol's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Schiphol Climate page.
