Tamale Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Tamale, Ghana. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Tamale receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 916 mm (36 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, August receives substantial rainfall, averaging 231 mm (9.1 in) of precipitation, recorded across 21 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, December brings less rainfall, with 1.4 mm (0.1 in) over 4 rainy days.
August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C (86°F). The city receives 139 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 35°C (95°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Tamale Temperature page.
Explore Tamale's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Tamale spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Ghana: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Ghana. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Tamale vs World: Rainfall Compared
Tamale's average annual precipitation is 916 mm (36 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm (18 in) of rainfall mostly during the winter months.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Tamale:
- 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.
- "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 Tamale's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Tamale Climate page.
