Timbuktu Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Timbuktu, Mali. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Timbuktu is known for its low rainfall, with yearly precipitation amounts around 115 mm (4.5 in).
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 51 mm (2 in) of precipitation, recorded across 8 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, December brings less rainfall, with 0.1 mm (0 in) over 0 rainy days.
August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 38°C (100°F). The city receives 255 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 31°C (88°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Timbuktu Temperature page.
Explore Timbuktu's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Timbuktu spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Mali: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Mali. 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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Timbuktu vs World: Rainfall Compared
Timbuktu's average annual precipitation is 115 mm (4.5 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.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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.
- Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
- In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
- Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.
For more detailed information about Timbuktu's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Timbuktu Climate page.
