Xining Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Xining, Qinghai, China. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
On average, Xining receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 631 mm (25 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Xining can be quite wet during September, receiving approximately 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over 14 rainy days.
In contrast December, experiences much drier conditions, with 5.2 mm (0.2 in) of snowfall, spread across 2 snowy days.
September, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 188 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 1°C (34°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Xining Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Xining's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Xining spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in China: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across China. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Xining vs World: Rainfall Compared
Xining's average annual precipitation is 631 mm (25 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.
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.
- 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 Xining's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Xining Climate page.
