Zürich Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Zürich. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Zürich is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1350 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

Despite minor fluctuations, Zürich enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In June, you can expect around 140 mm of precipitation, while in February, Zürich receives about 90 mm.

June, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 7°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Zürich Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Switzerland

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Switzerland. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Zürich’s average annual precipitation is 1350 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm, with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Interesting weather facts

• 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 Zürich’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Zürich Climate page.