Adelaide Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. 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.
On average, Adelaide receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 511 mm (20 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))
The seasons in Adelaide, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, July, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 66 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 9 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, March, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 21 mm (0.8 in) over 6 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C (59°F). The city receives 148 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 25°C (77°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Adelaide 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 Adelaide's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Adelaide spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Australia: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Australia. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Adelaide vs World: Rainfall Compared
Adelaide's average annual precipitation is 511 mm (20 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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 Adelaide:
- 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 Adelaide's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Adelaide Climate page.
