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

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Adelaide. 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.

Generally, Adelaide experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 511 mm yearly.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Adelaide can be quite wet during July, receiving approximately 66 mm of precipitation over 9 rainy days.

In contrast March, experiences much drier conditions, with 21 mm of rainfall, spread across 6 rainy days.

July, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 25°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Adelaide Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Australia

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Adelaide’s average annual precipitation is 511 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm of rainfall mostly during the winter months.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

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

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

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.

How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
• Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

For more detailed information about Adelaide’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Adelaide Climate page.