Almaty Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Almaty, Kazakhstan. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Almaty receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 869 mm (34 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.

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, May receives substantial rainfall, averaging 141 mm (5.6 in) of precipitation, recorded across 13 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, January brings less snowfall, with 30 mm (1.2 in) over 9 snowy days.

May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 241 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of -3°C (27°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Almaty Temperature page.

Almaty's average annual precipitation is 869 mm (34 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm (24 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

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.

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

• 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.

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