Amherst (MA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Amherst is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1196 mm (47 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The amount of precipitation varies moderately throughout the year. The wettest month, June, sees around 133 mm (5.2 in) of rainfall, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of rain now and then. The driest month, November, still receives a respectable 73 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall.
June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F). The city receives 274 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 11°C (52°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Amherst Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in the United States of America: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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Amherst vs World: Rainfall Compared
Amherst's average annual precipitation is 1196 mm (47 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.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
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 Amherst (MA):
- 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.
- 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 Amherst (MA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Amherst (MA) Climate page.
