Bahir Dar Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Bahir Dar experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1746 mm (69 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Bahir Dar can be quite wet during August, receiving approximately 488 mm (19 in) of precipitation over 15 rainy days.
In contrast January, experiences much drier conditions, with 4.2 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall, spread across 2 rainy days.
August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 22°C (72°F). During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 27°C (81°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Bahir Dar Temperature page.
Explore Bahir Dar's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Bahir Dar spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Ethiopia: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Ethiopia. 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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Bahir Dar vs World: Rainfall Compared
Bahir Dar's average annual precipitation is 1746 mm (69 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
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.
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.
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.
- "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 Bahir Dar's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Bahir Dar Climate page.
