Bakersfield (CA) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Bakersfield (CA). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

Bakersfield experiences desert-like conditions in terms of precipitation with almost no rainfall, generally receiving 135 mm annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The climate in Bakersfield shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 34 mm of precipitation during the wettest month December, distributed over 6 rainy days.

In contrast, August offers drier and sunnier days, with around 0 mm of rainfall over 0 rainy days.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C and receives 153 hours of sunshine. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 36°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Bakersfield Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Bakersfield’s average annual precipitation is 135 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.

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

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

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