Banff (AB) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Banff, Alberta, Canada. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

On average, Banff receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 778 mm (31 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Banff can be quite wet during June, receiving approximately 130 mm (5.1 in) of precipitation over 13 rainy days.

In contrast February, experiences much drier conditions, with 33 mm (1.3 in) of snowfall, spread across 8 snowy days.

June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 13°C (55°F). The city receives 209 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of -7°C (19°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Banff Temperature page.

Banff's average annual precipitation is 778 mm (31 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.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

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 Banff (AB)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Banff (AB) Climate page.