Basel Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Basel, Canton of Basel-Stadt, Switzerland. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Basel is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1226 mm (48 in).

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Precipitation levels in Basel remain relatively steady throughout the year. May has the most rain, with 127 mm (5 in) over 18 days. In February, this drops slightly to 84 mm (3.3 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.

May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 188 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 7°C (45°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Basel Temperature page.

Basel's average annual precipitation is 1226 mm (48 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.

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

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.

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