Bismarck (ND) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Bismarck typically sees modest rain/snowfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 493 mm (19 in). The city experiences a distinct dry season during certain months, as illustrated in the graph below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, June receives substantial rainfall, averaging 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation, recorded across 12 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, January brings less snowfall, with 10 mm (0.4 in) over 7 snowy days.

June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F). The city receives 318 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of -4°C (25°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Bismarck Temperature page.

Bismarck's average annual precipitation is 493 mm (19 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

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.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

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.

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.

• 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 Bismarck (ND)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Bismarck (ND) Climate page.