Butterworth Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Generally, Butterworth experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 891 mm (35 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Butterworth, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, January, receives high rainfall, with an average of 116 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 15 rainy days.

January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C (81°F). During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 23°C (73°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Butterworth Temperature page.

Butterworth's average annual precipitation is 891 mm (35 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.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

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.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Butterworth:

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