Charleston (WV) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Charleston (WV). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Charleston is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1220 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Charleston, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, July, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 161 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 15 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, November, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 69 mm over 11 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

July, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C. During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 14°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Charleston 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

Charleston’s average annual precipitation is 1220 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm, making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.

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

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm, with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

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.

Interesting weather facts

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm 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 Charleston (WV)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Charleston (WV) Climate page.