Dali Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Dali, Yunnan, China. 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.
Dali experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1317 mm (52 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Dali can be quite wet during July, receiving approximately 271 mm (11 in) of precipitation over 25 rainy days.
In contrast December, experiences much drier conditions, with 16 mm (0.6 in) of rainfall, spread across 6 rainy days.
July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F). During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 17°C (63°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Dali Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Dali's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Dali spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in China: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across China. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Dali vs World: Rainfall Compared
Dali's average annual precipitation is 1317 mm (52 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
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 Dali:
- 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 Dali's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Dali Climate page.