Donegal Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Donegal. 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.
Donegal experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1393 mm of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
The wettest period in Donegal occurs in December, which receives around 132 mm of precipitation. During the driest month, April, Donegal experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 96 mm. The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C. The city receives 39 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 13°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Donegal Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in Ireland
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Ireland. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Donegal’s average annual precipitation is 1393 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm of rainfall mostly during the winter months.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
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.
Sea vs. Land Precipitation
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.
For more detailed information about Donegal’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Donegal Climate page.
Current rainfall in Donegal
