Durban Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Durban. 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.

Generally, Durban has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 915 mm of rainfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, November receives substantial rainfall, averaging 102 mm of precipitation, recorded across 16 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, June brings less rainfall, with 35 mm over 4 rainy days.

November, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 24°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Durban Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in South Africa

The map below shows the annual precipitation across South Africa. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Durban’s average annual precipitation is 915 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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

• "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 wide and 20 cm 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 fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Durban’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Durban Climate page.