Fort Portal Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Fort Portal, Uganda. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Fort Portal is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1815 mm (71 in). While the overall climate is wet, there are notable seasonal patterns that create interesting contrasts, as demonstrated in our graph below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Fort Portal shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 245 mm (9.6 in) of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 19 rainy days.
In contrast, January offers drier and sunnier days, with around 54 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall over 12 rainy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C (79°F). During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 28°C (82°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Fort Portal Temperature page.
Explore Fort Portal's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Fort Portal spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Uganda: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Uganda. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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Fort Portal vs World: Rainfall Compared
Fort Portal's average annual precipitation is 1815 mm (71 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm (18 in) of rainfall mostly during the winter months.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
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.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- 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.
- Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
- In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) 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 Fort Portal's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Fort Portal Climate page.
