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Fort William Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Fort William, Highlands, United Kingdom. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Fort William is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 2065 mm (81 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))

While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. January brings wetter days averaging 232 mm (9.1 in) of precipitation, spread over 24 rainy days.

In contrast, April experiences a drier climate, with about 125 mm (4.9 in) of rainfall spread across 18 rainy days.

January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 6°C (43°F). The city receives 33 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 11°C (52°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Fort William Temperature page.

Annual Rainfall in the United Kingdom: City Comparison

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

Annual
Map not visible? Whoops sorry! Please refresh the page.
Legend heavy rainfall high moderate low almost none
Heavy annual rainfall has been defined as more than 1000 mm (39 in) precipitation. High: 600 mm (24 in) to 1000 mm (39 in). Moderate: 250 mm (9.8 in) to 600 mm (24 in). Low: less than 250 mm (9.8 in).

Fort William vs World: Rainfall Compared

Fort William's average annual precipitation is 2065 mm (81 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

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.

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.

  • Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
  • Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.
  • Interesting weather facts

    • The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
    • Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
    • A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

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


    Current rainfall in Fort William

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