Makhanda Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Generally, Makhanda experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 614 mm (24 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Makhanda, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, February, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 75 mm (3 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 9 rainy days.

February, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Makhanda Temperature page.

Makhanda's average annual precipitation is 614 mm (24 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm (21 in) of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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 Makhanda:

• 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 Makhanda's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Makhanda Climate page.