Hamilton Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Hamilton is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1267 mm (50 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Hamilton offers a pleasant mix of wetter and slightly drier months. The difference in precipitation between July (131 mm (5.2 in)) and January (76 mm (3 in)) is not too significant, making the climate enjoyable for visitors and residents alike.
July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C (59°F). The city receives 127 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 25°C (77°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Hamilton Temperature page.
Explore Hamilton's Historical Precipitation: 2004-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Hamilton spanning 23 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in New Zealand: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across New Zealand. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
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Hamilton vs World: Rainfall Compared
Hamilton's average annual precipitation is 1267 mm (50 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.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
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.
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.
- 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 Hamilton's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Hamilton Climate page.
