Harrismith Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Harrismith, Free State, South Africa. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Generally, Harrismith receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 921 mm (36 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Harrismith, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 166 mm (6.5 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 15 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C (79°F). During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 18°C (64°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Harrismith Temperature page.

Harrismith's average annual precipitation is 921 mm (36 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 Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

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