Kaikoura Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kaikoura, Canterbury, New Zealand. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Kaikoura has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1024 mm (40 in) of rainfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Kaikoura occurs in June, which receives around 101 mm (4 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, May, Kaikoura experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 71 mm (2.8 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 11°C (52°F). During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 14°C (57°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Kaikoura Temperature page.
Explore Kaikoura's Historical Precipitation: 1997-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Kaikoura spanning 30 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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Kaikoura vs World: Rainfall Compared
Kaikoura's average annual precipitation is 1024 mm (40 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
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.
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.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Kaikoura's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Kaikoura Climate page.
