Kathmandu Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kathmandu, Nepal. 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.

Kathmandu experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 2770 mm of precipitation annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, July receives substantial rainfall, averaging 753 mm of precipitation, recorded across 16 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, December brings less rainfall, with 23 mm over a single rainy day.

July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C. The city receives 135 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 18°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Kathmandu Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Nepal

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

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Kathmandu’s average annual precipitation is 2770 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm, making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

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.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

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.

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