Kirkwood Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kirkwood, 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.
Kirkwood tends toward drier weather patterns, receiving approximately 445 mm (18 in) of rain per year. The city experiences a distinct dry season during certain months, contributing to seasonal contrasts shown in the charts below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Kirkwood shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 54 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation during the wettest month November, distributed over 8 rainy days.
In contrast, May offers drier and sunnier days, with around 20 mm (0.8 in) of rainfall over 5 rainy days.
November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C (81°F). The city receives 250 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 25°C (77°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Kirkwood Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in South Africa: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across South Africa. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Kirkwood vs World: Rainfall Compared
Kirkwood's average annual precipitation is 445 mm (18 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.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Kirkwood:
- 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 Kirkwood's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Kirkwood Climate page.
