Kokstad Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Generally, Kokstad experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 987 mm (39 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Kokstad can be quite wet during January, receiving approximately 147 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation over 16 rainy days.

In contrast July, experiences much drier conditions, with 23 mm (0.9 in) of rainfall, spread across 3 rainy days.

January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C (79°F). During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 19°C (66°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Kokstad Temperature page.

Kokstad's average annual precipitation is 987 mm (39 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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 Kokstad:

• 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.

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