Lae Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lae, Momase Region, Papua New Guinea. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Lae experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 7026 mm (277 in) of precipitation annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Precipitation levels in Lae remain relatively steady throughout the year. April has the most rain, with 731 mm (29 in) over 22 days. In September, this drops slightly to 483 mm (19 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.

April, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 27°C (81°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Lae Temperature page.

Explore Lae's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026

Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Lae spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.

Annual Rainfall in Papua New Guinea: City Comparison

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

Annual

Annual

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Legend

heavy rainfall

high

moderate

low

almost none

Heavy annual rainfall has been defined as more than 1000 mm (39 in) precipitation. High: 600 mm (24 in) to 1000 mm (39 in). Moderate: 250 mm (9.8 in) to 600 mm (24 in). Low: less than 250 mm (9.8 in).

Lae vs World: Rainfall Compared

Lae's average annual precipitation is 7026 mm (277 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.

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

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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.

Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.

Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

Interesting weather facts

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

Current rainfall in Lae

10-Day Forecast