Lake Tekapo Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Lake Tekapo experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1307 mm of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
Year-round, Lake Tekapo has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, October, with 126 mm, and the driest month, March, with 96 mm, is minimal.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 17°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Lake Tekapo Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in New Zealand
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.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Lake Tekapo’s average annual precipitation is 1307 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm, characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm 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.
How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- 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.
For more detailed information about Lake Tekapo’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lake Tekapo Climate page.
Current rainfall in Lake Tekapo
