Lancaster (PA) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Lancaster (PA). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

Lancaster is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1149 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Lancaster offers a pleasant mix of wetter and slightly drier months. The difference in precipitation between October (134 mm) and February (66 mm) is not too significant, making the climate enjoyable for visitors and residents alike.

October, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 19°C. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 4°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Lancaster Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

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

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Lancaster’s average annual precipitation is 1149 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

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

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

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.

Global Precipitation Patterns

Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.

Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.

Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm, with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm annually.

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