Leeuwarden Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Leeuwarden, Friesland, Netherlands. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Leeuwarden experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 875 mm (34 in) yearly.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. August brings wetter days averaging 92 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation, spread over 15 rainy days.
In contrast, April experiences a drier climate, with about 50 mm (2 in) of rainfall spread across 13 rainy days.
August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 22°C (72°F). The city receives 207 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 13°C (55°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Leeuwarden Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in the Netherlands: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the Netherlands. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Leeuwarden vs World: Rainfall Compared
Leeuwarden's average annual precipitation is 875 mm (34 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
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.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- 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.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Leeuwarden's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Leeuwarden Climate page.
