Leh Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Leh, Ladakh, India. 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.

Leh maintains relatively dry conditions year-round, with an average annual precipitation of 439 mm (17 in). However, it does have a distinct dry season during certain months, creating distinct seasonal patterns visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Leh can be quite wet during August, receiving approximately 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 4 rainy days.

In contrast October, experiences much drier conditions, with 16 mm (0.6 in) of snowfall, spread across a single snowy day.

August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 17°C (63°F). During the driest month October you can expect a temperature of 4°C (39°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Leh Temperature page.

Leh's average annual precipitation is 439 mm (17 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm (18 in) of rainfall mostly during the winter months.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

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

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

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.

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 (118 in) of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) 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 (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Leh's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Leh Climate page.