Lyon Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lyon, Rhône-Alps, France. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Lyon experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1043 mm (41 in) of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Lyon occurs in November, which receives around 107 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, March, Lyon experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 67 mm (2.6 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C (54°F). The city receives 75 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 14°C (57°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Lyon Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Explore Lyon's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Lyon spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in France: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across France. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Lyon vs World: Rainfall Compared
Lyon's average annual precipitation is 1043 mm (41 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm (24 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
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.
The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
- Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.
- "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 Lyon's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lyon Climate page.
