Lyttelton Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lyttelton, New Zealand. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Lyttelton has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 654 mm (26 in) of rainfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Year-round, Lyttelton has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, June, with 64 mm (2.5 in), and the driest month, February, with 47 mm (1.9 in), is minimal.
June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C (54°F). The city receives 117 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 21°C (70°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Lyttelton Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in New Zealand: City Comparison
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
Lyttelton vs World: Rainfall Compared
Lyttelton's average annual precipitation is 654 mm (26 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.
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.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Lyttelton:
- 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.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Lyttelton's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lyttelton Climate page.
