Maseru Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Maseru, Lesotho. 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.
Generally, Maseru experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 926 mm (36 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Maseru shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 147 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation during the wettest month January, distributed over 13 rainy days.
In contrast, July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 12 mm (0.5 in) of rainfall over 2 rainy days.
January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). The city receives 285 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 17°C (63°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Maseru Temperature page.
Explore Maseru's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Maseru spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Lesotho: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Lesotho. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
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Maseru vs World: Rainfall Compared
Maseru's average annual precipitation is 926 mm (36 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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.
- "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 Maseru's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Maseru Climate page.
