Modesto (CA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Modesto, California, United States of America. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Modesto's climate is marked by below-average rainfall, accumulating 298 mm (12 in) of precipitation yearly. The distribution includes a distinct dry season during certain months as shown in the precipitation charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Modesto, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 65 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 11 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 14°C (57°F). During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 35°C (95°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Modesto Temperature page.

Modesto's average annual precipitation is 298 mm (12 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.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

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.

• 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 Modesto (CA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Modesto (CA) Climate page.