Mossel Bay Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
On average, Mossel Bay receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 526 mm (21 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Mossel Bay occurs in November, which receives around 57 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, September, Mossel Bay experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 37 mm (1.5 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 21°C (70°F). The city receives 225 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 19°C (66°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Mossel Bay Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in South Africa: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across South Africa. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Mossel Bay vs World: Rainfall Compared
Mossel Bay's average annual precipitation is 526 mm (21 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm (30 in), characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
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.
- 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 Mossel Bay's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Mossel Bay Climate page.
