Nanaimo (BC) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Nanaimo has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1744 mm (69 in) of rain/snowfall per year. It does, however, have a distinct rainy season during certain months. Have a look at our detailed charts below to see how precipitation varies throughout the year.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, November receives substantial rainfall, averaging 254 mm (10 in) of precipitation, recorded across 19 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, July brings less rainfall, with 47 mm (1.9 in) over 7 rainy days.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C (48°F). The city receives 60 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Nanaimo Temperature page.

Nanaimo's average annual precipitation is 1744 mm (69 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

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.

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