Nelson Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Nelson, Nelson Region, New Zealand. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Nelson is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1416 mm.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
Year-round, Nelson has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, October, with 139 mm, and the driest month, February, with 90 mm, is minimal.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 16°C. The city receives 240 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 21°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Nelson Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in New Zealand
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
Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Nelson’s average annual precipitation is 1416 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm, with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
How is Precipitation Measured?
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.
Global Warming and Precipitation
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Nelson:
- 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.
For more detailed information about Nelson’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Nelson Climate page.
Current rainfall in Nelson
