Nelson Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

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 (56 in).

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Year-round, Nelson has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, October, with 139 mm (5.5 in), and the driest month, February, with 90 mm (3.5 in), is minimal.

October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 16°C (61°F). The city receives 240 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 21°C (70°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Nelson Temperature page.

Nelson's average annual precipitation is 1416 mm (56 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.

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.

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 Nelson's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Nelson Climate page.