Oakland (CA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Oakland, California, United States of America. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Oakland has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 516 mm (20 in) of rainfall annually. However, it does experience a distinct dry season during certain months. Take a look at our detailed charts below to see the seasonal variation.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Oakland shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 116 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation during the wettest month December, distributed over 13 rainy days.
In contrast, August offers drier and sunnier days, with around 0 mm (0 in) of rainfall over 0 rainy days.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C (59°F). The city receives 160 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 23°C (73°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Oakland Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in the United States of America: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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Oakland vs World: Rainfall Compared
Oakland's average annual precipitation is 516 mm (20 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.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
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.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Oakland (CA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Oakland (CA) Climate page.
