Oban Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Oban, Strathclyde, Scotland. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Oban has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 2292 mm (90 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))

While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. January brings wetter days averaging 254 mm (10 in) of precipitation, spread over 23 rainy days.

In contrast, May experiences a drier climate, with about 128 mm (5 in) of rainfall spread across 18 rainy days.

January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 8°C (46°F). The city receives 33 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 14°C (57°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Oban Temperature page.

Oban's average annual precipitation is 2292 mm (90 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.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

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.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• 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.

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