Otira Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Otira, West Coast, New Zealand. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Otira is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 3081 mm (121 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Precipitation levels in Otira remain relatively steady throughout the year. October has the most rain, with 329 mm (13 in) over 19 days. In July, this drops slightly to 206 mm (8.1 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 11°C (52°F). The city receives 166 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 6°C (43°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Otira Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in July
Explore Otira's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Otira spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in New Zealand: City Comparison
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
Otira vs World: Rainfall Compared
Otira's average annual precipitation is 3081 mm (121 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
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 Otira's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Otira Climate page.
