Ottawa (KS) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Ottawa, Kansas, United States of America. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Generally, Ottawa experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 997 mm (39 in) yearly.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, May receives substantial rainfall, averaging 138 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation, recorded across 14 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, January brings less snow/rainfall, with 19 mm (0.7 in) over 5 snowy/rainy days.

May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 24°C (75°F). The city receives 267 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 5°C (41°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Ottawa 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.

Ottawa vs World: Rainfall Compared

Ottawa's average annual precipitation is 997 mm (39 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.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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 Ottawa (KS)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Ottawa (KS) Climate page.