Plettenberg Bay Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Plettenberg Bay receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 680 mm (27 in) annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Plettenberg Bay occurs in August, which receives around 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, February, Plettenberg Bay experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 50 mm (2 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
August, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 260 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Plettenberg Bay Temperature page.
Explore Plettenberg Bay's Historical Precipitation: 1998-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Plettenberg Bay spanning 29 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in South Africa: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across South Africa. 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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Plettenberg Bay vs World: Rainfall Compared
Plettenberg Bay's average annual precipitation is 680 mm (27 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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 Plettenberg Bay's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Plettenberg Bay Climate page.