Pretoria Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Pretoria, Gauteng, 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, Pretoria receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 676 mm (27 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.

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, December receives substantial rainfall, averaging 119 mm (4.7 in) of precipitation, recorded across 14 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, July brings less rainfall, with 3.6 mm (0.1 in) over a single rainy day.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 276 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 21°C (70°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Pretoria Temperature page.

Pretoria's average annual precipitation is 676 mm (27 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.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

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

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

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.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Pretoria's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Pretoria Climate page.