Queenstown Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand. 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.
Queenstown has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1540 mm of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
The wettest period in Queenstown occurs in October, which receives around 152 mm of precipitation. During the driest month, July, Queenstown experiences high snow/rainfall, totaling approximately 107 mm. The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C. The city receives 200 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 3°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Queenstown Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in New Zealand
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
Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Queenstown’s average annual precipitation is 1540 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm, characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm, with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
How is Precipitation Measured?
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.
How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
- Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.
For more detailed information about Queenstown’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Queenstown Climate page.
Current rainfall in Queenstown
