Queenstown Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Queenstown. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Queenstown is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1540 mm.

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 city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C. 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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Queenstown’s average annual precipitation is 1540 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages [964 mm], with snowy winters and rainy summers.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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.

Global Precipitation Patterns

Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.

Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.

Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm, with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm annually.

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