Riehen Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Riehen, Canton of Basel-Stadt, Switzerland. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Riehen has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1217 mm (48 in) of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Precipitation levels in Riehen remain relatively steady throughout the year. May has the most rain, with 125 mm (4.9 in) over 18 days. In February, this drops slightly to 84 mm (3.3 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.
May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 188 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 7°C (45°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Riehen Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in Switzerland: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Switzerland. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Riehen vs World: Rainfall Compared
Riehen's average annual precipitation is 1217 mm (48 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 Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
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.
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.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Riehen's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Riehen Climate page.
