Rorkeʼs Drift Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Rorkeʼs Drift, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 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.

On average, Rorkeʼs Drift receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 913 mm (36 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Rorkeʼs Drift can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 145 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation over 14 rainy days.

In contrast June, experiences much drier conditions, with 14 mm (0.6 in) of rainfall, spread across 2 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Rorkeʼs Drift Temperature page.

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.

Annual

Annual

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Legend

heavy rainfall

high

moderate

low

almost none

Heavy annual rainfall has been defined as more than 1000 mm (39 in) precipitation. High: 600 mm (24 in) to 1000 mm (39 in). Moderate: 250 mm (9.8 in) to 600 mm (24 in). Low: less than 250 mm (9.8 in).

Rorkeʼs Drift vs World: Rainfall Compared

Rorkeʼs Drift's average annual precipitation is 913 mm (36 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.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) 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.

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.

Interesting weather facts

"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 Rorkeʼs Drift's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Rorkeʼs Drift Climate page.

Current rainfall in Rorkeʼs Drift

10-Day Forecast