Sacramento (CA) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Sacramento (CA). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

With annual rainfall averaging 437 mm, Sacramento maintains relatively low precipitation levels throughout the seasons.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, December receives substantial rainfall, averaging 95 mm of precipitation, recorded across 11 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, August brings less rainfall, with 0 mm over 0 rainy days.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 13°C and receives 141 hours of sunshine. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 33°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Sacramento Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Sacramento’s average annual precipitation is 437 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

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

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

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

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.

Interesting weather facts

• 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 Sacramento (CA)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sacramento (CA) Climate page.