Salem (MA) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Salem (MA). 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.

Salem has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1255 mm of rain/snowfall per year.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Salem offers a pleasant mix of wetter and slightly drier months. The difference in precipitation between December (130 mm) and September (77 mm) is not too significant, making the climate enjoyable for visitors and residents alike.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 6°C. During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 23°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Salem 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

Salem’s average annual precipitation is 1255 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

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.

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 Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Salem (MA):

• 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.

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