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

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in San Jose (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.

San Jose's climate is marked by below-average rainfall, accumulating 309 mm of precipitation yearly.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in San Jose, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 63 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 11 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 0.1 mm over 0 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C and receives 160 hours of sunshine. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 27°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our San Jose 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

San Jose’s average annual precipitation is 309 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.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

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

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

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.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

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