Sankt Niklaus Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sankt Niklaus, Canton of Valais, Switzerland. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Sankt Niklaus experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1589 mm (63 in) of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Sankt Niklaus experiences moderate seasonal variation in rainfall, with monthly averages ranging from 160 mm (6.3 in) in May, the wettest month, and 97 mm (3.8 in) in February, the driest month.
May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C (48°F). The city receives 160 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of -3°C (27°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sankt Niklaus 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
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moderate
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Sankt Niklaus vs World: Rainfall Compared
Sankt Niklaus's average annual precipitation is 1589 mm (63 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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.
- "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 Sankt Niklaus's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sankt Niklaus Climate page.
