Sidney (BC) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada. 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.

Sidney has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1133 mm (45 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct dry season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The climate in Sidney shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 175 mm (6.9 in) of precipitation during the wettest month November, distributed over 19 rainy days.

In contrast, July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 21 mm (0.8 in) of rainfall over 6 rainy days.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 10°C (50°F). The city receives 85 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 21°C (70°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sidney Temperature page.

Sidney's average annual precipitation is 1133 mm (45 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 Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

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.

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.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Sidney (BC)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sidney (BC) Climate page.