Solothurn Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Solothurn, Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Solothurn has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1392 mm (55 in) of rain/snowfall per year.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. May brings wetter days averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation, spread over 18 rainy days.
In contrast, February experiences a drier climate, with about 88 mm (3.5 in) of snow/rainfall spread across 14 snowy/rainy days.
May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 19°C (66°F). The city receives 195 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 7°C (45°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Solothurn 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
high
moderate
low
almost none
Solothurn vs World: Rainfall Compared
Solothurn's average annual precipitation is 1392 mm (55 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm (21 in) of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Solothurn:
- 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.
- 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 Solothurn's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Solothurn Climate page.