Somerset East Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

On average, Somerset East receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 660 mm (26 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Somerset East can be quite wet during February, receiving approximately 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over 10 rainy days.

In contrast May, experiences much drier conditions, with 25 mm (1 in) of rainfall, spread across 6 rainy days.

February, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Somerset East Temperature page.

Somerset East's average annual precipitation is 660 mm (26 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm (18 in) of rainfall mostly during the winter months.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

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.

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.

• 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 Somerset East's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Somerset East Climate page.