Southwest Harbor (ME) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Southwest Harbor (ME). 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.

Southwest Harbor experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1297 mm of precipitation annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Southwest Harbor experiences moderate seasonal variation in rainfall, with monthly averages ranging from 145 mm in October, the wettest month, and 85 mm in August, the driest month.

October, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 14°C. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 23°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Southwest Harbor 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

Southwest Harbor’s average annual precipitation is 1297 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm, with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

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

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

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.

Global Precipitation Patterns

Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.

Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.

Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm, with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm annually.

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