Sun Valley (ID) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sun Valley, Idaho, United States of America. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Sun Valley has a relatively dry climate with low precipitation, averaging 451 mm (18 in) of rain/snowfall annually. It experiences a distinct dry season during certain months. Refer to our detailed charts below to see the seasonal variation.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, December receives substantial snowfall, averaging 80 mm (3.1 in) of precipitation, recorded across 15 snowy days.
In contrast, the driest month, July brings less rainfall, with 11 mm (0.4 in) over 5 rainy days.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 0°C (32°F). During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 27°C (81°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sun Valley Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in the United States of America: City Comparison
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.
heavy rainfall
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Sun Valley vs World: Rainfall Compared
Sun Valley's average annual precipitation is 451 mm (18 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.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
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.
- 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 Sun Valley (ID)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sun Valley (ID) Climate page.
