Swellendam Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Swellendam maintains relatively dry conditions year-round, with an average annual precipitation of 422 mm (17 in). However, it does have a distinct dry season during certain months, creating distinct seasonal patterns visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Precipitation levels in Swellendam remain relatively steady throughout the year. November has the most rain, with 43 mm (1.7 in) over 7 days. In September, this drops slightly to 28 mm (1.1 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C (81°F). During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Swellendam Temperature page.

Swellendam's average annual precipitation is 422 mm (17 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.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

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

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