Timaru Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Timaru, Canterbury, New Zealand. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Timaru has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 836 mm (33 in) of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Despite minor fluctuations, Timaru enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In December, you can expect around 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation, while in May, Timaru receives about 57 mm (2.2 in).

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 19°C (66°F). The city receives 181 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 14°C (57°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Timaru Temperature page.

Timaru's average annual precipitation is 836 mm (33 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.

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.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA, over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Timaru's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Timaru Climate page.