Timaru Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Timaru. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Generally, Timaru experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 836 mm yearly.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The wettest period in Timaru occurs in December, which receives around 89 mm of precipitation. During the driest month, May, Timaru experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 57 mm. The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

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

Annual Precipitation in New Zealand

The map below shows the annual precipitation across New Zealand. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Annual

Annual

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Legend

heavy rainfall

high

moderate

low

almost none

Heavy annual rainfall has been defined as more than 1000 mm precipitation. High: 600 mm to 1000 mm. Moderate: 250 mm to 600 mm. Low: less than 250 mm.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Timaru’s average annual precipitation is 836 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

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

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm, with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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.

Interesting weather facts

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