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

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Vancouver is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 2282 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Vancouver, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, November, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 344 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 20 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 55 mm over 7 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C. The city receives 60 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 22°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Vancouver Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Canada

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

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Vancouver’s average annual precipitation is 2282 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.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

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

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 Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Vancouver:

• 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.

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