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

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Vancouver (WA). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

Vancouver experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 1058 mm of precipitation annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Vancouver can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 188 mm of precipitation over 22 rainy days.

In contrast August, experiences much drier conditions, with 12 mm of rainfall, spread across 4 rainy days.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 7°C. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 27°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Vancouver Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Vancouver’s average annual precipitation is 1058 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

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

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.

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.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Vancouver (WA):

• 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 (WA)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Vancouver (WA) Climate page.