Wairau Valley Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Wairau Valley, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Wairau Valley has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1360 mm (54 in) of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Precipitation levels in Wairau Valley remain relatively steady throughout the year. October has the most rain, with 138 mm (5.4 in) over 11 days. In March, this drops slightly to 92 mm (3.6 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C (59°F). The city receives 240 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 19°C (66°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Wairau Valley Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in New Zealand: City Comparison
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.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
low
almost none
Wairau Valley vs World: Rainfall Compared
Wairau Valley's average annual precipitation is 1360 mm (54 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Wairau Valley:
- 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 Wairau Valley's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Wairau Valley Climate page.
