Washington, Virginia Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Washington, Virginia. 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.

Washington, Virginia is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1126 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Washington, Virginia, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, October, receives high rainfall, with an average of 133 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 10 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, February, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 60 mm over 9 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

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

Washington, Virginia’s average annual precipitation is 1126 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

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

• "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 wide and 20 cm 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 fell during the winter of 1972.

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