Los Angeles (CA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Los Angeles, California, United States of America. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Los Angeles experiences desert-like conditions in terms of precipitation with almost no rainfall, generally receiving 235 mm (9.3 in) annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Los Angeles can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 61 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 8 rainy days.

In contrast August, experiences much drier conditions, with 0.1 mm (0 in) of rainfall, spread across 0 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 220 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Los Angeles Temperature page.

Los Angeles's average annual precipitation is 235 mm (9.3 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

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 Los Angeles (CA):

• 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 Los Angeles (CA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Los Angeles (CA) Climate page.