Ketchikan (AK) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Ketchikan (AK). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Ketchikan is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 3421 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Ketchikan can be quite wet during October, receiving approximately 422 mm of precipitation over 23 rainy days.

In contrast June, experiences much drier conditions, with 160 mm of rainfall, spread across 15 rainy days.

October, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 11°C. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 14°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Ketchikan 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

Ketchikan’s average annual precipitation is 3421 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.

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.

How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
• Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

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