As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., is known for its many sights and attractions. But it’s also known for its rain. Washington has a wet climate and experiences a lot of rain throughout the year. So, how often does it rain in Washington?
Average Rainfall
The average annual rainfall for Washington, D.C. is 40.45 inches, according to the National Weather Service. This is significantly higher than the national average of 38.1 inches. Washington’s average yearly rainfall is spread out over a wide range of months. January typically sees the least amount of rain with an average of 2.7 inches, while August has the highest amount of rain with an average of 4.7 inches.
Monthly Rainfall
Washington rains throughout the year, but the amount of rain varies significantly from month to month. During the winter months, the amount of rain decreases significantly. January and February see the least amount of rain, with average monthly totals of 2.7 and 2.9 inches, respectively. The amount of rain increases in the spring months, with March seeing an average of 3.8 inches and April seeing an average of 4.2 inches.
The amount of rain increases significantly in the summer months. May sees an average of 4.9 inches, June an average of 5.3 inches, and July an average of 4.6 inches. August is the rainiest month of the year, with an average of 4.7 inches. The amount of rain decreases in the fall months, with September seeing an average of 3.9 inches, October seeing an average of 3.4 inches, and November seeing an average of 2.8 inches.
Rainy Days
Washington is known for its rainy days, with an average of 104 days of rain per year. The months with the most rainy days are June, July, and August, with an average of 11 days of rain each month. The months with the least rainy days are January and February, with an average of 8 days of rain each month.
Types of Rain
In Washington, D.C., there are three main types of rainfall: light rain, moderate rain, and heavy rain. Light rain is defined as less than 0.1 inches of rain per hour. Moderate rain is defined as between 0.1 and 0.4 inches of rain per hour. Heavy rain is defined as more than 0.4 inches of rain per hour.
Light rain is the most common type of rainfall in Washington, D.C., occurring an average of 45 days per year. Moderate rain occurs an average of 33 days per year, and heavy rain occurs an average of 26 days per year.
Conclusion
Washington, D.C. is known for its rain. The city experiences an average of 40.45 inches of rainfall per year, spread out over a wide range of months. The months with the most rainfall are June, July, and August, with an average of 11 days of rain each month. Light rain is the most common type of rainfall in Washington, D.C., occurring an average of 45 days per year. Rain is a common occurrence in Washington, D.C., making it a great place to visit for those who love the rain.
