How Many Inches Of Rain Fell In Los Angeles?
As of 2026, Los Angeles receives an average of 14.77 inches of rain per year, with most precipitation falling between November and April.
Think of LA’s climate like a well-tuned thermostat—dry summers, mild but wet winters. Downtown LA measured 13.19 inches during the 2019-2020 season, which was 1.47 inches above the long-term average according to National Weather Service records. For real-time totals, check the LA Almanac weather archive.
How many inches of rain did Los Angeles get?
Los Angeles received 15.5 inches of rainfall in the most recent full measurement year (38.1 cm).
That’s typical for a semi-arid climate, where totals can swing wildly from year to year. The city averages about 33.7 days of measurable precipitation annually, mostly packed into winter months. For perspective, the US average is 38 inches per year, while downtown LA averages 14.77 inches during its official rainfall season (July 1–June 30).
How many inches of rain does California get?
The average annual precipitation for California is 21.44 inches (54.5 cm), as measured by statewide climate data.
That number hides huge differences across the state. Coastal and northern areas get drenched—Gasquet in Northern California averages 95 inches annually—while Death Valley scrapes by with just over 2 inches, making it one of the driest spots in North America. Topography and proximity to the Pacific Ocean drive these extremes. NOAA’s climate data portal has the full breakdown.
How much rain does LA County get?
LA County receives an average of 16 inches of rain per year, which is well below the U.S. average of 38 inches.
That fits right in with coastal Southern California’s Mediterranean climate, where rain mostly shows up between late fall and early spring. Snow? Almost never—zero inches annually. Measurable precipitation happens on about 34 days per year. For current conditions, the LA County weather archives are solid.
Does Los Angeles get a lot of rain?
No, Los Angeles does not get a lot of rain—its average annual total of 14.77 inches is significantly lower than the U.S. average.
About 92% of the city’s rain falls between November 1 and April 30, with February being the wettest month. Still, LA enjoys over 280 sunny days per year, so those mild winter rains rarely mess with daily life. The city’s weather ranks among the most pleasant in the country. For historical context, the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office keeps rainfall records dating back to the 1870s.
What is the rainiest city in America?
Mobile, Alabama, is the rainiest city in the United States, with an average annual precipitation of 67 inches (170 cm).
It’s neck-and-neck with other Gulf Coast cities—Pensacola, Florida (65 inches), and New Orleans, Louisiana (62 inches)—where warm, moist air from the Gulf fuels frequent storms. California’s rainiest city, Gasquet, averages just 95 inches annually, which shows how much precipitation patterns can vary across the country.
What is the rainiest month in Los Angeles?
February is the rainiest month in Los Angeles, with an average of 3.68 inches of precipitation.
July is the driest, with only 0.01 inches on average. Winter storms, often born in the Pacific, dump most of the city’s annual rainfall during this short but active season. February can be soggy, but it’s usually mild, with average highs in the upper 60s°F (around 20°C). Historical data from the LA Almanac backs this up.
What is the rainiest city in California?
Gasquet, in Del Norte County, is California’s rainiest city, with an average annual total of 95 inches (2,400 mm).
Tucked near the Oregon border inside the Smith River National Recreation Area, Gasquet’s location in the coastal mountains wrings moisture from Pacific storms. It gets far more rain than most of the state’s cities—San Francisco averages about 23 inches, while Los Angeles sees just 14.77 inches. California Water Boards data confirms these wild regional contrasts.
What is the lowest precipitation amount in inches for California?
Death Valley, California, has the lowest average annual rainfall in the state at just 2.02 inches.
That extreme dryness comes from its position in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada, which blocks moist air. Death Valley also holds the record for the hottest temperature on Earth (134°F/56.7°C, set in 1913) and has very low humidity. Its annual precipitation rivals some of the driest deserts on the planet. For climate extremes, check USGS California Science Center records.
What day has the highest rainfall in California?
January 22–23, 1943, holds the record for California’s highest 24-hour rainfall, with 25.83 inches recorded at Hoegee’s Camp in the San Gabriel Mountains.
That storm was part of a powerful atmospheric river event that flooded Southern California. The measurement was taken about 1.8 miles southeast of Mount Wilson and two miles north of Sierra Madre. Rare but intense, these events show how wild winter storms can get. Historical storm data is archived by the NWS Western Region Headquarters.
What’s the rainiest month in California?
December through March are the rainiest months in California, especially in Southern California.
That’s the “wet season,” when Pacific storms deliver most of the state’s annual precipitation. Northern California, including places like Gasquet, can start seeing serious rain as early as October. Summer months? Usually bone-dry thanks to stable high-pressure systems. The California Department of Water Resources posts seasonal outlooks at water.ca.gov.
What is the hottest month in Los Angeles?
July is the hottest month in Los Angeles, with average highs around 84°F (29°C) and lows near 66°F (19°C).
August is the sunniest month, with over 13 hours of daylight. January is the coldest, with average temperatures around 55°F (13°C). Ocean breezes and the urban heat island effect keep summer heat in check, though heat waves can push temps into the 90s°F (32–35°C). Real-time temperature data is available from the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office.
What months are cold in California?
December, January, and February are the coldest months in California, with statewide average lows in the 30s to 40s°F (1–9°C).
These months also bring the highest chance of frost in inland valleys and mountainous areas. Coastal spots like San Francisco stay mild thanks to ocean influence, while the Central Valley can get surprisingly chilly at night. Snow is rare in most cities but common in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. For seasonal climate summaries, visit NOAA’s Climate.gov.
Why is LA weather so good?
LA’s famously pleasant weather is largely due to persistent high pressure over the Eastern Pacific, which suppresses cloud formation and keeps skies clear.
The Pacific Ocean acts like a giant thermostat, smoothing out temperature swings, while surrounding mountains help funnel breezes that keep humidity low. This subtropical high-pressure system is strongest in summer, delivering dry, sunny conditions. According to climate researchers at NOAA, this pattern is classic for California’s Mediterranean climate zone.
What month does it rain the most?
June is the month when the most U.S. cities report their highest rainfall, according to a nationwide analysis.
It sounds odd for a summer month, but June often brings the peak of severe weather in the central and eastern U.S., including thunderstorms and early hurricane activity. April, on the other hand, is the least likely month to be the wettest for most locations. This shift reflects the seasonal switch from spring storms to summer convective activity. The data comes from a 2024 climate analysis published by NOAA Climate.gov.
What month rains the most in Texas?
April and May are the wettest months in Texas, with many regions receiving 4–6 inches of rain on average during this period.
That timing lines up with peak severe weather season—tornadoes and heavy thunderstorms are common. Spring moisture from the Gulf of Mexico feeds frequent storm systems across the state. Fall can also bring significant rainfall from tropical systems, especially near the coast. The Texas State Climatologist breaks it all down at Texas A&M Climate Hub.
