As can be seen in Figure 1, about half the annual precipitation total arrives in the three-month period from December through February and 90% of the annual precipitation falls between October 1 and April 30.
During this time period, winter storms come off the Pacific Ocean delivering rain and snow to California.
What is the average yearly rainfall in California?
The average annual precipitation for California is 21.44 inches.
Why does it never rain in California?
Rain patterns are changing. In the Southwest, meanwhile, rainfall is suppressed by a northward expansion of high pressure in the subtropics. The crippling drought now plaguing California is due to a persistent high pressure system off of the coast that is deflecting storms away from the region.
Does it rain a lot in California?
But there is a well defined rainy season there that runs over the winter months. In the dead of summer, rain really is unusual in southern California. The part of California that seldom if ever gets rain is south of the border.
What is the rainiest month in Southern California?
The rainiest months in Southern California are December through March. Since Oct. 1, downtown L.A. has recorded 7.4 inches.
What is the rainy season in California?
The first sporadic rainfall of the rainy season usually occurs in October or November, with heavy rain becoming more common December through early April.