Weekly Rainfall Totals Across the United States: What’s Normal Where You Live?

After a storm, it's natural to wonder: Was that a lot of rain? The answer depends entirely on where you live.

An inch of rain in Arizona may be a major weather event. An inch of rain in Florida might barely make the local news. Understanding average weekly rainfall helps put your rain gauge readings into perspective and can help gardeners, homeowners, and weather enthusiasts better understand their local climate.

While weather varies from year to year, long-term climate records maintained by NOAA provide a useful picture of what is considered "normal" across different parts of the United States.

Average Weekly Rainfall by Region

Rainfall averages vary dramatically from one region to another. Based on long-term NOAA climate normals, these are rough annual averages converted into weekly rainfall amounts.

Region	Average Weekly Rainfall
Pacific Northwest Coast	0.8–2.0 inches
California Coast	0.2–0.6 inches
Desert Southwest	0.1–0.3 inches
Rocky Mountains	0.2–0.6 inches
Great Plains	0.3–0.8 inches
Midwest	0.6–0.9 inches
Northeast	0.7–1.1 inches
Southeast	0.9–1.3 inches
Gulf Coast	1.0–1.4 inches
Florida	0.9–1.3 inches

These numbers are annual averages spread across 52 weeks, but rainfall is rarely distributed evenly throughout the year.

The Importance of Seasons

One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking at rainfall statistics is assuming that average rainfall occurs every week.

In reality, many regions experience distinct wet and dry seasons.

California

Much of California receives most of its rainfall between November and March. During summer, some areas may go months without measurable rain. A rain gauge that sits empty for weeks during July may be perfectly normal.

Florida

Florida receives rainfall year-round, but summer thunderstorms can dramatically increase totals between June and September. A single afternoon storm can add an inch or more to the weekly total.

Desert Southwest

Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Nevada are typically dry for much of the year, but the summer monsoon season can bring brief periods of intense rainfall.

Pacific Northwest

Seattle and much of the Pacific Northwest are known for rainy winters. Summer months are often surprisingly dry and pleasant.

Northeast and Midwest

Rainfall tends to be more evenly distributed throughout the year, although spring and summer often bring larger storms and thunderstorms.

Why Local Rainfall Can Be Different

Even within the same town, rainfall can vary significantly.

Thunderstorms often produce highly localized rainfall. One neighborhood may receive two inches while another a mile away receives only a few tenths of an inch.

Wind can also affect rainfall measurements. Strong winds may cause some rain gauges to catch less water than actually falls. Buildings, fences, trees, and other obstructions can influence results as well.

This is why weather reports and rain gauge readings sometimes don't match exactly.

Why Gardeners Should Pay Attention

Many lawns, flowers, shrubs, and vegetables need approximately one inch of water per week during the growing season.

That doesn't necessarily mean they need one inch every week. A cool, rainy spring may provide all the moisture plants need, while a hot summer week may require supplemental watering even after a recent storm.

Tracking rainfall helps gardeners:

• Avoid overwatering
• Save water
• Improve plant health
• Spot developing drought conditions
• Better understand local growing conditions

A rain gauge provides information that weather forecasts simply can't. It tells you exactly how much water fell in your yard.

Where to Find Weekly Rainfall Maps

If you'd like to compare your rain gauge readings with regional and national rainfall data, these resources are excellent places to start:

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Provides 7-day precipitation analyses showing how much rain has fallen across the country during the previous week.

NOAA Weather Prediction Center

Offers detailed rainfall forecasts for the coming 5 to 7 days.

NOAA Climate.gov

Provides precipitation maps, climate summaries, and rainfall anomaly maps showing how current conditions compare to normal.

National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Maintains historical precipitation records and long-term climate data.

U.S. Drought Monitor

Tracks drought conditions using rainfall, soil moisture, and other environmental indicators.

Your Rain Gauge Tells the Local Story

National rainfall maps provide valuable context, but conditions in your own yard can be surprisingly different from regional averages.

A weekly rainfall map might show that your area received an inch of rain. Your rain gauge might reveal that your garden received only half that amount—or perhaps considerably more.

That's why gardeners, weather enthusiasts, and homeowners have relied on rain gauges for generations. National data helps you understand the big picture. A rain gauge tells you what's happening right outside your door.

And sometimes, that's the number that matters most.

Wondering if you need to supplement natural rainfall amounts? Read our Complete Guide To Watering Your Garden here.