Precipitation anomalies in South Africa
South Africa: Precipitation anomalies was 130.44 millimeters in 2025. ◆ Volatile
Precipitation anomalies in South Africa, 1940–2025
Source: Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information (2026) – with major processing by Our World in Data. Measured in millimeters.
Analysis
South Africa recorded 130.44 millimeters for precipitation anomalies in 2025.
That represents a change of up 209.6% on the previous year and up 183.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, precipitation anomalies in South Africa peaked at 220.36 millimeters in 1974 and was at its lowest, -224.36 millimeters, in 1954.
That places South Africa 33rd out of 192 countries with data for 2025, putting it in the top quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 5.43 millimeters | -163 millimeters | 154.3 millimeters | 10 |
| 1950s | -6.46 millimeters | -224.36 millimeters | 76.06 millimeters | 10 |
| 1960s | -1.25 millimeters | -138.27 millimeters | 106.91 millimeters | 10 |
| 1970s | 69.12 millimeters | -23.45 millimeters | 220.36 millimeters | 10 |
| 1980s | 33.37 millimeters | -58.15 millimeters | 193.92 millimeters | 10 |
| 1990s | 6.1 millimeters | -144.42 millimeters | 136.92 millimeters | 10 |
| 2000s | 29.19 millimeters | -103.26 millimeters | 205.88 millimeters | 10 |
| 2010s | -38.75 millimeters | -156.1 millimeters | 98.28 millimeters | 10 |
| 2020s | 39.4 millimeters | -118.99 millimeters | 133.73 millimeters | 6 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
- Spring temperature anomalies 0.191 °C (2026)
- Summer temperature anomalies 1.36 °C (2026)
- Temperature anomalies by month 0.6318 °C (2026)
- Universal right to vote in practice 2 (2025)
- Autumn temperature anomalies 1.18 °C (2025)
- Winter temperature anomalies 0.2153 °C (2025)
- Consumer price index 209.92 2010 = 100 (2025)
- Universal right to vote 2 (2025)
- Competitive elections 1 (2025)
- Men's universal right to vote 1 (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is precipitation anomalies in South Africa?
- Precipitation anomalies in South Africa was 130.44 millimeters in 2025, according to Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information (2026) – with major processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest precipitation anomalies recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 220.36 millimeters in 1974.
- What is the lowest precipitation anomalies recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was -224.36 millimeters in 1954.
- How does South Africa rank for precipitation anomalies?
- South Africa ranks 33rd out of 192 countries with data for 2025.
- Is precipitation anomalies rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 183.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information (2026) – with major processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Precipitation anomalies. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
CSV · JSON — 86 observations, free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 (Our World in Data).
About this data
The difference in a specific year's total precipitation—rain and snow—from the 1991–2020 average, measured in millimeters, excluding fog and dew.