Rainiest Cities in KwaZulu-Natal

Top 71 cities ranked by rainiest cities

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All Countries · South Africa · KwaZulu-Natal

Rainiest Cities — KwaZulu-Natal

1 Kgwaripe 48.8"

2 Mtubatuba 46.9"

3 Richards Bay 45.6"

4 Shakaskraal 45.5"

5 Tongaat 45.5"

6 Ntuzuma 45.5"

7 Hazelmere 45.5"

8 Inanda 45.5"

9 Ballitoville 45.5"

10 Eshowe 43.7"

11 Sundumbili 43.7"

12 Mandeni 43.7"

13 eSikhaleni 43.7"

14 Empangeni 43.0"

15 Port Edward 42.6"

16 Ga-Malakhe 42.5"

17 Port Shepstone 42.5"

18 Margate 42.4"

19 Darnall 40.9"

20 KwaDukuza 40.3"

21 Folweni 39.9"

22 Berea 39.9"

23 Craigieburn 39.9"

24 Pinetown 39.9"

25 Magabeni 39.9"

26 eMkhomazi 39.9"

27 Durban 39.9"

28 Scottburgh 39.8"

29 eMuziwezinto 38.9"

30 Melmoth 38.6"

31 Lidgetton 37.0"

32 Howick 37.0"

33 Mpophomeni 37.0"

34 Ulundi 36.3"

35 Paulpietersburg 35.9"

36 Wembesi 35.1"

37 Mpumalanga 34.6"

38 Frischgewaagd 34.6"

39 Vryheid 34.6"

40 Mooi River 34.5"

41 Harding 34.4"

42 Greytown 34.4"

43 Ixopo 34.3"

44 Estcourt 33.7"

45 Richmond 33.6"

46 Hopewell 33.6"

47 Nongoma 33.0"

48 Mondlo 33.0"

49 Manguzi 32.9"

50 Dundee 32.2"

51 Nondweni 32.0"

52 Nqutu 32.0"

53 Dannhauser 32.0"

54 Kokstad 31.7"

55 Utrecht 31.7"

56 Winterton 31.4"

57 Albert Falls 31.4"

58 Trust Feed 31.4"

59 Cato Ridge 31.4"

60 Pietermaritzburg 31.4"

61 Glencoe 31.1"

62 eMkhuze 30.7"

63 Charlestown 30.6"

64 Colenso 30.5"

65 Newcastle 30.4"

66 Ladysmith 30.4"

67 Cedarville 30.2"

68 Weenen 29.7"

69 Ekuvukeni 29.7"

70 Matatiele 28.9"

71 Ncotshane 27.5"

The rainiest cities in KwaZulu-Natal receive the highest annual precipitation, creating lush green landscapes and abundant water resources. Kgwaripe leads with 48.8 inches of precipitation annually.

High rainfall supports diverse ecosystems, extensive park systems, and reliable water supplies. These cities often feature vibrant gardens, green spaces, and agricultural communities that benefit from consistent moisture throughout the year.

While abundant rainfall supports lush environments, it can also bring challenges including flooding risks, high humidity, and more frequent overcast days. Many rainy cities have adapted with robust drainage systems, covered public spaces, and a cultural embrace of indoor activities.

Did You Know?

1. Kgwaripe receives 48.8" of precipitation annually — that's about 4.1 feet of water.
2. The rainiest cities in the U.S. are primarily in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest, though for very different reasons — tropical moisture vs. marine influence.
3. High rainfall areas tend to have lower wildfire risk and more reliable municipal water supplies.

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