Climate
Arizona vs California: Annual Precipitation
Arizona is drier overall than California.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for annual precipitation.
Arizona
#4 · 13.6 in
California
#11 · 22.2 in
Best
Worst
10 Best States — Annual Precipitation
Lower is better
#1
Nevada
9.5 in
Nevada
#2
Utah
12.2 in
Utah
#3
Wyoming
12.9 in
Wyoming
#4
Arizona
13.6 in
Arizona
#5
New Mexico
14.6 in
New Mexico
#6
Montana
15.3 in
Montana
#7
Colorado
15.9 in
Colorado
#8
North Dakota
17.8 in
North Dakota
#9
Idaho
18.9 in
Idaho
#10
South Dakota
20.1 in
South Dakota
Selected states
#11
California
22.2 in
California
Arizona ranks 4th and California ranks 11th nationally for annual precipitation.
Related context
Precipitation & Climate
Rain and snow affect agriculture, flood risk, water supply, and outdoor lifestyle.
MetricArizonaCalifornia
Sunny Days / Year
193 days
146 days
Average Temperature
60.3°F
59.4°F
Summer Temperature
78.1°F
73.4°F
Winter Temperature
43.6°F
46.2°F
What this means
Arizona vs California: Annual Precipitation in context
Arizona's annual precipitation is 13.6 in, compared with 22.2 in in California. Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.
Arizona
13.6 in
California
22.2 in
Difference
8.6 inches
People also ask
Arizona vs California Annual Precipitation — common questions
QWhat is Arizona's annual precipitation?
Arizona's annual precipitation is 13.6 in.
QWhat is California's annual precipitation?
California's annual precipitation is 22.2 in.
QWhich state has a lower annual precipitation — Arizona or California?
Arizona is drier overall than California.
More comparisons: Arizona vs California
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Data source and freshness
Data period
1991–2020 climate normals
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Statewide climate summaries; normals describe long-term conditions, not a forecast.