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How much precipitation does the tundra receive each year?

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Rolling tundra in Alaska with red, yellow, and green fall foliage, set against rugged mountains with patches of grass and exposed rock. — Tundra Alaskan mountain and tundra vegetation in the fall.

The tundra ecosystem is characterized by low levels of precipitation, though the specific amounts vary depending on the region and elevation.

In the Arctic tundra, annual precipitation typically measures less than 38 cm (15 inches) when calculated as liquid water, with approximately two-thirds of this total falling as summer rain. While some sources note that typical annual totals are less than 35 cm (about 14 inches), a broader range of 25 to 100 cm (10 to 39 inches) is possible, particularly in upland areas.12

Precipitation patterns in alpine tundra are more variable. While generally higher than in some Arctic regions, annual totals can range significantly, from as much as 64 cm (25 inches) in high-elevation areas like the Rocky Mountains to less than 7.6 cm (3 inches) in parts of the Himalayas.1