Denmark's upcoming July is projected to rank amongst the top ten wettest months in its historical records.
Heavy Rainfall in July 2025 Raises Potential for One of Denmark's Wettest Months
In July 2025, Denmark experienced an exceptional bout of heavy rainfall, particularly on the 21st and 22nd, with parts of southeastern Denmark receiving over 130 millimetres (5.1 inches) of rain. This event was so significant that it prompted the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) to issue its first-ever red weather alert for dangerous rainfall[1][3].
The heavy rainfall has increased the likelihood of July 2025 exceeding the 111.0 millimetres total and becoming one of the ten wettest months of July. With a further 7 to 8 millimetres forecast by the end of Thursday, it seems probable that this milestone will be achieved[2].
The forecast for excessive rain indicated a prolonged and intense rainfall episode driven by a low-pressure/stationary frontal system. Affected areas, such as Jutland, Funen, Zealand, and surrounding islands, were expected to receive between 100-150 millimetres of rain[2]. This pattern is ongoing at the end of July, with similar heavy rains and cloudbursts expected in western Denmark later in the month[4].
Regarding the top ten wettest July months in Denmark, the DMI does not provide explicit ranked lists or quantifications. However, the 2025 July rainfall event stands out as an exceptional event. The record alert levels suggest it is likely among the wettest Julys on record for some regions, especially in the southeast.
In 2023, Denmark experienced its rainiest July ever, with 141.2 millimetres of rain falling nationwide[1]. Number nine on the list is currently 2011, when 113.1 millimetres of rain poured over Denmark. The tenth wettest July ever in Denmark, as per DMI records, is shared by 1880 and 2002, both with 111.0 millimetres of rain[2]. If July 2025 exceeds this total, it could potentially rank among the three wettest ever recorded months in Denmark.
On July 21st-23rd, over 100 millimetres of rain was recorded at 27 different measuring stations across Denmark. A "cloudburst" downpour, defined as 15 millimetres of rain falling within 30 minutes, has been forecast in certain areas of southern and western Jutland[2].
Long-term climate projections for Denmark suggest increasing precipitation intensity and frequency in the future due to climate change. The DMI forecasts up to 55% more winter precipitation by 2100 under warming scenarios of 2 to 3°C above preindustrial levels[5]. This aligns with the recent extreme rainfall patterns observed and emphasizes the need for continued climate adaptation measures in Danish urban centers like Copenhagen[5].
[1] Danish Meteorological Institute [2] Danish Broadcasting Corporation [3] BBC News [4] The Local Denmark [5] Climate Central
Art enthusiasts might consider postponing outdoor exhibitions due to the predicted heavy rainfall in July 2025, given its potential for ranking among the top three wettest months in Denmark's history. Meanwhile, weather-forecasting agencies are keeping a close eye on the prolonged rainfall episode, and some are even comparing the event to the record-breaking July of 2023.
