There are three main types of rainfall:
- Convectional rainfall
- Orographic rainfall
- Frontal rainfall
- Convectional rainfall is caused by the rising of warm, moist air. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain. Convective rainfall is typically heavy and localized, and it often occurs in the afternoon or evening.
- Orographic rainfall is caused by the forced ascent of air over mountains. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain. Orographic rainfall is typically more widespread than convective rainfall, and it often occurs on the windward side of mountains.
- Frontal rainfall is caused by the meeting of two air masses of different temperatures. As the warm air mass rises over the cold air mass, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain. Frontal rainfall is typically the most widespread type of rainfall, and it often occurs along cold fronts.
In addition to these three main types of rainfall, there are also a number of other types of rainfall, such as cyclonic rainfall, thunderstorm rainfall, and stratiform rainfall.
| Type of Rainfall | Cause | Location |
| Convective Rainfall | Rising of warm, moist air | Afternoon or evening |
| Orographic Rainfall | Forced ascent of air over mountains | Windward side of mountains |
| Frontal Rainfall | Meeting of two air masses of different temperatures | Along cold fronts |
| Cyclonic Rainfall | Interaction of warm and cold air masses | Mid-latitudes |
| Thunderstorm Rainfall | Updrafts and downdrafts in thunderstorms | Warm, humid regions |
| Stratiform Rainfall | Widespread, uniform rainfall | Mid-latitudes |