Abstract: The spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation in the context of climate change poses significant challenges to socioeconomic development and the protection of the eco-environment. This paper comprehensively analyzed the spatial distribution of precipitation in China based on observational monthly precipitation data from the third national water resources investigation and evaluation, covering the period from 1956 to 2016. It examined the distribution across various primary water resource districts and provincial administrative regions. Next, the temporal distribution characteristics, including interannual changes and annual distribution patterns, were examined. Finally, the variation of the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation was explored. The results revealed that the average annual precipitation depth in Southern China was 1215.1 mm, while that in Northern China was only 329.3 mm. The phenomenon of consecutive wet and dry years occurred in all primary water resource districts, and the interannual change was more significant in regions with less precipitation. The maximum precipitation in four consecutive months accounted for 70%–80% of the average annual precipitation in the Northern region and 50%–65% in the Southern region. National precipitation exhibited an alternating wet and dry pattern, with no significant overall change trend from 1956 to 2016.