The statistical characteristics of precipitation (average, extreme and variability indexes) for 1966–2012 years were obtained for the first time according to 18 weather stations in Altai Krai and the Republic of Altai. Annual precipitation on the plains of Altai Krai varies from 240–250 mm in the dry steppe areas of Kulunda to 550–570 mm in the south of Biya-Chumysh Upland. Precipitation increases to 550–900 mm in the Altai foothills and low hill terrains. Chuya (110–120 mm) and Kurai (200 mm) intermountain basins, and the Ukok Plateau (230 mm) are the most arid. Maximum interannual variability — up to 20–24% of the long-term average annual precipitation — is typical for steppe landscapes of plains and mountain areas of Altai. Variability of annual precipitation decreases to 13–16% in the foothills and low hill terrains of Salair and Altai, as well as in the alpine zone (Kara-Turek). However the recorded absolute deviations are much higher than the average variability, reaching maximum values in the north-western foothills (Zmeinogorsk — 561,3 mm or 80% of хср.). Damping effect of Lake Teletskoye on coastal moisture reduces the variability of precipitation, both in absolute and in long term average annual calculation.