Abstract: Spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation regimes in terms of precipitation amount and number of precipitation days at different time scales are investigated using the entropy‐based methodologies in the Huai River basin, China. Trends of precipitation variability are quantitatively evaluated using the modified Mann–Kendall trend test method. Correlations between the largest 7‐day precipitation amount (R × 7day) and precipitation variability within 1 year are also analysed. Results indicate the following: (1) there is increasing nonuniformity of annual precipitation amount and annual precipitation days from south to north in the Huai River basin, indicating larger precipitation variability in the northern parts. Transition of precipitation changes is evident in the basin which is reflected by decreasing precipitation variability in the north and increasing precipitation variability in the south. (2) The disorder indices (DIs) exhibit variations at different time scales. In general, precipitation variability is larger at shorter time scales, such as daily, and is smaller at longer time scales, such as annual. (3) Significant relations are identified between the DI and extreme precipitation events, i.e. significant relations between apportionment DI and the largest 7‐day precipitation amount and it is particularly the case in the central and southwestern parts. Thus, it can be said that higher precipitation variability is due to higher frequency of extreme precipitation regimes. Results of this study are of practical significance for planning and management of water resources and agricultural irrigation and agricultural activities during climate change and particularly for enhancement of measures for mitigation of consequences of climate change.