Atacama Desert Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Atacama Desert, Antofagasta Region, Chile. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Atacama Desert is known for its low rain/snowfall, with yearly precipitation amounts around 31 mm (1.2 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Precipitation levels in Atacama Desert remain relatively steady throughout the year. March has the most rain, with 5.6 mm (0.2 in) over 7 days. In November, this drops slightly to 0.1 mm (0 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.
March, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F). During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 25°C (77°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Atacama Desert Temperature page.
Explore Atacama Desert's Historical Precipitation: 2006-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Atacama Desert spanning 21 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Chile: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Chile. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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almost none
Atacama Desert vs World: Rainfall Compared
Atacama Desert's average annual precipitation is 31 mm (1.2 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Atacama Desert's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Atacama Desert Climate page.
