Atacama Desert Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Atacama Desert. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Atacama Desert experiences desert-like conditions in terms of precipitation with almost no rain/snowfall, generally receiving 31 mm annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The wettest period in Atacama Desert occurs in March, which receives around 5.6 mm of precipitation. During the driest month, November, Atacama Desert experiences almost no rainfall, totaling approximately 0.1 mm. The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

March, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C. During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 25°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Atacama Desert Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Chile

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Atacama Desert’s average annual precipitation is 31 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm, making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Atacama Desert:

• 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.

For more detailed information about Atacama Desert’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Atacama Desert Climate page.