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. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Atacama Desert has a dry climate with very low precipitation, averaging 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain/snowfall annually.

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.

Annual

Annual

Map not visible? Whoops sorry! Please refresh the page.

Legend

heavy rainfall

high

moderate

low

almost none

Heavy annual rainfall has been defined as more than 1000 mm (39 in) precipitation. High: 600 mm (24 in) to 1000 mm (39 in). Moderate: 250 mm (9.8 in) to 600 mm (24 in). Low: less than 250 mm (9.8 in).

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 Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm (24 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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.

Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.

Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.

Interesting weather facts

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.

Current rainfall in Atacama Desert

10-Day Forecast