Lake Atitlan Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. 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.
Lake Atitlan has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 2366 mm (93 in) of rainfall per year. It does, however, have a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. Have a look at our detailed charts below to see how precipitation varies throughout the year.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Lake Atitlan shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 412 mm (16 in) of precipitation during the wettest month September, distributed over 25 rainy days.
In contrast, January offers drier and sunnier days, with around 18 mm (0.7 in) of rainfall over 6 rainy days.September, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C (73°F). The city receives 155 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 23°C (73°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Lake Atitlan Temperature page.
Explore Lake Atitlan's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Lake Atitlan spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Guatemala: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Guatemala. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Lake Atitlan vs World: Rainfall Compared
Lake Atitlan's average annual precipitation is 2366 mm (93 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
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.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Lake Atitlan's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lake Atitlan Climate page.
