Managua Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Managua, Carazo Region, Nicaragua. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Generally, Managua has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 960 mm (38 in) of rainfall annually. However, it does experience a distinct dry season during certain months. Take a look at our detailed charts below to see the seasonal variation.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The seasons in Managua, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, October, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 199 mm (7.8 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 21 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, February, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 1.4 mm (0.1 in) over 4 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 33°C (91°F). The city receives 227 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 35°C (95°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Managua Temperature page.
Explore Managua's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Managua spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Nicaragua: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Nicaragua. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Managua vs World: Rainfall Compared
Managua's average annual precipitation is 960 mm (38 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
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.
The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
- Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.
- "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 Managua's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Managua Climate page.