Porto Santo Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Porto Santo, Madeira Islands, Madeira. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Porto Santo typically sees modest rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 340 mm (13 in). The city experiences a distinct dry season during certain months, as illustrated in the graph below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, December receives substantial rainfall, averaging 51 mm (2 in) of precipitation, recorded across 12 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, August brings less rainfall, with 7 mm (0.3 in) over 3 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 133 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Porto Santo Temperature page.

Porto Santo's average annual precipitation is 340 mm (13 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

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 Porto Santo's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Porto Santo Climate page.