Rapa Nui Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile. 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.
Generally, Rapa Nui has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 899 mm (35 in) of rainfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The amount of precipitation varies moderately throughout the year. The wettest month, April, sees around 96 mm (3.8 in) of rainfall, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of rain now and then. The driest month, February, still receives a respectable 56 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall.
April, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F). The city receives 196 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 26°C (79°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Rapa Nui Temperature page.
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.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Rapa Nui vs World: Rainfall Compared
Rapa Nui's average annual precipitation is 899 mm (35 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm (18 in) of rainfall mostly during the winter months.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Rapa Nui:
- 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 Rapa Nui's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Rapa Nui Climate page.
