Santa María de Dota Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santa María de Dota, San José Province, Costa Rica. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Santa María de Dota experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 3862 mm (152 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct rainy season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Santa María de Dota shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 594 mm (23 in) of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 22 snowy days.
In contrast, January offers drier and sunnier days, with around 61 mm (2.4 in) of snowfall over 16 snowy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C (73°F). During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santa María de Dota Temperature page.
Explore Santa María de Dota's Historical Precipitation: 2006-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Santa María de Dota spanning 21 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Costa Rica: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Costa Rica. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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Santa María de Dota vs World: Rainfall Compared
Santa María de Dota's average annual precipitation is 3862 mm (152 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
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.
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 Santa María de Dota's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santa María de Dota Climate page.
