Santa Marta Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Santa Marta. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Santa Marta is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1749 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Santa Marta, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, October, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 307 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 13 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, February, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 17 mm over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

October, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C and receives 206 hours of sunshine. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 28°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Santa Marta Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Colombia

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Colombia. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Santa Marta’s average annual precipitation is 1749 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

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

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

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.

For more detailed information about Santa Marta’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santa Marta Climate page.