El Calafate Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina. 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, El Calafate has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 858 mm (34 in) of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in El Calafate occurs in April, which receives around 88 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, September, El Calafate experiences moderate snow/rainfall, totaling approximately 59 mm (2.3 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
April, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 10°C (50°F). The city receives 157 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 7°C (45°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our El Calafate Temperature page.
Explore El Calafate's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for El Calafate spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Argentina: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Argentina. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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El Calafate vs World: Rainfall Compared
El Calafate's average annual precipitation is 858 mm (34 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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 El Calafate's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our El Calafate Climate page.
