El Zonte Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in El Zonte, El Salvador. 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.
El Zonte experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1728 mm (68 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct dry and 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))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, September receives substantial rainfall, averaging 347 mm (14 in) of precipitation, recorded across 29 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, January brings less rainfall, with 2.7 mm (0.1 in) over 3 rainy days.
September, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 181 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 31°C (88°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our El Zonte Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
41-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in July
Explore El Zonte's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for El Zonte spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in El Salvador: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across El Salvador. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
El Zonte vs World: Rainfall Compared
El Zonte's average annual precipitation is 1728 mm (68 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 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.
Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.
Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.
Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.
Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.
- 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 El Zonte's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our El Zonte Climate page.
