Iquique Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Iquique, Tarapacá, 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.

Iquique is known for its low rainfall, with yearly precipitation amounts around 149 mm (5.9 in).

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The climate in Iquique shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 25 mm (1 in) of precipitation during the wettest month June, distributed over 0 rainy days.

In contrast, March offers drier and sunnier days, with around 2.5 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall over 3 rainy days.

June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 168 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Iquique Temperature page.

Iquique's average annual precipitation is 149 mm (5.9 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.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

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.

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.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

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