Iquique Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Iquique. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Iquique sits in an arid zone with minimal moisture, averaging 149 mm of rainfall per year.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, June receives substantial rainfall, averaging 25 mm of precipitation, recorded across 0 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, March brings less rainfall, with 2.5 mm over 3 rainy days.

June, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 24°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Iquique Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Chile

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

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Iquique’s average annual precipitation is 149 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm, characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.

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 Iquique’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Iquique Climate page.