Kourou Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kourou, French Guiana. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Kourou experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 2561 mm (101 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct 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, May receives substantial rainfall, averaging 406 mm (16 in) of precipitation, recorded across 26 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, September brings less rainfall, with 54 mm (2.1 in) over 5 rainy days.

May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 119 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 31°C (88°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Kourou Temperature page.

Kourou's average annual precipitation is 2561 mm (101 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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.

• 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 Kourou's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Kourou Climate page.