Marbella Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Marbella, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Marbella experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 2232 mm (88 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))
The climate in Marbella shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 408 mm (16 in) of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 21 rainy days.
In contrast, February offers drier and sunnier days, with around 5.9 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall over 5 rainy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 171 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 32°C (90°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Marbella Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in Costa Rica: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Costa Rica. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
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Marbella vs World: Rainfall Compared
Marbella's average annual precipitation is 2232 mm (88 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 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.
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 Marbella's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Marbella Climate page.