Palm Desert (CA) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Palm Desert, California, United States of America. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Palm Desert has a dry climate with very low precipitation, averaging 76 mm of rainfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
The climate in Palm Desert shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 19 mm of precipitation during the wettest month December, distributed over 2 rainy days.
In contrast, June offers drier and sunnier days, with around 0 mm of rainfall over 0 rainy days.December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 40°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Palm Desert Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in the United States of America
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.





Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Palm Desert’s average annual precipitation is 76 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm of rainfall mostly during the winter months.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
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 Palm Desert (CA)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Palm Desert (CA) Climate page.