Palm Desert (CA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
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 (3 in) of rainfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Palm Desert shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 19 mm (0.7 in) of precipitation during the wettest month December, distributed over 2 rainy days.
In contrast, June offers drier and sunnier days, with around 0 mm (0 in) of rainfall over 0 rainy days.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 40°C (104°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Palm Desert Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in July
Explore Palm Desert's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Palm Desert spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in the United States of America: City Comparison
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.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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almost none
Palm Desert vs World: Rainfall Compared
Palm Desert's average annual precipitation is 76 mm (3 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm (18 in) of rainfall mostly during the winter months.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Palm Desert (CA):
- 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 Palm Desert (CA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Palm Desert (CA) Climate page.
