Playa Grande Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Playa Grande experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1781 mm (70 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 Playa Grande shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 351 mm (14 in) of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 21 rainy days.
In contrast, February offers drier and sunnier days, with around 3.3 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall over 5 rainy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C (86°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 Playa Grande Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
32-year average (1987-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Playa Grande's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Playa Grande spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
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
low
almost none
Playa Grande vs World: Rainfall Compared
Playa Grande's average annual precipitation is 1781 mm (70 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
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 Playa Grande's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Playa Grande Climate page.
