Ponta Delgada Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Ponta Delgada, Madeira Islands, Portugal. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

On average, Ponta Delgada receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 588 mm (23 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Ponta Delgada, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 86 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 11 mm (0.4 in) over 3 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 152 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Ponta Delgada Temperature page.

Ponta Delgada's average annual precipitation is 588 mm (23 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.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

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.

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.

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Ponta Delgada's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Ponta Delgada Climate page.