Popayán Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Popayán, Cauca, Colombia. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Popayán is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 4393 mm (173 in).

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The wettest period in Popayán occurs in April, which receives around 449 mm (18 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, January, Popayán experiences heavy rainfall, totaling approximately 296 mm (12 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

April, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 22°C (72°F). The city receives 109 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Popayán Temperature page.

Popayán's average annual precipitation is 4393 mm (173 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm (21 in) of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

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.

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 Popayán's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Popayán Climate page.