Quetzaltenango Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Quetzaltenango has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 2856 mm (112 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct rainy season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, May receives substantial rainfall, averaging 461 mm (18 in) of precipitation, recorded across 16 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, January brings less rainfall, with 34 mm (1.3 in) over 5 rainy days.
May, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C (73°F). The city receives 195 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 Quetzaltenango 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 June
Explore Quetzaltenango's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Quetzaltenango spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Guatemala: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Guatemala. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Quetzaltenango vs World: Rainfall Compared
Quetzaltenango's average annual precipitation is 2856 mm (112 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.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Quetzaltenango:
- 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.
- 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 Quetzaltenango's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Quetzaltenango Climate page.
