Rancho Santa Fe (CA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Rancho Santa Fe, California, United States of America. 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.
With annual rainfall averaging 271 mm (11 in), Rancho Santa Fe maintains relatively low precipitation levels throughout the seasons. However, it does have a distinct dry season during certain months, creating distinct patterns as demonstrated in our detailed graph below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Rancho Santa Fe can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 67 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 8 rainy days.
In contrast June, experiences much drier conditions, with 0.6 mm (0.02 in) of rainfall, spread across a single rainy day.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). The city receives 231 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 23°C (73°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Rancho Santa Fe Temperature page.
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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Rancho Santa Fe vs World: Rainfall Compared
Rancho Santa Fe's average annual precipitation is 271 mm (11 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
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.
- 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 Rancho Santa Fe (CA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Rancho Santa Fe (CA) Climate page.
