Sainte-Marie Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sainte-Marie, Reunion. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Sainte-Marie has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 1266 mm (50 in) of rainfall per year. It does, however, have a distinct rainy season during certain months. Have a look at our detailed charts below to see how precipitation varies throughout the year.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Sainte-Marie can be quite wet during February, receiving approximately 245 mm (9.6 in) of precipitation over 19 rainy days.
In contrast September, experiences much drier conditions, with 40 mm (1.6 in) of rainfall, spread across 12 rainy days.February, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 23°C (73°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sainte-Marie Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in Reunion: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Reunion. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
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Sainte-Marie vs World: Rainfall Compared
Sainte-Marie's average annual precipitation is 1266 mm (50 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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 Sainte-Marie:
- 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 Sainte-Marie's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sainte-Marie Climate page.