Salema Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Salema, Algarve, Portugal. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Salema has a relatively dry climate with low precipitation, averaging 491 mm (19 in) of rainfall annually. It experiences a distinct dry season during certain months. Refer to our detailed charts below to see the seasonal variation.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Salema can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 85 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 11 rainy days.
In contrast July, experiences much drier conditions, with 1.3 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall, spread across a single rainy day.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 17°C (63°F). The city receives 166 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 Salema Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in Portugal: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Portugal. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Salema vs World: Rainfall Compared
Salema's average annual precipitation is 491 mm (19 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.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
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.
Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.
Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.
Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.
Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.
- 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 Salema's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Salema Climate page.