San José Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in San José. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

With annual rainfall averaging 253 mm, San José maintains relatively low precipitation levels throughout the seasons.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in San José, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, November, receives moderate rainfall, with an average of 33 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 10 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 0.9 mm over 2 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 19°C. The city receives 185 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 28°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our San José Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Spain

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Spain. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

San José’s average annual precipitation is 253 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm, evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including San José:

• 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.

For more detailed information about San José’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our San José Climate page.