San Pedro Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in San Pedro, Costa Rica. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
San Pedro has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 3306 mm (130 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))
The climate in San Pedro shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 478 mm (19 in) of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 24 rainy days.
In contrast, March offers drier and sunnier days, with around 63 mm (2.5 in) of rainfall over 9 rainy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 24°C (75°F). The city receives 162 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 25°C (77°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our San Pedro Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in Costa Rica: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Costa Rica. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
San Pedro vs World: Rainfall Compared
San Pedro's average annual precipitation is 3306 mm (130 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.
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.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
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 San Pedro:
- 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.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about San Pedro's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our San Pedro Climate page.
