San Pedro de Atacama Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
San Pedro de Atacama is known for its low rain/snowfall, with yearly precipitation amounts around 45 mm (1.8 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
San Pedro de Atacama can be quite wet during February, receiving approximately 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over 12 rainy days.
In contrast April, experiences much drier conditions, with 0 mm (0 in) of rainfall, spread across 3 rainy days.
February, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C (73°F). During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our San Pedro de Atacama Temperature page.
Explore San Pedro de Atacama's Historical Precipitation: 2006-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for San Pedro de Atacama spanning 21 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Chile: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Chile. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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San Pedro de Atacama vs World: Rainfall Compared
San Pedro de Atacama's average annual precipitation is 45 mm (1.8 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
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.
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.
- "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 San Pedro de Atacama's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our San Pedro de Atacama Climate page.
