San Pedro de Atacama Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in San Pedro de Atacama. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

San Pedro de Atacama is known for its low rain/snowfall, with yearly precipitation amounts around 151 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, February receives substantial rainfall, averaging 51 mm of precipitation, recorded across 12 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, October brings less rainfall, with 0.8 mm over 3 rainy days.

February, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 23°C. During the driest month October you can expect a temperature of 23°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our San Pedro de Atacama Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Chile

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

San Pedro de Atacama’s average annual precipitation is 151 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

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 Precipitation Patterns

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 of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm 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, with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm annually.

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.