Santa Ana Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santa Ana, San José Province, Costa Rica. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Santa Ana is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 3516 mm (138 in). While the overall climate is wet, there are notable seasonal patterns that create interesting contrasts, as demonstrated in our graph below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, October receives substantial rainfall, averaging 514 mm (20 in) of precipitation, recorded across 23 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, February brings less rainfall, with 53 mm (2.1 in) over 9 rainy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F). The city receives 162 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month February you can expect a temperature of 26°C (79°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santa Ana 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
Santa Ana vs World: Rainfall Compared
Santa Ana's average annual precipitation is 3516 mm (138 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm (21 in) of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.
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.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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 Santa Ana:
- 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.
- 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 Santa Ana's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santa Ana Climate page.
