Santa Cruz (CA) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santa Cruz, California, United States of America. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Generally, Santa Cruz experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 627 mm (25 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The seasons in Santa Cruz, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives high rainfall, with an average of 138 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, July, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 0.4 mm (0.02 in) over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 14°C (57°F). During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 19°C (66°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santa Cruz Temperature page.

Santa Cruz's average annual precipitation is 627 mm (25 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• 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 Cruz (CA)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santa Cruz (CA) Climate page.