Santa Cruz Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Santa Cruz experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 2017 mm (79 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The climate in Santa Cruz shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 365 mm (14 in) of precipitation during the wettest month October, distributed over 21 rainy days.

In contrast, January offers drier and sunnier days, with around 7 mm (0.3 in) of rainfall over 8 rainy days.

October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C (88°F). The city receives 171 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 34°C (93°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santa Cruz Temperature page.

Santa Cruz's average annual precipitation is 2017 mm (79 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

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.

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

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