Santa Cruz de la Palma Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. The figures are based on a 30-year period (1990–2020) to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Santa Cruz de la Palma typically sees modest rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 288 mm (11 in). The city experiences a distinct dry season during certain months, as illustrated in the graph below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Santa Cruz de la Palma can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 8 rainy days.
In contrast August, experiences much drier conditions, with 6.5 mm (0.3 in) of rainfall, spread across a single rainy day.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 23°C (73°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santa Cruz de la Palma Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in Spain: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Spain. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Santa Cruz de la Palma vs World: Rainfall Compared
Santa Cruz de la Palma's average annual precipitation is 288 mm (11 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
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 de la Palma's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santa Cruz de la Palma Climate page.
