Santa Cruz de Tenerife Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
With annual rainfall averaging 298 mm (12 in), Santa Cruz de Tenerife maintains relatively low precipitation levels throughout the seasons. However, it does have a distinct dry season during certain months, creating distinct patterns as demonstrated in our detailed 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, December receives substantial rainfall, averaging 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation, recorded across 8 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, August brings less rainfall, with 11 mm (0.4 in) over a single rainy day.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 171 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santa Cruz de Tenerife 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
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almost none
Santa Cruz de Tenerife vs World: Rainfall Compared
Santa Cruz de Tenerife's average annual precipitation is 298 mm (12 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- 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 Tenerife's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santa Cruz de Tenerife Climate page.
