Santa Elena Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santa Elena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Santa Elena has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 2139 mm (84 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct dry and rainy season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.
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 364 mm (14 in) of precipitation, recorded across 22 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, March brings less rainfall, with 16 mm (0.6 in) over 7 rainy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). The city receives 167 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 31°C (88°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santa Elena 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 Elena vs World: Rainfall Compared
Santa Elena's average annual precipitation is 2139 mm (84 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.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.
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.
- "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 Elena's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santa Elena Climate page.
