Santiago Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Generally, Santiago has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 635 mm (25 in) of rain/snowfall annually. However, it does experience a distinct dry season during certain months. Take a look at our detailed charts below to see the seasonal variation.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The seasons in Santiago, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, June, receives high rainfall, with an average of 123 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 3 rainy days.

June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C (59°F). The city receives 120 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 28°C (82°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Santiago Temperature page.

Santiago's average annual precipitation is 635 mm (25 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.

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

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

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 Santiago:

• 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.

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Santiago's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Santiago Climate page.