Sarapiquí Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sarapiquí, Heredia, Costa Rica. 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.
Sarapiquí is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 3464 mm (136 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Sarapiquí can be quite wet during November, receiving approximately 445 mm (18 in) of precipitation over 17 rainy days.
In contrast April, experiences much drier conditions, with 117 mm (4.6 in) of rainfall, spread across 8 rainy days.
November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 178 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 30°C (86°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sarapiquí 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
Sarapiquí vs World: Rainfall Compared
Sarapiquí's average annual precipitation is 3464 mm (136 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm (30 in), characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
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.
- 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 Sarapiquí's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sarapiquí Climate page.
