Sierra Nevada Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sierra Nevada, Andalucía, Spain. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
On average, Sierra Nevada receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 625 mm (25 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts 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 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation, recorded across 14 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, July brings less rainfall, with 8.9 mm (0.4 in) over 6 rainy days.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C (54°F). The city receives 147 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 31°C (88°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sierra Nevada 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
Sierra Nevada vs World: Rainfall Compared
Sierra Nevada's average annual precipitation is 625 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.
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.
The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
- Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.
- 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 Sierra Nevada's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sierra Nevada Climate page.
