Sa Pa Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Sa Pa has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 2363 mm (93 in) of rainfall per year. It does, however, have a distinct rainy season during certain months. Have a look at our detailed charts below to see how precipitation varies throughout the year.

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, July receives substantial rainfall, averaging 359 mm (14 in) of precipitation, recorded across 23 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, December brings less rainfall, with 83 mm (3.3 in) over 7 rainy days.

July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 113 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 19°C (66°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Sa Pa Temperature page.

Sa Pa's average annual precipitation is 2363 mm (93 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm (33 in), spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

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.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Sa Pa:

• 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 Sa Pa's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Sa Pa Climate page.