It is classified as a desert because it averages less than 10 inches of rain every year.
Yes, the Painted Desert, which is part of the Colorado Plateau Desert, does get some rain and snow but less than 10 inches (250 mm) of total precipitation per year.
Rain has the ability to fall in the desert because it is picked up by clouds and transferred. Because the desert has very little to no water available rain must fall for the plants and animals.
A Desert.
A Desert
rain fall
Arizona is very dry and hot with what might be considered by most people as a desert environment.
rain fall
Any desert such as the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Sahara in Africa, and the Gobi in China.It never rains at all in Antarctica as it is too cold for rain.
less than 25 cn
Gobi Desert
Zero rain has to fall. However, if the region consistently receives over 10 inches (250 mm) of precipitation on average per year it is not considered a true desert.
Depending upon the location of the desert, rain, hail, sleet or even snow may fall in the desert.