6 of 7

Write now Article Tools

What would the world be without rain? A dry, sandy, thirsty desert where no living being would be able to survive. Gratefully, even deserts have their small share of water and its vegetation and living creatures reflect it's presence. If we take a look around the environment that surrounds us we can see how all living species act as a testimony of the rainfull amount or lack of it. Deserts will have cactuses retaining precious rainfall amounts and rain forests on the other hand, will explode with greenery. There are in particular some places on our planet that seem receive much more rain than others. We will take a look at the rainiest places on earth so hold on and don't forget your umbrella!

Five raininest places in the world

If you are planning to travel to these locations, it is always best to consult with the weather channel as very likely you wil get wet! These are the top soaked areas in the world so be prepared and don't forget to pack your raincoat along with your luggage!

1)Tutunendo, Colombia (South America)
If you love the smell of rain or it's rhtymic tapping on the roof come visit Tutunendo.
This place has to be listed first as according to the Guiness Book of Records it collects an average of 463.4 inches of rainfall per year.

2) Mt. Waialeale, Kuai (Hawaii)
Averaging more than 460 inches per year, this mountain tops at approximately 5,208 feet above sea level. The dynamic rainfall occurring on this mountain is due the warm air that is lifted upwards cooling down and generating abundant rain. The process is known as orographic lifting.
Tourists are welcome to visit the mountain, but ironically, the same rain that causes this mountain to be famous is also the main impediment to it's top.

3) Cherrapunji, India
Another remarkably pluvious place is Cherrapunji where rainfall levels can easily be above 400 inches a year. Rain here will not only tap on the windows and refreshen the air, rather it will pour in bucketfulls during it's monsoon season causing major flooding. Simply imagine that Cherrapunji in 1860-61 hit the record of reaching amazingly 904.9 inches!
Ironically, Cherrapunji suffers severe water shortages and potable water can be found only several miles away.

4) Debundscha, Cameron
The over 400 feet of rain received annually in this region is due to it's location. Warm marine air from the ocean is sent up towards the peak of Mount Cameroon due to orographic lifting producing great amounts of rainfall. However, when the skies are clear in Debundscha it is a great day to go visit a secluded beach.

5)Lloro, Columbia
Another Columbian town to receive impressive amounts of rain is Lloro. With an estimate average of 400 inches per year, this town's rainforest turns into a slippery mess with it's daily rainfalls.

Even though these are considered some of the rainiest places on earth it seems like meterologists dispute on the order to rank them. This can be due to the fact that are a lot of things to consider when calculating rainfall such as annual year averages, general wetness of the region, measurement practices etc. In the meanwhile, let's enjoy our sunshine thinking about the inhabitants of these regions asking for the rain to go away and possibly come back another day!

Learn more about this author, Janet Farricelli.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Rainiest places in the world?
We want to hear your view. Write now!