Rain played damper on your holiday again? Well, not to worry! For if you want to make sure your next holiday is not washed out by rains (both expected and unexpected), here are some places around the world you need to include in your travel itinerary. With very little annual rainfall, these places are considered the driest regions on earth and ensure your holiday remains dry throughout! Of course, we are talking about the climate here!
Aoulef in Algeria
With an annual rainfall of just around 12.19 mm, Aoulef for the most part, is practically surrounded with arid deserts. Considered the driest region in Algeria, the little town has little protection from the hot winds that blow in from the deserts. And there are very little palm trees to provide a natural oasis for locals as well as visitors. There’s not a particular time you can visit Aoulef because it remains hot and dry throughout the year. So better take along your sunglasses, sunhats, water bottles and plenty of sunscreen.
Almeria in Spain
Europe for the most part enjoys rainfall throughout the year. However, there are certain regions in the continent that could actually use some rainfall. And Almeria in Spain happens to be one of them. With an annual rainfall of less than 200mm, Almeria is located on the southern coast of the country, and offers tourists to enjoy some uninterrupted beach time without worrying about sudden showers.
Athens in Greece
Now here is one city in Greece that is known for its historical landmarks. Not many know though that the city also happens to be one of the rain-deprived regions in the country, and the continent. With an annual rainfall of just 376mm, Athens is comparatively drier than Essex, which is one of the drier regions in the continent.
Iquique in Chile
Located to the west of the Atacama Desert (an abundant source of nitrate which is used for natural fertilizers), this port city remains dry for the most part of the year in spite of being blessed with quite a few beautiful beaches. And apart from some rainfall in the months of January and February, the town remains dry and arid. Escape to the beaches if you are stifled by the heat!
Lake Eyre in Australia
A dry lake? Now that’s new. And yet, that’s what you get to see in the driest region in the Australian continent. Considered to be even drier than the desert lands in the country, Lake Eyre sits atop a huge salt basin, and is located in an arid zone that experiences only about 125mm rainfall annually.
Pelican Point in Namibia
Located in South Africa, Pelican Point sits on an extremely dry and arid zone that experiences just 8.13mm of rainfall every year. That doesn’t deter tourists from visiting the destination though which is considered a very good area for wind surfing. Just be sure to bring along some extra water and sunscreen lotion.
Death Valley in the USA
Located in California, the Death Valley is for the most part, an arid desert that does not record a measurable rainfall at all. Sometimes, the place goes without rainfall for a complete year or two. Therefore, the valley is the hottest place on the planet.
Luxor in Egypt
Visiting Luxor in Egypt? Then you can be rest assured that you won’t experience any sudden rain showers during your visit. With an annual rainfall of just about .862mm, Luxor is so hot that the raindrops apparently evaporate before even reaching the ground.
The only respite for this otherwise fiercely hot, arid city is the cool season, which is characterized by warm desert winds that blow in from the Western Desert, which is located nearby. However, the wind can hardly be enjoyed as it would tend to bring along several sandstorms.
Dry Valleys in Antarctica
Surprisingly, the coldest place on earth also happens to house one of the driest regions on the planet. And if you think Antarctica is nothing but ice and more ice, wait till you set foot on the Dry Valleys, the largest ice and snow free area on the continent.
Sadly, that’s not all this region is devoid of. The Dry Valleys is also devoid of rainfall (an unbelievable 0%) and humidity. And this is mainly due to the surrounding mountains that successfully block any wind or cool breeze that blows in from the sea. It is said that walking on this dry, arid landscape would actually give you the effect of walking on Mars.
Ica in Peru
Located alongside the Atacama Desert in Peru, Ica is one of those places which is actually visited for its dry, arid climate. The reason being that the climate in this part of the country is medically beneficial for people suffering from asthma. And with an annual rainfall of just 2.29mm, we don’t think that is going to change anytime in the near future.