Top 10 Driest Places on Earth

From the scorching sands of the Sahara to the frozen valleys of Antarctica, our planet hosts some of the most extreme arid environments imaginable. These regions, where rainfall is measured in millimeters rather than inches, challenge our understanding of what constitutes a habitable environment. Some areas have gone decades without measurable precipitation, while others have never recorded a single drop of rain in human history.

These extreme arid regions are not just curiosities—they play crucial roles in Earth's climate systems, serve as natural laboratories for studying life's adaptability, and offer insights into the harsh conditions that might exist on other planets. Understanding these environments helps us appreciate the incredible diversity of our planet and the remarkable resilience of life itself. For more insights into extreme climates, explore our articles on the hottest places on Earth and coldest places on Earth.

Methodology

This ranking is based on annual precipitation data, historical weather records, and scientific measurements from meteorological stations and satellite observations. The driest places are ranked by their average annual rainfall, with additional consideration given to the consistency of aridity over time and the extreme nature of their dry conditions.

Data sources include the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), national weather services, and peer-reviewed scientific studies from institutions such as the University of Chile, NASA, and the British Antarctic Survey. Some locations have limited historical data due to their extreme remoteness, so estimates are based on the best available scientific evidence and climate modeling. All precipitation data has been verified against multiple sources and represents long-term averages where available.

List of Driest Places on Earth

10. Death Valley, California, USA - 2.0 inches (51mm) annually

Death Valley, located in the Mojave Desert of California, holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth at 134°F (56.7°C) in 1913. This extreme heat, combined with its low elevation of 282 feet below sea level, creates a rain shadow effect that results in minimal precipitation. The valley's unique basin geography traps hot, dry air, creating one of the most inhospitable arid environments on the planet.

Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley supports a surprising variety of life, including the famous Death Valley pupfish, which survives in isolated springs and pools. Recent ecological studies (2024-2025) have documented how climate change is affecting the valley's unique microclimates and endemic species, providing insights into ecosystem resilience in extreme environments. The valley's extreme temperatures and aridity make it a popular destination for scientists studying extremophiles and climate adaptation.

9. Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), Arabian Peninsula - 1.2 inches (30mm) annually

The Rub' al Khali, or "Empty Quarter," is the largest continuous sand desert in the world, covering approximately 250,000 square miles across Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Yemen. This vast expanse of mega-dunes, some reaching heights of 800 feet, receives virtually no rainfall due to its location in the subtropical high-pressure zone and continental aridity.

The desert's name reflects its historical reputation as an uninhabitable wasteland, though modern exploration has revealed archaeological sites and evidence of ancient civilizations that once thrived in this harsh environment. The harsh conditions and shifting sand dunes make it one of the most challenging environments for both human habitation and scientific study.

8. Namib Desert, Namibia - 0.8 inches (20mm) annually

The Namib Desert, stretching along the Atlantic coast of Namibia, is one of the oldest deserts in the world, estimated to be 55-80 million years old. Its extreme aridity is caused by the cold Benguela Current, which creates a stable atmospheric inversion that prevents cloud formation and precipitation, resulting in hyper-arid conditions.

Despite receiving less than an inch of rainfall annually, the Namib Desert supports unique ecosystems adapted to fog and dew. The famous Welwitschia plant, which can live for over 1,000 years, survives by absorbing moisture from coastal fog. The desert's otherworldly landscapes, including the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei, make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Taklamakan Desert, China - 0.6 inches (15mm) annually

The Taklamakan Desert, located in China's Xinjiang region, is one of the world's largest sandy deserts and one of the most dangerous. Its name translates to "you can go in, but you can't come out," reflecting its reputation as a place of no return. The desert's extreme aridity results from its continental isolation within the Tarim Basin, surrounded by towering mountain ranges that block moisture from all directions, creating a self-contained arid ecosystem.

The Taklamakan was once part of the ancient Silk Road, and archaeological discoveries have revealed well-preserved mummies and artifacts buried in the dry sand. The extreme conditions have created a natural time capsule, preserving organic materials that would normally decompose in more humid environments.

6. Gobi Desert, Mongolia/China - 0.4 inches (10mm) annually

The Gobi Desert, spanning parts of northern China and southern Mongolia, is a cold desert that experiences extreme temperature variations, from 113°F (45°C) in summer to -40°F (-40°C) in winter. Its aridity stems from its high-altitude continental position, where the Mongolian Plateau creates a natural barrier against moisture-laden winds, resulting in extreme seasonal aridity.

Despite its harsh conditions, the Gobi Desert is rich in fossils and has yielded some of the most important dinosaur discoveries in history, including the first dinosaur eggs ever found. The desert's extreme preservation conditions have made it a treasure trove for paleontologists studying ancient life.

5. Libyan Desert, Libya - 0.2 inches (5mm) annually

The Libyan Desert, part of the larger Sahara Desert, is one of the most extreme arid regions in Africa. Its hyper-arid conditions are caused by the subtropical high-pressure system and its distance from any significant moisture sources. The desert's vast sand seas and rocky plateaus create a landscape of extreme beauty and harshness.

The Libyan Desert is home to some of the most remote and inaccessible areas on Earth, including the Calanshio Sand Sea, where some areas have never been explored by humans. The harsh conditions and isolation make it one of the most challenging environments for scientific study and exploration.

4. McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica - 0.08 inches (2mm) annually

The McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica represent one of the most extreme environments on Earth, where katabatic winds can reach speeds of 200 mph and temperatures can drop to -80°F (-62°C). These valleys are so dry that they're considered the closest terrestrial equivalent to Mars, making them invaluable for astrobiological research and extreme environment studies.

Despite receiving virtually no precipitation, the Dry Valleys support unique ecosystems of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms that survive in the soil and rocks. Recent climate change research (2024-2025) has revealed that these valleys are experiencing subtle warming trends, with implications for understanding polar climate dynamics. The extreme conditions have preserved ancient ice and geological features that provide insights into Earth's climate history and the potential for life on other planets, making them crucial for astrobiological research and Mars mission planning.

3. Arica, Chile - 0.04 inches (1.0mm) annually

Arica, located in northern Chile, holds the record for the lowest annual rainfall of any inhabited place on Earth. This coastal city receives virtually no precipitation due to the cold Humboldt Current creating a persistent marine inversion layer that prevents cloud formation over the city. Despite its extreme aridity, Arica is home to approximately 240,000 people (as of 2024) who rely on water from distant sources and desalination plants.

The city's unique climate has made it a popular destination for people with respiratory problems, as the dry air is believed to have therapeutic benefits. Arica's extreme aridity has also created unique geological formations and preserved archaeological sites that provide insights into ancient civilizations.

2. Calama, Chile - 0.03 inches (0.8mm) annually

Calama, located in the Atacama Desert region of Chile, is one of the driest inhabited places on Earth. This mining town receives virtually no rainfall due to its position in the Andean rain shadow and the coastal upwelling effects of the cold Humboldt Current. The extreme aridity has created a landscape of salt flats, sand dunes, and rocky outcrops, representing hyper-arid mining environments.

Despite its harsh conditions, Calama is an important center for copper mining, one of Chile's most important industries. The extreme aridity has also made it a popular location for astronomical observatories, as the clear, dry air provides excellent conditions for stargazing and scientific research.

1. Atacama Desert, Chile - 0.02 inches (0.5mm) annually

The Atacama Desert in Chile is widely considered the driest place on Earth, with some areas receiving no measurable rainfall for decades. This hyper-arid region stretches over 600 miles along the Pacific coast of South America and is created by a unique climatic convergence: the cold Humboldt Current creates a permanent thermal inversion, while the Andean barrier blocks moisture from the east, and the subtropical anticyclone maintains stable atmospheric conditions. Interestingly, this desert shares some characteristics with the rainiest places on Earth in terms of extreme weather patterns, though on opposite ends of the precipitation spectrum.

The Atacama's extreme aridity has created unique geological formations, including vast salt flats, sand dunes, and rocky landscapes that resemble the surface of Mars. The desert is home to some of the world's most advanced astronomical observatories, including the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), which takes advantage of the clear, dry air for scientific research.

Despite its extreme conditions, the Atacama Desert supports unique life forms adapted to survive on minimal water, including bacteria that can extract moisture from the air and plants that can survive for years without rainfall. Recent biotechnology research (2024-2025) has focused on developing fog-harvesting technologies inspired by the desert's unique ecosystems, with potential applications for water-scarce regions worldwide. The desert's otherworldly landscapes and extreme conditions make it a popular destination for scientists studying astrobiology, climate change, and sustainable agriculture in extreme environments.

Summary of the Top 10 Driest Places on Earth

Conclusion

The world's driest places represent some of the most extreme environments on our planet, where life has adapted to survive with minimal water and harsh conditions. From the scorching Atacama Desert to the frozen valleys of Antarctica, these regions challenge our understanding of what constitutes a habitable environment.

These extreme arid regions are not just curiosities—they play crucial roles in Earth's climate systems, serve as natural laboratories for studying life's adaptability, and offer insights into the harsh conditions that might exist on other planets. Understanding these environments helps us appreciate the incredible diversity of our planet and the remarkable resilience of life itself.

As climate change continues to affect global weather patterns, studying these extreme environments becomes increasingly important for understanding how ecosystems adapt to changing conditions and what the future might hold for our planet's most vulnerable regions. For more information about extreme weather events, explore our article on the worst hurricanes in the world.