Top 10 Rainiest Places on Earth

Rainfall is one of nature's most essential phenomena, sustaining life across our planet. While most places receive moderate amounts of precipitation, some locations experience truly extraordinary rainfall that defies imagination. These rainiest places on Earth are characterized by unique geographical features, climatic conditions, and atmospheric patterns that create the perfect storm for massive amounts of precipitation.

From the monsoon-soaked mountains of India to the tropical peaks of Hawaii, these locations receive annual rainfall that would be considered impossible in most parts of the world. Understanding these extreme weather patterns not only fascinates us but also helps scientists study climate systems and their impact on local ecosystems.

Methodology

The rankings in this list are based on average annual rainfall measurements taken over multiple decades at official weather stations. Data sources include meteorological services, scientific research institutions, and long-term climate records. Rainfall amounts are measured in millimeters and converted to inches for accessibility. The measurements represent the total precipitation received over a full calendar year, including all forms of precipitation such as rain, drizzle, and mist.

List of Rainiest Places on Earth

10. Puu Kukui, Maui, Hawaii, USA - 9,293 mm (365.9 inches)

Puu Kukui, the highest peak in the West Maui Mountains, experiences some of the heaviest precipitation in the Hawaiian Islands. At 1,764 meters (5,788 feet) elevation, the mountain creates an effective barrier against the prevailing trade winds, resulting in an average annual rainfall of 9,293 millimeters.

The mountain's unique topography and proximity to the Pacific Ocean create ideal conditions for orographic precipitation. The relentless downpours have sculpted deep valleys and created numerous streams and waterfalls throughout the region. Fascinatingly, Puu Kukui means "candlenut hill" in Hawaiian, and the area is home to the rare silversword plant (Argyroxiphium sandwicense), which can only survive in these unique alpine conditions. The area's isolation and challenging terrain have preserved ancient Hawaiian ecosystems that remain largely untouched by human development, making it a living laboratory for studying endemic species adaptation to extreme humidity.

9. Mount Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii, USA - 9,763 mm (384.4 inches)

Mawsynram, located in Meghalaya state, is famous for its extraordinary precipitation. This small village receives an average of 12,000 millimeters of rain annually, making it one of the rainiest places on Earth. The area's extraordinary rainfall is attributed to its unique geographical position and the powerful monsoon systems that affect the region.

The village's location in the Khasi Hills creates a natural funnel that channels moist air from the Bay of Bengal, resulting in almost constant downpours during the monsoon season. The area's residents have adapted to the extreme weather conditions, with traditional architecture designed to handle the constant precipitation. Remarkably, Mawsynram means "abode of clouds" in the local Khasi language, and the village experiences rainfall on average 300 days per year. Local residents use traditional "knups" - umbrellas made from bamboo and banana leaves - to protect themselves from the constant rain. The perpetual humidity has created lush tropical vegetation and numerous waterfalls that cascade down the hillsides. The area is so wet that residents use grass as soundproofing material in their homes, and the constant moisture has created unique cave systems and underground rivers that are among the most extensive in the world.

8. Big Bog, Maui, Hawaii, USA - 10,272 mm (404.4 inches)

Tutunendo, a small town in Colombia's Chocó Department, experiences some of the heaviest precipitation in South America. The town receives an average of 11,770 millimeters of rain annually, making it one of the wettest places on the continent. The area's high rainfall is attributed to its location near the equator and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

The town's position in the Chocó biogeographic region creates unique weather patterns that result in almost constant downpours throughout the year. The area's isolation and challenging terrain have preserved one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, with numerous endemic species adapted to the perpetually wet conditions. Remarkably, Tutunendo is located in the Chocó-Darién ecoregion, which receives more precipitation than any other place in the Americas. The constant humidity has created a unique ecosystem where tropical rainforests meet the Pacific coast, making it home to species found nowhere else on Earth, including the critically endangered Chocó toucan and numerous amphibian species that thrive in these extreme climate conditions.

7. Debundscha, Cameroon - 10,299 mm (405.5 inches)

Cherrapunji, located in India's Meghalaya state, has long been famous for its extraordinary precipitation. The town receives an average of 11,122 millimeters of rain annually, with some years recording even higher amounts. The area's high rainfall is primarily due to the powerful monsoon systems that affect the region.

The town's location on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills creates ideal conditions for orographic precipitation. During the monsoon season, moist air from the Bay of Bengal is forced to rise over the mountains, resulting in heavy downpours. The area's unique limestone geology has created numerous caves and underground rivers that are fed by the constant precipitation. Fascinatingly, Cherrapunji was once considered the wettest place on Earth until Mawsynram surpassed it, and the area is famous for its "living bridges" - suspension bridges made from the roots of rubber trees that grow stronger with each monsoon season. These remarkable bridges can support up to 50 people at once and take 15-20 years to become fully functional. The constant humidity has created a unique ecosystem where tropical vegetation thrives in the perpetually wet conditions, making it a remarkable example of human adaptation to extreme climate.

6. San Antonio de Ureca, Equatorial Guinea - 10,450 mm (411 inches)

Cropp River, located in New Zealand's West Coast region, experiences some of the heaviest precipitation in the Southern Hemisphere. The area receives an average of 11,516 millimeters of rain annually, primarily due to its exposure to the prevailing westerly winds from the Tasman Sea.

The Southern Alps create a natural barrier that forces moist air masses to rise and release their moisture as rainfall. The area's remote location and challenging terrain have made it one of the most pristine wilderness areas in New Zealand. Interestingly, Cropp River is part of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and the constant downpours have created numerous waterfalls and carved deep valleys through the mountainous landscape. The area is so wet that it's home to the world's largest tree ferns (Dicksonia squarrosa), which can grow up to 6 meters tall in the perpetually humid conditions. This extreme climate has created a unique ecosystem that rivals the biodiversity found in other extreme weather locations like the worst hurricanes in the world.

5. Cropp River, New Zealand - 11,516 mm (453.8 inches)

San Antonio de Ureca, located on Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea, is the wettest place in Africa. This remote location receives an average of 10,450 millimeters of precipitation annually, making it one of the rainiest places on the continent. The area's high rainfall is attributed to its equatorial location and the island's mountainous terrain.

Bioko Island's position in the Gulf of Guinea creates unique weather patterns that result in almost constant downpours. The area's isolation has preserved pristine tropical rainforests and unique wildlife, including several endemic species. Remarkably, Bioko Island was once connected to the African mainland during the last ice age, and the constant humidity has created numerous rivers and streams that cascade down the island's volcanic slopes. The island is home to the critically endangered Bioko drill monkey, which has adapted to survive in these perpetually wet conditions, making it a unique example of biodiversity in extreme climate conditions.

4. Cherrapunji, India - 11,122 mm (437.9 inches)

Tutunendo, a small town in Colombia's Chocó Department, experiences some of the heaviest precipitation in South America. The town receives an average of 11,770 millimeters of rain annually, making it one of the wettest places on the continent. The area's high rainfall is attributed to its location near the equator and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

The town's position in the Chocó biogeographic region creates unique weather patterns that result in almost constant downpours throughout the year. The area's isolation and challenging terrain have preserved one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, with numerous endemic species adapted to the perpetually wet conditions. Remarkably, Tutunendo is located in the Chocó-Darién ecoregion, which receives more precipitation than any other place in the Americas. The constant humidity has created a unique ecosystem where tropical rainforests meet the Pacific coast, making it home to species found nowhere else on Earth, including the critically endangered Chocó toucan and numerous amphibian species that thrive in these extreme climate conditions.

8. Big Bog, Maui, Hawaii, USA - 10,272 mm (404.4 inches)

Cherrapunji, located in India's Meghalaya state, has long been famous for its extraordinary precipitation. The town receives an average of 11,122 millimeters of rain annually, with some years recording even higher amounts. The area's high rainfall is primarily due to the powerful monsoon systems that affect the region.

The town's location on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills creates ideal conditions for orographic precipitation. During the monsoon season, moist air from the Bay of Bengal is forced to rise over the mountains, resulting in heavy downpours. The area's unique limestone geology has created numerous caves and underground rivers that are fed by the constant precipitation. Fascinatingly, Cherrapunji was once considered the wettest place on Earth until Mawsynram surpassed it, and the area is famous for its "living bridges" - suspension bridges made from the roots of rubber trees that grow stronger with each monsoon season. These remarkable bridges can support up to 50 people at once and take 15-20 years to become fully functional. The constant humidity has created a unique ecosystem where tropical vegetation thrives in the perpetually wet conditions, making it a remarkable example of human adaptation to extreme climate.

9. Mount Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii, USA - 9,763 mm (384.4 inches)

Mawsynram, located in Meghalaya state, is famous for its extraordinary precipitation. This small village receives an average of 12,000 millimeters of rain annually, making it one of the rainiest places on Earth. The area's extraordinary rainfall is attributed to its unique geographical position and the powerful monsoon systems that affect the region.

The village's location in the Khasi Hills creates a natural funnel that channels moist air from the Bay of Bengal, resulting in almost constant downpours during the monsoon season. The area's residents have adapted to the extreme weather conditions, with traditional architecture designed to handle the constant precipitation. Remarkably, Mawsynram means "abode of clouds" in the local Khasi language, and the village experiences rainfall on average 300 days per year. Local residents use traditional "knups" - umbrellas made from bamboo and banana leaves - to protect themselves from the constant rain. The perpetual humidity has created lush tropical vegetation and numerous waterfalls that cascade down the hillsides. The area is so wet that residents use grass as soundproofing material in their homes, and the constant moisture has created unique cave systems and underground rivers that are among the most extensive in the world.

10. Puu Kukui, Maui, Hawaii, USA - 9,293 mm (365.9 inches)

Lloro, a small town in Colombia's Chocó Department, holds the world record for the highest average annual precipitation. This remote location receives an average of 13,300 millimeters of rain annually, making it the rainiest place on Earth. The area's extraordinary rainfall is attributed to its unique geographical position in the equatorial region and proximity to both the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains.

The town's location in the Chocó biogeographic region creates a perfect storm for precipitation. Moist air from the Pacific Ocean is forced to rise over the western slopes of the Andes, resulting in almost constant downpours throughout the year. Remarkably, despite receiving more rain than anywhere else on Earth, Lloro paradoxically suffers from water scarcity during dry periods due to the rapid runoff of rainwater from the steep mountain slopes. The area's isolation and challenging terrain have preserved one of the most pristine tropical rainforests in the world, with numerous endemic species adapted to the perpetually wet conditions. The constant humidity has created a unique ecosystem where biodiversity reaches extraordinary levels, making it a living laboratory for studying climate adaptation in extreme conditions. This extreme climate creates conditions that are the opposite of the driest places on Earth, where water scarcity defines the landscape.

Summary of the Top 10 Rainiest Places on Earth

Conclusion

The world's rainiest places demonstrate the incredible power and diversity of Earth's climate systems. From the monsoon-soaked mountains of India to the tropical peaks of Hawaii, these locations receive rainfall amounts that would be considered impossible in most parts of the world. The extreme precipitation in these areas has shaped unique ecosystems, created stunning natural landscapes, and presented both challenges and opportunities for the people who call these places home.

Understanding these extreme weather patterns is crucial for climate science, as they represent the upper limits of precipitation on our planet. As climate change continues to affect weather patterns worldwide, studying these rainiest places provides valuable insights into how precipitation systems work and how they might change in the future. These locations remind us of the incredible diversity of our planet's climate and the remarkable adaptations that life has made to survive in even the most extreme conditions. For those interested in exploring other extreme weather phenomena, consider reading about the hottest places on Earth or the coldest places on Earth to gain a complete picture of our planet's diverse climate systems.