Rainfall, also known as precipitation, is an essential element of the Earth’s water cycle, and it varies greatly across different regions of the world. Some areas receive abundant rainfall, while others are relatively dry. Here are the top 10 countries with the most rainfall in the world, based on average annual precipitation data:
- Mawsynram, India – This small village in the Indian state of Meghalaya holds the record for the highest annual rainfall in the world, with an average annual precipitation of around 11,871 millimeters (467.4 inches). Its location on the windward side of the Himalayas makes it prone to heavy monsoon rains.
- Cherrapunji, India – Another village in Meghalaya, India, Cherrapunji is known for its lush green landscape and receives an average annual precipitation of around 11,777 millimeters (463.7 inches). It holds the record for the highest annual rainfall in a single year, with 26,471 millimeters (1,042.2 inches) of rainfall between August 1860 and July 1861.
- Tutunendo, Colombia – Located in the Chocó Department of Colombia, Tutunendo receives heavy rainfall due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the moist air from the prevailing trade winds. It has an average annual precipitation of around 11,770 millimeters (463.4 inches).
- Cropp River, New Zealand – With an average annual precipitation of around 11,516 millimeters (453.0 inches), Cropp River in New Zealand’s South Island holds the record for the highest annual rainfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Its location in the Southern Alps makes it prone to heavy rainfall.
- San Antonio de Ureca, Equatorial Guinea – This village in Equatorial Guinea, located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, receives heavy rainfall due to its tropical rainforest climate. It has an average annual precipitation of around 10,450 millimeters (411.4 inches).
- Debundscha, Cameroon – Debundscha, located on the slopes of Mount Cameroon, is known for its high rainfall, which is caused by the moist air coming from the Gulf of Guinea. It has an average annual precipitation of around 10,299 millimeters (405.5 inches).
- Big Bog, Hawaii, United States – Located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, Big Bog receives heavy rainfall due to its high elevation and the moist air coming from the Pacific Ocean. It has an average annual precipitation of around 10,272 millimeters (404.0 inches).
- Mount Waialeale, Hawaii, United States – Another location in Hawaii, Mount Waialeale, holds the record for the highest annual rainfall in the United States. It has an average annual precipitation of around 10,239 millimeters (402.0 inches) and is known for its lush green vegetation.
- Ambalafao, Madagascar – This village in Madagascar receives heavy rainfall due to its location in the eastern part of the island, which is influenced by the moist air from the Indian Ocean. It has an average annual precipitation of around 10,210 millimeters (401.6 inches).
- Emei Shan, China – Emei Shan, a mountain located in Sichuan province, China, is known for its high rainfall, which is caused by its elevation and the moist air coming from the Pacific Ocean. It has an average annual precipitation of around 10,110 millimeters (397.6 inches).
It’s important to note that precipitation levels can vary from year to year and that these rankings are based on historical data. The actual rainfall in these regions may fluctuate due to natural climate patterns, global warming
The Top 10 Countries With The Least Rainfall In The World
- Egypt – Egypt is known for its arid and dry climate, particularly in the regions of the Sahara Desert and the Sinai Peninsula, which receive very little rainfall. Some areas in Egypt receive less than 25 millimeters (1 inch) of rainfall per year on average.
- Libya – Like Egypt, Libya is largely covered by the Sahara Desert, which makes it one of the driest countries in the world. Many parts of Libya receive less than 25 millimeters (1 inch) of rainfall annually.
- Kuwait – Kuwait is a small country located in the Middle East with a desert climate characterized by hot, dry summers and very little rainfall. Some areas of Kuwait receive less than 50 millimeters (2 inches) of rainfall per year on average.
- Saudi Arabia – Most of Saudi Arabia is covered by the Arabian Desert, one of the largest deserts in the world. As a result, rainfall is scarce, and many areas receive less than 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rainfall per year on average.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – The UAE, known for its iconic city of Dubai, is also predominantly desert with a hot and arid climate. Rainfall is limited, and some areas receive less than 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rainfall annually.
- Yemen – Yemen, located in the Arabian Peninsula, has a mostly arid and desert climate with little rainfall. Some areas of Yemen receive less than 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rainfall per year on average.
- Jordan – Jordan, a country in the Middle East, is characterized by its dry and arid climate, particularly in the regions of the Jordanian Desert and the Dead Sea. Rainfall is sparse, and some areas receive less than 150 millimeters (6 inches) of rainfall annually.
- Oman – Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, has a desert climate with very little rainfall. Many areas in Oman receive less than 200 millimeters (8 inches) of rainfall per year on average.
- Qatar – Qatar, a small country in the Middle East, has a dry and desert climate with minimal rainfall. Some areas of Qatar receive less than 200 millimeters (8 inches) of rainfall annually.
- Tunisia – Tunisia, located in North Africa, has a Mediterranean climate in the coastal areas, but the interior regions are mostly arid and receive very little rainfall. Some areas of Tunisia receive less than 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rainfall per year on average.
It’s important to note that these rankings are based on average annual rainfall data and may vary from year to year. Climate patterns and global warming can also impact rainfall levels in these regions. Water scarcity is a significant challenge in many of these countries, and efficient water management practices are crucial for sustainability and conservation.