Rain is a part of life in many places, but some cities and towns take it to the extreme. These places see hundreds of inches of rainfall every year, yet people continue to call them home. From misty mountain villages to drizzly coastal cities, these locations prove that no amount of rain can wash away a strong community.
Here are 10 of the wettest places on Earth where people still live—and surprisingly, even thrive!
1. Mawsynram, India
Mawsynram holds the world record for annual rainfall, getting an average of 467 inches (11,871 mm) per year. Located in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya, this village is constantly drenched in rain due to the monsoon season.
Despite the endless downpours, people here have adapted by using thick grass to soundproof their roofs from the rain. The region’s stunning waterfalls and green landscapes make it one of the most breathtaking places in the world—if you don’t mind getting wet!
2. Cherrapunji, India
Just a few miles from Mawsynram, Cherrapunji is another rain-soaked town in Meghalaya. It once held the title of the world’s wettest place before being overtaken by its neighbor. On average, it receives 463 inches (11,777 mm) of rain per year.
Despite the heavy rainfall, Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges, which are woven from tree roots to withstand flooding. The town also faces a surprising problem—water shortages! Because the rain runs off quickly into rivers, locals often struggle with drought conditions in the dry season.
3. Tutunendo, Colombia
Nestled in the Chocó region of Colombia, Tutunendo experiences 354 inches (8,991 mm) of rain annually. It’s one of the wettest places in the world outside of Asia. Unlike many other rainy places, Tutunendo doesn’t have a dry season—it rains almost every single day.
The warm, tropical climate means that even with all the rain, temperatures stay pleasant. The locals have adapted to constant showers, embracing the lush forests and rivers that make their region so unique.
4. Cropp River, New Zealand
On the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Cropp River gets around 453 inches (11,516 mm) of rain per year. In one record-breaking event, it received 41 inches (1,042 mm) in just 48 hours!
The area is largely uninhabited, but small communities still exist nearby. The heavy rain fuels New Zealand’s spectacular fjords and waterfalls, making the region a magnet for adventurers and nature lovers.
5. Debundscha, Cameroon
Sitting at the base of Mount Cameroon, Debundscha sees 405 inches (10,287 mm) of rain each year. The town’s location near the equator and the mountain’s elevation create the perfect conditions for near-constant rain.
Despite the wet weather, Debundscha remains a small but active community. The rainfall supports dense rainforests and fertile farmland, making it an important agricultural region.
6. Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Hilo is the wettest city in the U.S., receiving an average of 126 inches (3,200 mm) of rain per year. The Big Island’s lush rainforests thrive in the constant showers, creating a paradise for nature lovers.
The heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, but Hilo’s residents have adapted with elevated houses and well-drained streets. Despite the near-daily rain, Hilo remains a popular place to live, thanks to its stunning scenery and relaxed island lifestyle.
7. Yakushima, Japan
Yakushima, a small island in southern Japan, receives 176 inches (4,470 mm) of rain per year. It’s famous for its ancient cedar forests, which inspired the landscapes in Studio Ghibli’s film Princess Mononoke.
Locals joke that it rains “35 days a month”, and for good reason—it’s extremely rare to experience a completely dry day here. Despite the wet weather, Yakushima is home to a thriving fishing and tourism industry.
8. Quibdó, Colombia
Quibdó is another rain capital of Colombia, getting 297 inches (7,550 mm) of rain per year. Like Tutunendo, it experiences rain nearly every day of the year, with little variation between seasons.
The rain doesn’t slow the city down. Quibdó is the capital of the Chocó region, known for its rich Afro-Colombian culture, vibrant music scene, and lively festivals—rain or shine!
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9. Bellenden Ker, Australia
Bellenden Ker in Queensland, Australia, is the wettest place in the country, receiving 331 inches (8,410 mm) of rain annually. Located in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, it’s surrounded by some of the world’s most diverse rainforests.
The region is home to researchers and conservationists who study its unique ecosystem. While few people live permanently in Bellenden Ker itself, nearby towns embrace the wet weather as part of life in the Australian tropics.
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10. Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Nicknamed the “Rain Capital of Alaska,” Ketchikan gets 153 inches (3,886 mm) of rain per year. Located in the state’s southeastern Panhandle, the town experiences almost constant drizzle, mist, or full-on rain.
Despite the wet weather, Ketchikan is a thriving community. Fishing, tourism, and art are central to the town’s identity. Locals have embraced the rain, often saying: “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.”
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