Is Kauai the wettest spot on Earth?

MOUNT WAIALEALE, Kauai — This legendary peak dominates the geography of Kauai, jutting to an altitude of 5,148 feet and constituting possibly the wettest place on Earth. Or possibly the second-wettest, after Mawsynram, a mountain in India.



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As the northernmost large Hawaiian island, Kauai gets exposed to winter rains and front winds more than other islands in the chain. Because of the mountain's shape and height, it lies under the trade wind inversion layer, which keeps trade winds from rising away and escaping before rain can fall.

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Nicknamed the “Garden Isle” for its magically lush appearance, Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on earth. Over 460 inches of rain fall annually on this tiny Hawaiian island, making it prone of some flooding at certain times throughout the year.

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With an average annual rainfall of 41.2 inches, Kauai bags the title the rainiest place in Hawaii. It is also home to one of the planet's wettest spots, Mount Wai'ale'ale. If you worry the rain in Kauai will ruin your holiday, don't. It seldom pours for more than three days straight, and tropical storms are rare.

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Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on the planet. Of course, that's one of the reasons it's also so lush. You can often find sunshine on the southern side, but it's not guaranteed, especially in the winter. Maui receives less rainfall than Kauai.

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Cherrapunji, India The town Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, can be found in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Despite being the second wettest place in the world averaging 11,777 mm of rainfall a year, the region faces acute annual water shortages during the dry months of winter.

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Kauai is the winner It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.

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Kauai sees the heaviest rain of the winter period between December and March. However, even if you are travelling to Kauai in the rainy season, you are unlikely to see rain all day and every day. Generally, it rains overnight and clears up. Otherwise, it may rain sporadically during the day and come out of nowhere.

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This tropical paradise is a dream come true for anyone who loves sun, sand, and endless fun. Kauai is the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and it's brimming with natural beauty, from its lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs to its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

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Kauai is also famous for its stunning natural attractions, from the majestic Waimea Canyon to the awe-inspiring Napali Coast. And let's not forget about the island's rich culture and history, delicious food, and the warm Aloha spirit of its people.

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Located on Spain's southeast coast, Alicante has the highest number of sunny hours in Europe. With an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month (an average month has 730 hours in total, including nighttimes), it's a dream destination for sun lovers. Roughly half of the day, every day, is sunny in Alicante.

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Look no further than Almeria, Spain: Europe's driest city, and indeed one of the least rainy places in the world. At roughly 1,000 years old, the city is a relative youngster in general terms of the Mediterranean, but you can still find your fair share of history here to explore – and let's not forget the weather!

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The 5 Wettest Places On Earth
  1. Mawsynram, India - 11,871mm. The lush landscape surrounding Mawsynram in Meghalaya's Khasi Hills. ...
  2. Cherrapuni, India - 11,777mm. A spectacular waterfall in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. ...
  3. Tutunendo, Colombia - 11,770mm. ...
  4. San Antonio De Ureca, Equatorial Guinea - 10,450mm. ...
  5. Debundscha, Cameroon - 10,299mm.


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The Atacama is the driest place on earth, other than the poles. It receives less than 1 mm of precipitation each year, and some areas haven't seen a drop of rain in more than 500 years. Forget “photo-worthy” or “memorable.” The landscapes here inspired Salvador Dalí paintings.

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