From endless sand dunes to icy wind-swept valleys, some places on Earth are so dry that rainfall is a rare event. These hyper-arid zones receive less than 0.09 inches (2 millimeters) of precipitation per year and often go decades without a single drop. Let’s dive into 10 of the driest places on Earth and explore what makes them so extreme and fascinating.
Pelican Point, Namibia
Pelican Point sits along Namibia’s coast, where golden dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being arid, the climate is surprisingly mild, which attracts sandboarders and outdoor adventurers year-round.
This region only receives about 1 inch (23 millimeters) of rainfall annually, with a cool desert climate classified as BWk. Thanks to a comfortable temperature range and over 2,600 hours of sunshine per year, Pelican Point is both dry and pleasant for tourists.
Aoulef, Algeria
Aoulef is located deep in Algeria’s Sahara region and boasts one of the harshest desert climates on the planet. With summer highs soaring above 111°F (44°C), this town is not for the faint of heart.
Rainfall here is practically nonexistent, averaging just 0.05 inches (12.9 millimeters) per year. The intense heat and dry conditions create glimmering sandscapes that attract desert explorers, despite the relentless sun and minimal shade.
Dry Valleys, Antarctica
The Dry Valleys are a surprising entry on this list. Located in Antarctica, this icy desert receives almost no precipitation at all. Despite being surrounded by glaciers, the valleys remain ice-free due to strong katabatic winds that prevent snow accumulation.
These winds can reach speeds of up to 199 mph (320 km/h), warming as they descend and evaporating any moisture. Stretching over 2,900 square miles, the Dry Valleys are some of the most extreme and desolate landscapes on the continent.
Aswan, Egypt
Aswan, in southern Egypt, is a city that lives under the sun. With average summer temperatures exceeding 107°F (42°C), it’s among the hottest urban areas in the world.
Rainfall is incredibly rare here—averaging less than 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) a year. The skies stay clear most of the time, offering around 4,000 hours of annual sunshine. Despite the intense dryness, Aswan remains a cultural and historical hub, famous for its open-air markets and river cruises.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile’s Atacama Desert is often called the driest non-polar desert in the world. In some areas like Calama, there was no recorded rainfall for nearly 400 years.
Rainfall across the region averages only 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) annually. The desert’s dryness results from the cold Humboldt current, which limits cloud formation. Though desolate, parts of the desert occasionally bloom with mauve-colored flowers after rare rainfalls, drawing thousands of visitors.
Ica, Peru
Ica, the capital of its namesake region in southern Peru, is a dry, sunny escape that borders the Atacama Desert. With an annual average rainfall of 0.11 inches (2.9 millimeters), it remains extremely arid.
Despite this, Ica is a popular destination for tourists looking to ride sand dunes and explore ancient history. The dry conditions even help preserve mummies, making Ica a fascinating destination for archaeology enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Wadi Halfa, Sudan
Wadi Halfa, located in northern Sudan, endures some of the most punishing desert weather on Earth. It receives just under 0.1 inches (2.5 millimeters) of rainfall per year.
This sun-drenched town is part of the greater Sahara and sees up to 4,300 hours of sunshine annually. With summer temperatures often exceeding 118°F (48°C), Wadi Halfa holds the distinction of being one of the hottest and driest inhabited locations on the globe.
Rub Al-Khali, Arabia
Known as the Empty Quarter, Rub Al-Khali is the largest continuous sand desert in the world, covering parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Yemen.
With rainfall rarely exceeding 1.4 inches (36 millimeters) annually, this desert lives up to its name. Its red and white dunes stretch endlessly across the horizon. Extreme temperatures and a lack of water make survival here challenging, yet it continues to attract desert tour groups and documentary crews.
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor may be known for its ancient temples and archaeological marvels, but it’s also one of the driest places on Earth. Many parts of the region don’t see rain for years at a time.
The climate is extremely dry with temperatures regularly reaching over 104°F (40°C) in summer. With an average humidity of 40% and nearly 4,000 hours of sunshine each year, Luxor is both sun-drenched and bone dry. Tourists typically visit during the cooler months to enjoy the history without the searing heat.
Arica, Chile
Topping the list is Arica, a port city in northern Chile that receives less than 0.03 inches (0.76 millimeters) of rain annually. That’s right—it hardly ever rains.
Despite the low rainfall, Arica has high humidity levels due to ocean proximity and cloud cover. However, moisture rarely reaches the ground. Surrounded by the Atacama Desert and cooled by the Humboldt Current, Arica is a paradox of wet air and dry earth.
These 10 locations show just how varied and extreme our planet can be. From icy wastelands to scorching deserts, these are the places where rainfall is rare, and dryness defines the landscape. Whether for research, tourism, or the thrill of the harsh unknown, these destinations continue to intrigue explorers and adventurers around the world.
