Top 10 Driest Places on the Earth

Despite Earth's 71% water coverage, many regions face extreme water scarcity. Hyper-arid deserts, receiving less than 0.09 inches of annual rain on average, and areas experiencing years of drought, paint a stark picture of our planet's driest places. Surprisingly, deserts cover a vast 35% of Earth's landmass, highlighting their significant presence. Let's delve deeper into the characteristics and notable features of each of the listed driest places on Earth:

 

1) Arica, Chile

Arica - Putre & The Andean Highlands (Source: Hurtigruten)

 

µ     Average Rainfall: Approximately 0.03 inches (0.761 millimeters) annually.

µ     Notable Features: Arica is considered one of the driest cities on the continent, located at the "African bend" on South America's western coast. Surprisingly, it serves as a port despite receiving minimal rainfall. The high humidity levels, influenced by the surrounding Atacama Desert's winds, create a unique environment. The air often feels wet, but moisture doesn't reach the ground due to the prevailing winds, resulting in intense sunshine. The city's unique climate and geographical location make it a notable destination.

 

2) Aswan, Egypt

Beautiful ancient archaeological attractions in Aswan (Source: Trips in Egypt)

 

µ     Average Rainfall: Aswan receives an average of 0.033 inches (0.861 millimeters) of rainfall annually.

µ     Notable Features: Aswan, located in South Egypt, experiences a hot desert climate, with temperatures reaching highs of 107.0°F (41.9°C) during summer. Proximity to the Tropic of Cancer contributes to the high temperatures. Despite the arid climate, Aswan is a bustling city with a vibrant market and is a popular tourist destination. The low humidity levels contribute to clear skies and around 4,000 hours of annual sunshine.

 

3) Wadi Halfa, Sudan

Headed to Wadi Halfa, Sudan (Source: the real full house)

 

µ     Average Rainfall: Less than 0.1 inches (2.45 millimeters) annually.

µ     Notable Features: Wadi Halfa, located in the Northern state of Sudan, experiences scorching sunshine for around 4,300 hours annually. It is part of the Namibian desert, which is a segment of the Sahara Desert. The constant sun and high temperatures contribute to a lack of vegetation, minimal clouds, and extremely low annual precipitation. The area's potential evaporation rates are high, making it one of the hottest and driest cities globally.

 

4) Ica, Peru

The vast Ica desert offers a wealth of experiences (Source: Peru travel)

 

µ     Average Rainfall: Ica experiences an average of 0.11 inches (2.9 millimeters) of precipitation annually.

µ     Notable Features: Ica, located in southern Peru, is the capital city of the Department of Ica. The region was not always dry, as evidenced by whale fossils found at an elevation of over 2,000 feet. Tourism is a significant source of revenue, with visitors attracted to sand dunes for surfing and the presence of well-preserved mummies due to low humidity. The region's dry climate supports little vegetation.

 

5) Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth (Source: Telegraph)

 

µ     Average Rainfall: Some parts of the Atacama Desert, such as Calama, received no rain for 400 years. The towns that do receive rainfall average about 0.04 inches (10 millimeters) annually.

µ     Notable Features: The Atacama Desert is a coastal desert stretching over 600 miles in South America. Calama's impressive 400-year rainless period is noteworthy. Some areas experience dense fogs that help maintain temperatures. The high humidity for a desert is due to the Humboldt currents preventing cloud formation. The lack of precipitation is attributed to the cold water from these currents.

 

6) Aoulef, Algeria

Massive sand dunes in Aoulef, Algeria (Source: Medomed)

 

µ     Climate: Aoulef experiences a BWh climate, characterized by hot desert conditions with long summers and brief, relatively mild winters.

µ     Average Rainfall: Only 0.05 inches (12.9 millimeters) annually.

µ     Notable Features: Aoulef is known for its extremely high temperatures, especially in July, where temperatures can reach a maximum of 111.4°F (44.1°C). The arid landscape is dominated by sand dunes, and the low annual rainfall contributes to the scorching conditions. Despite the harsh climate, tourists visit to experience the unique beauty of the region.

 

7) Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Dry Valley, Antarctica a beautiful hiking destination (Source: Cires)

 

µ     Notable Features: Contrary to popular belief, the Dry Valleys in Antarctica are among the driest places on Earth. The region is the largest ice-free area in Antarctica, characterized by extremely low humidity and little to no ice cover. Katabatic winds, descending rapidly due to gravity, contribute to the dry conditions by evaporating water or ice. The area is surrounded by the Transantarctic Mountains, preventing rain clouds from forming.

 

8) Pelican Point, Namibia

Pelican Point, a remote former harbor control station (Source: Timbuktu)

 

µ     Climate: Pelican Point falls under the BWk climate classification, representing a cold desert climate. The temperatures are generally mild.

µ     Average Rainfall: Approximately 1 inch (23 millimeters) annually.

µ     Notable Features: Despite its arid nature, Pelican Point is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque sand dunes that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean. The area attracts visitors interested in sand surfing. The climate is adaptable, with temperatures that do not reach extremes, making it a comfortable location for tourists.

 

9) Rub Al-Khali, Arabia

Exploring the desert landscape of Rub Al-Khali, Arabia (Source: Side Tracked)

 

µ     Average Rainfall: Less than 1.4 inches (36 millimeters) annually.

µ     Notable Features: The Rub Al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is a vast sand desert in the Arabian Peninsula, measuring roughly 620 miles long and 321 miles wide. The terrain features sand dunes and gypsum plains, creating a picturesque but challenging landscape. The climate is hyper-arid, with minimal annual precipitation and low humidity. Tourists are drawn to the area, but navigating it is dangerous due to dried-up lake beds and the lack of water bodies.

 

10) Luxor, Egypt

Discovering Luxor, Egypt (Source: Osiris Tours)

 

Notable Features: Luxor, a town in Egypt, is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, boasting the largest open-air museums and temples. The climate is dry throughout the year, with high temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C) in the summer. Despite the extreme climate, Luxor attracts tourists due to its rich history and architecture. The region experiences abundant sunshine, with up to 4,000 hours annually.