Water! That will be the first word when you visit the driest places on earth with less than 0.09 inches of rainfall per year. The hyper-arid desert places give you a challenge regarding survival in the region.
In the worst case, the area is just included in the list of inhabitable because of the less humid environment. Let’s get into the list of the top 10 driest places on Earth.
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1. Pelican Point, Namibia
Pelican Point is Where Desert and Adventure Meet!
Pelican Point is the most photogenic and ideal place for sand surfing. In spite of being the driest place, tourists keep on visiting Pelican Point to have an adventure by surfing on the dunes of sand that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean.
Why it’s Worth a Visit: It’s a congested place with tourists because of the moderate temperature that remains between the spectrum of hot and cold. The rainfall in the region is about 23mm which means most of the year Pelican Point locals have clear skies.
2. Aoulef, Algeria
Aoulef – Where the Heat Never Quits!
Aoulef – Where the Heat Never Quits!
Aoulef is a highly heated place in Algeria. Be prepared for dealing with the long summer and shorter winters in the region. In the hottest month of July, the temperature lies between 44 C and 32.6 C. The rainfall in Aoulef is lower than in Pelican Point which is 12.9 mm.
Hot Tip: This is the reason the terrain used to cover with lower sand and shine with sunrise and sunset.
3. Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Antarctica’s Dry Valleys – Where Ice Meets Aridity!
You can find the driest place in the south too. These are the cluster of valleys that receive less rainfall. The main reason behind the less humidity is the evaporation of water and ice because of Katabatic winds. These are the wind that blows at the speed of 199 mph and get hotter on reaching the south.
Frozen Fact: In these valleys, it’s not just dry; it’s downright icy!
4. Aswan, Egypt
Aswan – A Historical Oasis in the Dry Desert!
Aswan is located in the south of Egypt with an average rainfall of 0.861. The less humid winds are in tune with the rest of Egypt.
Why Visit: Aswan has one of the busiest markets in Egypt and remains congested with tourists, making it a hot spot for travelers. The city lies on the Tropic of Cancer and reaches 41.9 C in summer.
5. Atacama Desert, Chile
Atacama Desert – Where Rain is a Rare Guest!
One of the towns of the Atacama Desert did not receive rain for around 400 years between 1570 to 1971. You can best describe the place as a coastal desert located in South America.
Did You Know: The average rainfall in the whole region is pretty high compared to all the other driest places on the list. The temperature of the Atacama Desert remains bearable most of the time of the year.
6. Ica, Peru
Ica – From Penguins to Desert Heat!
Ica is the capital of the Department of Ica and borders the Atacama Desert where the lower humidity is inherited by the region.
Historical Hint: According to history, Ica was pretty cold, which is evident by the remains of penguins found in the area. Now the hot environment of the region is non-supportive to most of the vegetation and plants. Ica receives around 209 mm of rainfall annually.
7. Wadi Halfa, Sudan
Wadi Halfa – Where Temperatures Reach the Extreme!
Wadi Halfa is located in the northern state of Sudan. Geographically, Halfa is part of the Namibian desert that used to be part of the Sahara Desert.
Temperature Talk: In the winter season, the temperature reaches 27 C while in summer it reaches 118 C. The average rainfall of Wadi Halfa is lower than 2.45mm.
8. Rub Al-Khali, Arabia
Rub Al-Khali – Land of Endless Sand!
Rub Al-Khali is part of Oman and remains an empty land with sand dunes. It stretches up to picturesque 620 miles with gypsum plains.
Desert Dos and Don’ts: Don’t just hitch-hike across the land without any professional because the region has no facility available during the journey. The lesser precipitation level, 36mm, is the reason for the absence of any water body and vegetation.
9. Luxor, Egypt
Luxor – Palaces Amidst Dryness!
Literally, Luxor means the palaces as the town has most of the ruined palaces present in the region. The rich culture and historical sites of the places attract most tourists even with their high dryness.
Weather Check: The summer temperature of Luxor is around 40 C and in winter, it’s lower down to 22 C.
10. Arica, Chile
Arica – The Chilean Desert Delight!
Arica has the same intensity of sunshine as the Northern Sahara Desert. The South American region is one of the driest places on the continent with lesser rainfall of 0.761mm.
Feel the Heat: When you are in Arica, the level of hotness will make you feel as if you are in one of the hottest places in Africa.
FAQs
- Is it safe to visit these extremely dry places? Absolutely! Just make sure to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions for extreme temperatures.
- Can you find any wildlife in these arid regions? While some dry places have unique wildlife adapted to the environment, many are devoid of significant fauna due to the harsh conditions.
- What’s the best time to visit these dry destinations? Visit during the cooler months to avoid scorching temperatures, typically in winter or early spring.
- Are there any special activities to do in these places? Sandboarding, stargazing, and exploring unique landscapes are popular activities in many of these regions.
- How do the locals cope with such low rainfall? Locals in these areas have adapted their lifestyles and agriculture to the arid conditions, often relying on advanced irrigation techniques.
Conclusion
Exploring the driest places on Earth is not just a journey; it’s a test of human resilience and curiosity. From the stunning dunes of Pelican Point to the extreme heat of Arica, each of these places offers a unique experience for adventurous travelers. So, pack your water bottles and sunscreen, and embark on a journey to the most arid corners of our planet. Who knows what hidden wonders you might uncover in these parched landscapes?
For more travel inspiration and tips, visit Tripkrt. Happy travels!