It can be easy to be disappointed by the forecast of rain on an upcoming trip but why not embrace the drizzly weather and experience your destination in a whole new light? There’s something magical about exploring a new place in the rain, savoring your time as a passing storm slows down your hectic pace. There's a reason that countless songwriters have waxed lyrical about the rain, as it lends an air of enchantment wherever it falls. From the cobblestone streets of Paris to the lush island of Hawaii, here are places to visit if you love the rain.
Paris, France
Is there a more romantic destination for exploring in the rain? Paris is always delightful, but it takes on a whole new picturesque quality with the addition of a little precipitation. Simple puddles become works of art as they reflect the surrounding Hausmann architecture and street life. Take shelter in one of the many bistros and brasseries that line the Seine and watch the raindrops hit the surface of the river. Stroll through the city's charming covered passages, listening to the rain pound the stained-glass ceilings while you peruse boutiques and bookshops. If the storms do finally start to get to you, duck inside one of the city's 100-plus museums to escape the deluge.
Hoh Rainforest, Washington, U.S.
If you're looking to escape the harsh sun, the Hoh Rainforest in Washington is a sanctuary for many heliophobes, from banana slugs to bobcats. This is the last vestiges of the temperate rainforest that once stretched all the way to British Columbia. A verdant wonderland at the edge of the Olympic Peninsula, the rainforest experiences over 200 inches of rain a year in higher elevations. Visitors come prepared, wrapped in rain jackets as they explore the enchantingly misty and moss-covered trees that feel plucked straight from a fairytale. The Olympic Peninsula hides an entire microcosm of life in its many tidal pools, mountain tops, and deep forests. Don your wellies and experience nature in all its soggy glory.
Western Ireland
Western Ireland is a magnet for the rain due to strong wind patterns and its location at the edge of the sea. Rainy weather blows in off the wild Atlantic Ocean, making this the wettest part of Ireland by far, seeing upwards of 90 inches of rain a year on average. This tumultuous weather is what gave the Emerald Island its nickname and its dense, grassy plains. Galway County is officially the rainiest in the entire country and a great place to visit on a first trip to Ireland. Take refuge in one of Galway city's many pubs by warming by the fire with a Guinness and listening to the never ending stream of live music and the famous craic that fills the air. If you’re willing to brave the elements, head out to the Aran Islands, an isolated, windswept archipelago where unique Irish traditions come alive.
Hilo, Hawaii, U.S.
The tropical island of Hawaii already sees its fair share of rain but Hilo takes the cake as the city with the highest amount of precipitation in the entire United States. It's perhaps not too surprising, given its tropical climate, but the rain only adds to the appeal. Picture gushing waterfalls, azure ocean, and plenty of rainbows, all courtesy of the area's prolific rain. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is a popular base for exploring some of the state's natural wonders like Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the beautiful Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest peak and a dormant volcano. Hawaii is a virtual rainbow factory due to its unique combination of rain, mist, and sun. Make sure you witness one, best seen at the area's numerous waterfalls, like Rainbow Falls itself.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Located on the South Island in a remote cove of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand. This isolated area sees 252 inches of rain a year and an average of 182 days of precipitation but still, the rain is what gives these secluded fjords their magic. Without the abundance of rain, Milford Sound wouldn’t have its incredible waterfalls spilling off its cliff faces or its frequent misty furls. The best way to experience this iconic part of New Zealand is by cruise, gliding in the shadows of towering peaks and getting an up-close look at abundant wildlife and cascading spires of water. Despite the rain, this is truly Aotearoa at its finest and maybe one of the reasons the Māori called it the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador sits right on the edge of both the largest rainforest in the world and the equator, both of which contribute epic amounts of precipitation. Rain falls over 180 days on average, and the city sees two rainy seasons in both the spring and fall. If you want a taste of the jungle without having to get your boots muddy, Quito might just be the place. Roam the colorful colonial buildings in the historic city center and grab a warm cup of canelazo, a traditional warm drink made with cinnamon, when the skies open. Then, when you're ready to venture in the misty rainforest, book a tour into the thick canopy for an experience you won't forget.
