For most people, rain is an inevitable part of life. But in some regions of the world, rain hasn’t fallen for decades—or even centuries. These are places where water is more valuable than gold, where landscapes have been shaped by relentless dryness, and where people have adapted in extraordinary ways to survive.
Where Are the World’s Driest Places?
Some of the longest-lasting droughts on Earth occur in these extreme regions:
- Atacama Desert, Chile – The driest non-polar desert in the world, with some parts having received no measurable rainfall in over 500 years.
- Arica, Chile – Holds the world record for the least rainfall in a city, averaging just 0.03 inches (0.76 mm) per year.
- Dry Valleys, Antarctica – Despite being covered in ice, these valleys see almost no precipitation, making them some of the driest places on Earth.
- Sahel Region, Africa – A semi-arid belt stretching across northern Africa that has suffered prolonged droughts for decades.
What Does Life Look Like in a Place Without Rain?
Visiting a place that has been in drought for 50 years means stepping into a world where water is a rare luxury and survival depends on innovation. Here’s what daily life looks like in these water-starved regions:
1. Water Is More Valuable Than Anything Else
- Water is often collected through fog nets—large mesh screens that capture moisture from the air.
- In some communities, water is delivered by truck once a week, with strict rationing in place.
- Locals rely on underground reserves, melting glaciers, or desalination plants to get drinking water.
2. The Landscape Feels Otherworldly
- The ground is cracked, barren, and completely devoid of vegetation.
- Rocks are coated in a layer of salt left behind from evaporated water sources.
- Sandstorms are common, especially in deserts like the Atacama.
3. Adaptations Are Key to Survival
- Homes are built with materials that trap and retain moisture as much as possible.
- People rely on drought-resistant crops like quinoa and cacti.
- Some cultures have developed diets that require little to no water for cooking.
What’s It Like for Travelers?
- Hydration is crucial. You’ll need to carry large amounts of water because sources are scarce.
- The air can be incredibly dry. Expect cracked lips, nosebleeds, and dry skin.
- Extreme temperature shifts. It can be scorching during the day but freezing at night.
- Dust is everywhere. Sunglasses and a face covering can help protect against sand and wind.
Can a Drought This Long Ever End?
In some cases, yes. Weather patterns can shift unexpectedly, and regions that haven’t seen rain for decades may experience sudden floods when precipitation finally returns. But in many long-term drought areas, climate change and desertification are making water shortages worse, making it unlikely that rain will return anytime soon.
Visiting a place that has been in a drought for 50 years is a humbling experience. It’s a reminder of how fragile ecosystems can be and how communities adapt to seemingly impossible conditions. While travelers can visit and leave, the people who call these places home have spent generations learning to live without rain—turning extreme dryness into a way of life.
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