Since it falls in the temperate climate zone, Europe is one of the regions in the world that enjoy the most moderate amounts of rainfall.
The average precipitation in most of Europe is a happy medium between the equatorial regions of the planet, which often receive a huge amounts of rainfall, and the arid tropical and polar areas, which receive the most insignificant precipitation.
However, from one location to another Europe is quite different.
There are parts of the continent where dry and warm weather is prevalent throughout most of the year as well as others where the climate is very humid.
A typical example is the Southwest of Spain and the area of Seville.
Because of its dry weather and high temperatures, the landscape in some places looks like an African desert.
The situation is very similar in the region of Murcia and Alicante in southeastern Spain as well as in parts of southwestern Ukraine, which are known for their dry climate and steppe landscapes.
4. The northwest coast of the Balkans \ Dalmatian coast
You will probably be surprised to learn that one of the rainiest places in Europe is not somewhere else but on the warm and sunny Mediterranean coast.
It comes to Dalmatia – the eastern heavily indented shore of the Adriatic Sea. This is the rainiest place in South and East Europe as well as in the Balkans.
The mountain chain of the Dinaric Alps and the southeastern-most slopes of the Alps form together an almost insurmountable barrier.
It stops the moist air masses coming from the west and do not allow them to invade over the rest of the Balkan Peninsula.
Usually the wet air masses and extra tropical cyclones accumulated in the Atlantic lose most of their power while crossing the Iberian Peninsula.
However, reaching the warm waters of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea, they accumulate new energy and often reach the Dalmatian coast even more powerful than before.
Reaching the coast of Slovenia and Croatia, moist air masses face a serious climate barrier – the mountain chain of the Dinaric Alps, which follows the west coast of the Balkans.
Some parts of Slovenia can receive between 2000 and 2500 mm of rainfall per year, which is comparable to some equatorial rain forests.
A typical feature of the local climate is not only the large number of rainy days per year but also the high intensity of rainfall.
Of course, it has its good sides. The combination of heavy rains, warm weather and intense sun makes the nature of Dalmatia one of the most lavish and beautiful in Europe.
3. The southern part of the Alps
According to statistics, the rainiest place in Central Europe is the southern part of the Alps.
This is a very beautiful and scenic corner of Europe, which, however, receives huge amounts of rainfall throughout the year.
This can cause serious floods, landslides and other unpleasant disasters. Some areas receive more than 3000 mm of rainfall, but this is an average amount and may vary from year to year.
The southern half of the Alps covers parts of the territories of Switzerland and northern Italy.
2. The west coast of Norway
The strong influence of the warm Gulf Stream is the main reason for the predominantly mild weather over Northern Europe throughout the year, but it is also the main cause of the heavy rains that fall over the countries from Scandinavia.
Norway is the rainiest Nordic country.
As the relief is mostly mountainous, it plays an important role of a barrier that makes the bulk of the precipitation to fall in the coastal regions of western Norway.
Compared with Sweden and Finland, Norway has a much more humid and rainy climate.
It is impressive to note that the precipitation in some areas of the country may reach the impressive 3000 mm per year, which is one of the largest quantities in Europe.
Here you can find the city of Bergen, which is considered to be the rainiest city on the continent. Norway usually receives the bulk of its rainfall in autumn and winter.
Spring and summer are generally less rainy. Moist air masses are one of the main reasons for the gloomy and overcast weather in western Norway.
1. The west coast of Scotland
There are places along the west coast of Scotland that, according to statistics, receive over 3,000 mm of rain per year, which makes this part of Europe one of the rainiest places on the continent.
However, it is believed that in some years the rainfall can reach even to the record amount of about 6000 mm, which is unseen in other parts of Europe!
The number of rainy days per year reaches around 250, and in most cases the rainfall is very intense.
On the west coast of Scotland the probability of rain is huge, so if you are planning to visit this place, do not leave the house or the hotel where you are staying at without an umbrella.
This part of Scotland receives most of its rainfall in autumn and during the early winter season.
If you are looking for the rainiest place in Scotland and in all of Europe, this is Glen Etive Highlands.
This area is very beautiful and attractive for tourism. Despite the harsh climate, the landscapes are just breathtaking.
