Not all travelers stay away from a destination because of the rain. The rainy season often gets the bad rap of being miserable and not worth the experience. This isn’t always the case in some countries. In fact, there are some destinations that are actually better in the rain.
Costa Rica
The Rainy Season: May-November
Even during the rainy season in Costa Rica, you can still enjoy the sun. In the morning it tends to be nothing more than a drizzle with the downpours usually being in the afternoon. Much of this country is made up of rainforests and dense foliage which looks absolutely beautiful during this time of year. Because there are less tourists in the country during these months, the wildlife tends to come out more so you can easily spot jaguars or monkeys in the forest. It’s also a great time of year to go whitewater rafting as the rapids are in full force.
Rwanda
Rainy Season: February-May
There are actually two rainy seasons in Rwanda: February through the month of May and October through November. However, this country is best visited during the former so you can see all of the mountain gorillas. This endangered species thrives in the cooler, wetter conditions and you can easily find a gorilla tour operator to take you on a trek to see them. The rain does make it a lot more muddier and slightly difficult to navigate, but if you dress appropriately, you should be fine. In addition to the gorillas, you will find that you can still participate in other activities like a guided tour of Nyungwe Forest National Park or a hike to Kamiranzovu Waterfalls.
Thailand
Rainy Season: July-October
Tourists often flock to Thailand during their rainy season because there’s just so much going on. In the months of May and June around Chiang Mai, locals compete in rocket festivals called Bun Bang Fai. They fire PVC and bamboo rockets up into the sky as a way to usher in the rainy season. Visitors can also take a cruise down the Mekong River. Because of the rainy season, the waters are higher so you will find a variety of different cruises to choose from.
Turkey
Rainy Season: October-January
The rainy season in Turkey is only around 4 months long and the activities to partake in will vary with each month. During October, the temperatures tend to be mild. Because the rainy season has just started you will easily find breaks in the rain and can venture out to visit a monument or two. November and December are when travelers should visit Istanbul and take advantage of the lesser crowds. The month of January is a great time to visit a ski resort, such as the ones in Anatolia.
