12 Rainiest Cities in Europe Where an Umbrella Is Always in Style
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Europe spans several climate zones, and the weather is better in some cities than in others. However, in the rainiest cities, be prepared to get soaked.
In Europe, you can sit on a sunny beach next to palm trees and cacti. Or, you can be caught in a torrential downpour. Where you are depends on if you need extra sunscreen or heavy-duty rain gear.
Holidu, a holiday rental search engine, analyzed weather data from World Weather Online and ranked European cities based on average number of rainy days per month and average daily rainfall. According to the study, these are the 12 rainiest cities in Europe.
Bergen, Norway
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Bergen is a city on the west coast of Norway. It receives 8.8 mm of rain daily and has roughly 13 days of rain per month.
Lush vegetation, waterfalls, and towering fjords surround the city. Because of its southerly location, it stays relatively warm for much of the year. Its high rainfall keeps its forests green, with lush vegetation and epic wildlife.
If you love outdoor adventures and nature, it’s hard to top this beautiful city. When the weather clears up, you can explore the historical harbor of Bryggen or take a cruise out to the fjords.
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Sunderland, United Kingdom
Sunderland is a port city in northeast England, just south of Scotland. In winter, it gets roughly 15 rainy days per month, and its average daily rainfall is 5.6 mm.
The city’s climate keeps it green for much of the year. You’ll see beautiful parks and lush gardens. Plus, the surrounding countryside is covered in green.
In the summer, the rainfall becomes more bearable. This is the perfect time to visit the city’s sights, including the popular Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.
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Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow is third on the list of rainiest cities in Europe. It experiences an average of 11 rainy days per month and 4.7 mm of rain per day.
The city is situated on Scotland’s rainy West Coast. Because of its weather, it stays soaked for much of the year. It also has lush vegetation and beautiful parks.
In winter, you can expect rain nearly every day. But as soon as summer approaches, you’ll have more opportunities to catch the sun shining off the beautiful buildings of Buchanan St.
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Brasov, Romania
Brasav gets around 4mm a day and 8.4 days of rain per month. This makes the Transylvanian city the fourth rainiest in Europe.
The Carpathian Mountains surround the city, trapping moisture and snowfall in the winter. The city stays lush and green, making it an epic place to hike and explore its natural surroundings.
When you visit, you can see historical monuments in the medieval city center, and outside of the city is Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. These eerie sights stand out in the rainy weather like images from your favorite scary movies.
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Augsburg, Germany
Augsburg is another one Europe’s rainiest cities. It gets an average of 4.2 mm of rain a day, with eight rainy days per month.
The city is famous for its historical landmarks and medieval castles. Because of its rainy weather, the surrounding forests are lush, with waterfalls, creeks, and beautiful rivers.
You can see the famous Rathausplatz plaza drenched in rain when you visit. Tour the historical city center or hike through the nearby hills. However, don’t forget to bring your umbrella.
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Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast experiences an average of nine rainy days per month and 3.7mm of rain per day, making it one of Europe’s wettest cities.
The city’s rainfall is extra intense when the winter squalls approach from the North Atlantic. However, even during the drier months, the city gets an almost constant mist, making everything very green.
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You can visit the city’s historical sights and lush parks. Or, drive through the beautiful countryside and see the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Lyon, France
Lyon is located at the base of France’s Rhône-Alpes region. It gets around 4.2mm of rain daily and around eight days a month of rainy weather.
The city experiences fairly uniform precipitation throughout the year. When you visit, prepare for rain no matter which season.
Because of its wet weather, the city’s parks and surrounding nature stay green and lush throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Downtown Lyon is the perfect place to wait out the rain in a cafe or museum or cozy up to a warm meal and a glass of Rhone wine.
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Vigo, Spain
Vigo is a city in the northwestern corner of Spain. It has a rainy climate and is surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, and green mountains.
The city experiences around seven rainy days per month and roughly 5.8 mm of rain a day. Most of the city’s precipitation falls in winter, with November, December, and January being extra moist.
To beat the rain, try visiting in the summer. Then, take a drive through the lush countryside to see beautiful forests, orchards, and coastal views covered in green leaves and wildflowers.
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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is a bustling capital city that gets an incredible amount of rain per year. The city receives around 4.1mm of rain per day and roughly eight days of rainy weather per month.
The city’s rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year, so no matter when you visit, you’ll want to bring a sturdy umbrella. In winter, the city gets regular snowfall.
In the spring and summer, you can see intense wildflower blooms surrounding the city. When you visit, don’t miss the bustling Baščaršija market and Popov Gaj Park when the weather clears up.
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Stockport, United Kingdom
Stockport is a city just south of Manchester in northern England. It gets close to nine rainy days a month and experiences 3.3mm of rain a day.
It stays green and lush for most of the year, with beautiful parks and natural areas nearby. You can drive through the countryside or hike through the nearby forests.
In town, nothing beats sheltering from the rain in a local pub or driving into nearby Manchester to see a football game. The region is home to several of Britain’s biggest bands, including The Smiths and Oasis. Like Seattle, this rainy region produces endless musical talent.
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Milan, Italy
Milan is a city in northeast Italy. Although many parts of Italy are known for their dry and sunny weather, this fashionable city stays soaked for much of the year.
Milan gets an average of eight rainy days per month, with 5.7mm of rain a day. The city stays green for much of the year, with lush parks and gorgeous wildlife.
Most of its rainfall falls in winter, so if you want to visit, try to come in the summer to take advantage of its relatively dry summer weather. If it rains, you’ll have plenty of museums and cafes to relax while watching the rain fall on the city.
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Munich, Germany
Munich gets an average of 3.7mm of rain a day and eight rainy days a month. With so much water, it’s no wonder the city makes so much beer.
When you visit, try driving around the lush countryside and admiring the foothills of the German Alps covered in lush greenery. Or, stay in the city to explore its beautiful parks and gardens.
Nothing beats touring a brewery or two or exploring a museum when it rains. When the weather finally clears up, head to the gardens of Nymphenburg Palace, one of the most incredible green spaces in Europe.
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