Creative Content Writer & former Tour Guide at HAGGiS Adventures. Scottish travel blogger and adventure lover. Kay enjoys travelling Scotland solo, and has visited 42 Scottish Islands. She loves to live up to stereotypes by dying her hair ginger, and regularly consuming haggis and whisky. A Scottish history geek and all-around chatterbox, she can literally talk for Scotland.
Some will say the perfect holiday weather is 33–40 degrees Celsius with the sun blazing. But what about the folk who already live with sunshine most of the year – or the ones who actually hate the sun? Aye, they do exist. Lots of pale Scots can vouch for that.
Sure, some places are known for sunshine, but others come alive in the rain – misty hills, dramatic coastlines and moody skies that make everything feel a bit more epic. These are the real places to go when it’s raining. The umbrella? Mostly for style.
We’ve bundled up 6 locations that look awesome in the rain. And if the sun decides to make an appearance? Best of both worlds!
1) Scotland: Rainy Days with Highland Views
We’re no stranger to a bit of rain in Scotland, but that doesn’t stop us being one of the most beautiful countries in Europe – and the world! Okay, maybe we’re a wee bit biased.
Honestly though, there’s nothing like a rainy day in Scotland to bring out the drama. Castles like Edinburgh Castle look even more powerful with moody skies behind them, and the Jacobite Steam Train rolls through the Highlands like straight out of a Harry Potter movie. It’s the kind of place where waterproofs are essential, but so is a stop in a cosy pub with a roaring fire.
Rainy Scotland isn’t a letdown – it’s part of the magic. Misty glens, stormy coastlines and that glorious “liquid sunshine” all add to the atmosphere. Just remember, today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.
Looking for ideas on where to go and what to see, rain or shine? Join a braw tour with HAGGiS Adventures and we’ll show you the wild side of Scotland – no matter the weather.
2) Ireland: Rain? Bring it on.
If you’re chasing down places to go when it’s raining, Ireland should be high on the list. Rain just gives the place more character with its mist creeping over hills and cliffs that look like they’ve been brooding for centuries.
It’s the kind of weather that makes stepping into a candlelit pub feel like pure magic. The music kicks off, the fire’s on, and suddenly you’re exactly where you want to be. Rain in Ireland sets the tone.
3) Iceland: Geothermal Wonderland
In Iceland, you’ll likely get a drop of rain no matter when you visit – the weather is famously unpredictable. It’s not known for endless sunshine, but it is known for its dramatic views, scenic hikes and that comforting, windswept atmosphere that makes ducking into a café feel extra cosy. Rainbows are a common sight thanks to the mix of rain and fleeting sunlight, and Reykjavík even has a colourful rainbow-painted street – originally created for Pride – that now adds a cheerful splash of colour to the city, rain or shine. You can explore the famous Golden Circle by coach even on a gloomy day – it’s always stunning, and easily one of the best places to go when it's raining.
4) Japan: Zen Moment in the Rain
When it rains in Japan – especially during the rainy season in June and July, or tsuyu – it doesn’t ruin the day, it just changes the vibe. Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine feels extra special when mist wraps around the torii gates, and after rain, Tokyo’s streets at night glow with bright neon reflections. Everyone’s got a clear umbrella in hand, and there’s something oddly satisfying about slurping hot ramen while the rain taps on the window. One minute you’re hopping puddles, the next you’re lost in a quiet garden that feels like your own. It’s all part of the fun – and Japan knows how to make a rainy day feel pretty magic.
5) Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rainy season runs from May to November, and yeah, you’ll get your fair share of showers – but they usually don’t last long, leaving the air fresh and the forests looking their absolute best. It’s prime time for spotting wildlife, with animals out and about and waterfalls thundering louder than ever. Plus, fewer tourists means places like Manuel Antonio and Monteverde feel a bit like your own secret playground. Just watch out for muddy trails and the odd road delay if you’re heading off the beaten path. Stick to eco-lodges that know how to keep you dry and cosy, and you’ll be loving the jungle sounds and morning mist no matter the weather.
6) Norway: Fjords and Folklore
Rain suits Norway. The fjords go full beast mode after a downpour – waterfalls roar, and the cliffs disappear into thick mist. It’s not hard to see why people once believed trolls lived out here. Bergen, for example, doesn’t bother waiting for clear skies. It’s built for rain, with bright wooden houses, strong coffee, and plenty of shelter. Out in the wild, weather can turn quickly, so waterproofs aren’t optional, and trail updates are worth checking. But if you’re up for a bit of weather, Norway delivers big views and even bigger atmosphere.
The National Museum of Scotland, traditional pubs, or independent coffee shops in Edinburgh are perfect on wet days. Also, nothing beats a moody Highland castle or a whisky distillery tour when the rain’s coming sideways.
Depends how you measure it, but spots in Colombia and India top the charts. Mawsynram in India gets absolutely soaked and it's known as the wettest place on earth!
Aye, absolutely. This is when Scotland looks its best – wild views, moody skies, and whisky that somehow tastes even better.
Waterproof jacket, decent boots, quick-dry layers, and a sense of humour. A compact umbrella doesn’t hurt either, just don’t expect it to survive Highland wind if you're preparing for a trip to Scotland!
For many destinations, visiting during the rainy season means fewer crowds, moodier views, and that smug feeling when you’re warm and dry inside. Rain adds atmosphere. It's how nature shows up, no filters needed.
About the author
Kay Gillespie
