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Vacation Oddities: 7 Extreme Weather Vacations

posted in: World  |  posted by: Jennifer Gregory on January 26, 2010  |  1 Comment

Do you spend a lot of time searching for the perfect vacation destination – one that’s not too hot, not too cold, and not too rainy?

Some snow photos taken near Denver, Colorado

Well, imagine being one of the few and proud who actually enjoy visiting the very places you strive to avoid. Where do those who like scorching heat, frigid cold, and sopping wet vacations go? Here are a few of their favorite spots.

7. Antarctica – Coldest & Windiest

The ship and the iceberg for scale, Cierva Cove, Antarctica (better in full view)

The temperatures in Antarctica during the winter months usually hover between -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 Celsius) and -94 degrees Fahrenheit (-70 Celsius) There was one day, in July of 1983, where the temperatures actually fell to -129 degrees Fahrenheit (-89 Celsius).

A gentoo penguin in Petermann Island, Antarctica

It’s always windy there, too, with an average wind speed of 12 miles per hour – except, of course, for the whiteout blizzard days when the winds gust to speeds of 200 miles per hour. More fun that a roller coaster, right?

6. Yakutsk, Russia – Frigid Cold

108 - yakutsk

Those in love with extreme cold will also enjoy a trip to Yakutsk, Russia. During the month of January, temperatures in Yakutsk drop to as low as -84 degrees Fahrenheit (-64 Celsius) on a regular basis.

yakutsk sunset_0243

The weather is so cold, in fact, that schools and businesses don’t close unless the temperature goes below -67 degrees Fahrenheit (-55 Celsius). Head six time zones over, however, and you’ll find that a cozy Moscow hotel room is probably a better vacation destination with cold, but not frightening, temperatures.

5. Lloro, Colombia – Wet and Rainy

Excessive rains flood papaya field and countryside

Look – we all acknowledge that a little rain is good for the world. It keeps the ground moist, ensures we have plenty of drinking water, helps the plants grow, and generally makes the world go round. Lloro, Colombia, however, is surrounded by rainforests and receives more than 40 feet – that’s 480 inches – of rain every year. That averages out to well over an inch a day. Don’t forget to pack your umbrella.

4. Mawsynram, India – Rain, Rain, and more Rain

Way to Mawsynram from Shillong

Getting 480 inches of rain in a year in Colombia is one thing but at least the rain is intermittent (we assume). In Mawsynram, India, however, rainy days are the norm as well. As a matter of fact, Mawsynram clocks in well over 39 feet, or 468 inches, of rain each year as well. The rain just never seems to stop here, though. At one point it rained for two years straight. Oh – and just to add a bit of irony – the area regularly experiences water shortages because the ground can no longer absorb the water the people need.

3. Arica, Chile – Dry

Arica, Chile Colcas de Huaylacan

In Arica, Chile, on the other hand, things can be rather dry throughout the year. The city is home to more than 200,000 people and happens to be located on the Pacific Coast, yet we have no idea how they manage to survive. Arica receives a mere .03 inches of rain every year.

2. Mt. Baker, Washington – Snowiest

09-15-07 Mt. Baker WA

Mt. Baker, Washington is reported to be the snowiest vacation destination around. That’s right – you do not need to be the coldest in the world to be the snowiest. During the 1998 – 1999 winter season, this incredible mountain clocked in more than 1,140 inches (or 95 feet) of wintery goodness.  Anyone ready to ski?

1. El Aziza, Libya – Hot! Hot! Hot!

approaching jachabub in libya. after crossing 72 km of dunes.

Travelers who enjoy a warm climate – a very warm climate – should consider a trip to El Aziza in Libya. El Aziza is the current record holder for having clocked the highest temperature in the world – ever. On a particularly warm day in 1922, the mercury in the thermometer rose to a disturbing 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 Celsius). Hopefully everyone had air conditioning on that day. Why you would want to go to a place where the temperature rises above 100 Fahrenheit (37.7 Celsius) on a regular basis is beyond us but if you do go, please don’t forget your suntan lotion.

If you don’t mind extreme shifts in temperature, feet of snow, or arid climates – visit one of these incredible destinations. If you’d prefer something a little less extreme you might to stay a bit closer to home!

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