Love monsoon travel? Here are 7 countries best explored in the rainy season

The rainy season isn't always a reason to postpone a holiday. In many destinations, rainfall transforms landscapes, fills waterfalls, boosts wildlife activity and creates memorable travel experiences. Here are seven countries where the wet season can be one of the best times to visit, along with what makes each destination worth exploring.

Japan's rainy season, known as tsuyu, usually runs from early June to mid-July across much of the country. While showers are frequent, they are often light and spread throughout the day rather than constant.The season is especially popular for hydrangea blooms, which colour temple gardens, parks and walking trails. Destinations such as Kyoto, Kamakura and Hakone become greener after the rain, while mist adds a different atmosphere to historic shrines and mountain landscapes. Since the peak summer holiday season has not yet begun, travellers can also find relatively smaller crowds at many attractions.

Costa Rica refers to its rainy months as the "green season" because forests, mountains and national parks become greener after regular rainfall. The wet season generally lasts from May to November.Morning hours are often sunny, with showers arriving later in the day, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. Waterfalls flow at full strength, rainforests are rich with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities improve. Travellers can also find lower hotel rates compared with the country's busiest tourist season.

Vietnam experiences different weather patterns across its regions, but the rainy season can be one of the most scenic times to visit many parts of the country.Northern destinations such as Sapa and Mu Cang Chai see rice terraces transform into bright green landscapes after the rains. Rivers and waterfalls become more dramatic, while cities often experience short afternoon showers instead of all-day rainfall. Those planning a trip should check regional weather conditions, as the timing of the rainy season varies across northern, central and southern Vietnam.

Bali's rainy season generally runs from November to March. Although tropical showers are common, they are usually followed by sunshine, making sightseeing possible on many days.The rain enhances Bali's famous rice terraces, forests and waterfalls, creating greener landscapes than during the dry months. Popular attractions may also be less crowded outside the peak holiday season. Visitors can explore temples, cultural sites, cafés and wellness retreats when showers interrupt outdoor plans.

Sri Lanka experiences two separate monsoon seasons, meaning travellers can often choose one coast while the other experiences rain.The southwest monsoon affects the southern and western regions from around May to September, while the northeast monsoon mainly impacts the eastern and northern parts later in the year. This weather pattern allows visitors to enjoy beaches, wildlife parks, tea plantations and cultural sites in different regions throughout the year with proper planning.

Malaysia's tropical climate brings rainfall throughout the year, but monsoon seasons vary between the east and west coasts.The rainy season makes rainforests, national parks and waterfalls especially attractive. Cameron Highlands becomes greener, while destinations such as Taman Negara offer lush jungle scenery. Since weather differs by region, travellers can often plan around the monsoon by choosing destinations experiencing more favourable conditions.

Rain is common in Iceland throughout much of the year, particularly during autumn. Rather than spoiling the experience, it often enhances the country's natural landscapes.Waterfalls such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss carry greater volumes of water, while moss-covered lava fields and valleys appear greener. Travelling in September and October also offers the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights later in the season, making autumn an appealing time to explore Iceland despite occasional rain.