Grey clouds hung over the sky as intermittent rain swept across Cox’s Bazar beach on Wednesday, transforming the world’s longest natural sandy beach into a striking monsoon landscape and drawing visitors eager to experience its seasonal charm.
At Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni points, tourists were seen strolling along the shore with umbrellas, splashing in the surf, taking photographs, and enjoying the cool weather despite the rain.
The familiar sunlit coastline has given way to a different scene during the monsoon, with overcast skies, rolling waves, salty sea breeze and gentle showers creating a tranquil atmosphere that many visitors find equally captivating.
‘The beach looks completely different in the rain. The cloudy sky, the falling rain and the vast sea together create a wonderful experience. Watching the sea while getting drenched is truly special,’ said Sumaiya Akter, a tourist from Dhaka.
Rakib Hasan, who travelled from Chattogram, said he was initially disappointed when it started raining after his arrival but soon realised the weather had enhanced the beauty of the beach.
‘The sea looks even more beautiful in the rain, so we decided to enjoy it instead of staying indoors,’ he said.
Local residents were also seen walking along the shoreline, some carrying umbrellas while others embraced the rain. Many stopped to capture the monsoon scenery on their mobile phones.
‘The beach has its own beauty in every season,’ said local resident Mohammad Irfan. ‘It looks different in the rain, different in the sunshine and calmer in winter. We are fortunate to have grown up in a city by the sea.’
The rainy weather often gives the coastline a dramatic appearance as dark clouds merge with the horizon, waves crash against the shore and raindrops dance across the wet sand.
However, lifeguards urged visitors to remain cautious, warning that rough sea conditions could be dangerous. Red warning flags remained hoisted along the beach, indicating that swimming was unsafe.
Senior lifeguard Mohammad Osman said Sea Safe lifeguards were on duty from morning until evening at the Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points to ensure visitors’ safety and discourage them from entering hazardous waters.
Although the monsoon season generally sees fewer visitors than the peak tourist months, the rain-soaked landscape continues to attract travellers seeking to experience a different side of Cox’s Bazar, where the beauty of the beach extends well beyond bright, sunny days.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
