The ground immediately surrounding your basement is called the excavation overdig. This space is required for the forming of the concrete walls of your foundation.
Soil ends up being loose around the perimeter of the foundation. Because of a lesser density, it tends to become saturated with water. When water falls directly from the roof to the immediate perimeter of the house, it drains faster to the walls and footers of your basement.
Divert water from the roof and surrounding areas of the foundation whenever possible. One way to do it is by installing gutters and a drainage system that diverts water away from the foundation.
An appropriate gutter system will help direct roof water to a suitable location. Gutters can be optimized by the use of extensions to divert the drainage beyond the excavation overdig whenever possible.
Gutters kept in good repair and clean of debris are of great help.