Some folks desire sunny climate, others just like the rain. Whereas sunnier cities have been well-liked migration locations following the pandemic, rainier cities are sometimes extra reasonably priced and have many advantages, together with cleaner, better-smelling air and plush nature.
So, for those who’re contemplating shifting to a brand new space however aren’t positive the place to decide on, we’re right here to assist. Whether or not you want the solar and are searching for locations to keep away from, or love the rain and snow and simply need extra, we’ve compiled an inventory of the rainiest cities within the U.S. that will help you transfer with confidence. Learn on to study extra and uncover if one among these cities is best for you.
How we decide the rainiest cities
Earlier than diving into the rainiest cities, let’s outline our phrases. There are two methods to calculate whether or not a metropolis is wet:
This may create confusion. For instance, some cities see tons of of days with measurable precipitation however have decrease rainfall totals, whereas others see a number of solar and obtain large quantities of rain.
So, for our functions of figuring out the “rainiest” cities, this listing will deal with cities that obtain probably the most days with measurable precipitation. Afterward, we’ll additionally go over the cities with the very best annual rainfall totals.
Hold studying to see Redfin’s rankings of the rainiest cities within the U.S. with a inhabitants of 100,000 or extra.
What are the rainiest cities within the U.S.?
1. Syracuse, New York
- Common annual wet days: 172 days
- Common annual precipitation: 38.47 inches
The rainiest metropolis within the U.S. is Syracuse, NY, seeing rain or snow on almost half of the times every year. Recognized for its white winters, Syracuse can be the snowiest metropolis within the U.S., receiving round 110 inches of snow per 12 months. A notoriously cloudy, chilly, however full of life metropolis, Syracuse is a hub for schooling, leisure, and recreation.
Syracuse is so moist due to its location close to the Nice Lakes. It is because colder air that enters the area from the west or northwest travels east over the comparatively hotter lakes, turning into rain or snow. That is referred to as “lake impact” precipitation. Syracuse is simply east of Lake Ontario, so it sees this sample incessantly. Sturdy lake impact snowstorms are additionally a trademark of the area within the winter. Summer season is the driest time of 12 months, however precipitation is widespread year-round.
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2. Buffalo, New York
- Common annual wet days: 167 days
- Common annual precipitation: 40.48 inches
Buffalo is the second-rainiest metropolis within the U.S. and one of many finest locations to reside in New York. Whereas it may be dreary throughout the winter and spring, there’s loads to like in regards to the metropolis. It’s often known as the Metropolis of Good Neighbors and has well-known craft beer, historic structure, sports activities groups, and world-class healthcare. Plus, it’s solely half-hour from Niagara Falls.
The town primarily receives precipitation from the Nice Lakes, however usually in bigger portions than the close by cities of Syracuse and Rochester. Lake impact snow is very widespread right here within the winter, particularly within the Southtowns, typically dropping greater than six toes of snow in a single storm. Winters are usually moist, whereas summers are pretty dry.
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3. Erie, Pennsylvania
- Common annual wet days: 162 days
- Common annual precipitation: 42.16 inches
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Erie, PA is a superb spot for rain lovers. This Rust Belt metropolis is stuffed with sights and landmarks, and is thought for its pure harbor, lovely parks, and wealthy industrial historical past. An in depth-knit neighborhood and compact downtown make it a great spot to reside.
Much like different close by cities, a lot of the world’s precipitation comes from lake-effect storms, that are extra highly effective the additional east you go. Erie receives almost 13 inches extra rainfall than the contiguous U.S. nationwide common of 29.94 inches. It additionally sees pretty constant rain all year long, though it’s wetter within the winter and spring and driest in the summertime.
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4. Rochester, New York
- Common annual wet days: 162 days
- Common annual precipitation: 34.27 inches
The final of the Upstate cities on our listing, Rochester is the fourth-rainiest metropolis within the US. Often called each the “Flour Metropolis” and the “Flower Metropolis” for its historical past of flour and seed manufacturing, Rochester is a gateway to the remainder of the state. Inside 400 miles of 14 states, main metropolitan areas, the well-known Finger Lakes Area, and the Seaway Path scenic byway, you’re positive to search out one thing to like right here. On a dry day, try Higher Falls or the well-known Public Market.
Like different close by cities, Rochester sees most of its precipitation from the Nice Lakes, and is liable to robust lake impact snowstorms. Nevertheless, it sees much less rain than Buffalo and Rochester attributable to its extra jap location and funky, thunderstorm-killing air.
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5. Akron, Ohio
- Common annual wet days: 156 days
- Common annual precipitation: 39.62 inches
Often called the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron is a small Northern Ohio metropolis with an enormous footprint. The city is dwelling to varied sights, together with well-known performing arts facilities, robust industries, and plentiful nature. The town was traditionally recognized for its airship improvement and in the present day incorporates a stunning downtown surrounded by numerous neighborhoods.
Akron receives numerous precipitation from close by Lake Erie, though lower than cities additional northeast. Different rain often comes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
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6. Cleveland, Ohio
- Common annual wet days: 156 days
- Common annual precipitation: 39.14 inches
Situated simply north of Akron on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland, OH, is the sixth-rainiest metropolis within the US. Recognized for its museums, pure magnificence, and sports activities tradition, Cleveland could be a great place to name dwelling. It’s additionally situated in the midst of the Rust Belt and has robust industrial and musical roots.
Like almost each different metropolis on this listing, many of the rain within the space comes from the Nice Lakes, together with bigger storm techniques shifting throughout the Midwest. Late summer time is the driest time of 12 months in Cleveland, whereas Spring and Fall are the perfect instances to go to.
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7. Seattle, Washington
- Common annual wet days: 156 days
- Common annual precipitation: 37.72 inches
One of many cloudiest cities within the US, Seattle is the poster metropolis of the Pacific Northwest, and a famously wet metropolis. The town receives most of its rain from the Pacific Ocean, which supplies gentle, cool air and light-weight rain for a majority of the 12 months. Nevertheless, rain patterns have been altering because the local weather warms, resulting in much less frequent however stronger rainfall.
Seattle is thought for its expertise, in addition to having a well-known meals scene, infinite out of doors actions, world-renowned landscapes, and a top quality of residing. Spring and summer time are the perfect seasons to go to.
Seattle is definitely typically in a rain shadow behind the Olympic Mountains, which means it receives much less rainfall than cities to the north and south, and particularly west of the mountains. For instance, Olympia, WA, round an hour south of Seattle, receives almost 50 inches of rain per 12 months over 163 days (its inhabitants is just too small for our listing, although).
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8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Common annual wet days: 154 days
- Common annual precipitation: 38.19 inches
Pittsburgh is the eighth-rainiest metropolis within the U.S. Often called each Metal Metropolis and the Metropolis of Bridges, Pittsburgh is known for its industrial roots, robust sports activities scene, and quick access to pure splendor and concrete facilities. In actual fact, its reasonably priced price of residing and revitalized cityscape helped Pittsburgh turn out to be the finest place to reside in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh will get numerous its precipitation from the Nice Lakes, largely within the cooler months. Nevertheless, it additionally advantages from sitting on the western fringe of the Appalachian mountains. Which means that when heat, moisture-rich air arrives from the west, the air is inspired to rain as a way to stand up the gently sloping foothills.
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9. Portland, Oregon
- Common annual wet days: 153 days
- Common annual precipitation: 36.03 inches
Portland, OR, is a famously quirky metropolis that sees a good quantity of rain all year long. Much like Seattle, most of its rain comes from the Pacific Ocean, though barely much less incessantly as a result of it’s additional inland and south. House to legendary parks, area of interest eating places, markets, museums, and far more, Portland has one thing for everybody.
Summers are usually heat and dry, whereas fall, winter, and spring see rain pretty constantly. The close by Columbia River Gorge additionally influences Portland’s climate by funneling robust winds from each the east and west. This may both create extra moisture or cut back it.
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10. Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Common annual wet days: 147 days
- Common annual precipitation: 39.40 inches
Michigan’s second-largest metropolis, Grand Rapids, is the final metropolis on our listing. Grand Rapids sees rain for simply over a 3rd of the 12 months, usually evenly distributed year-round. Like most different Nice Lakes cities, its location close to the lakes supplies loads of moisture for lake-effect precipitation. Lake Michigan is simply to the west, which makes Grand Rapids particularly liable to robust winter snowfall when northwesterly winds blow in from Canada. Summer season thunderstorms are additionally widespread.
Except for soggy climate, Grand Rapids could be a great spot to reside. Artwork museums, craft beer, and an reasonably priced price of residing are main advantages. Plus, for those who don’t thoughts braving the weather, Michigan is stuffed with pure magnificence ready to be explored.
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Rainiest cities primarily based on annual precipitation complete
Many U.S. cities see see solar for almost all of the 12 months, but additionally obtain robust storms that may produce dozens of inches of rain at a time. Whereas these cities aren’t very gloomy, they are often extraordinarily moist, which is a crucial issue to think about for those who’re planning on shifting.
Listed below are the rainiest main U.S. cities primarily based on common complete rainfall per 12 months:
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 68.77 inches
- Miami, Florida: 67.41 inches
- Cellular, Alabama: 67.08 inches
- Beaumont, Texas: 65.07 inches
- New Orleans, Louisiana: 63.35 inches
- Lafayette, Louisiana: 62.81 inches
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 61.94 inches
- West Palm Seaside, Florida: 61.75 inches
- Port St. Lucie, Florida: 61.03 inches
- Wilmington, North Carolina: 60.15 inches
- Tallahassee, Florida: 58.81 inches
- Jackson, Mississippi: 57.35 inches
All of those cities are within the Southern U.S. the place robust storms produce most of their rain. Rain usually comes in the summertime and fall, primarily from tropical storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and different techniques. Moreover, each one has very excessive flood dangers because of the frequency and severity of rainfall.
How is precipitation altering?
Because of local weather change, many of the world is receiving extra precipitation, however in stronger, much less frequent storms. Since 1901, international precipitation has elevated by 0.04 inches per decade, whereas within the decrease 48 U.S. states, it’s elevated by 0.2 inches per decade. That is altering rainfall patterns in historically moist locations, inflicting longer dry seasons and shorter however extra intense moist seasons.
Methodology
This listing incorporates annual precipitation information for main cities with over 100,000 residents. 2023 Comparative Climatic Information was obtained from the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its subsidiary, the Nationwide Facilities for Environmental Info (NCEI). Extra information discovered on the U.S. Local weather Normals database.
