Some individuals want sunny climate, others just like the rain. Whereas sunnier cities had been in style migration locations following the pandemic, rainier cities are sometimes extra inexpensive and have many advantages, together with cleaner, better-smelling air and luxurious nature.
So, should you’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 just like the solar and are on the lookout 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 can assist you transfer with confidence. Learn on to be taught extra and uncover if one in every of 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 lot of solar and obtain enormous quantities of rain.
So, for our functions of figuring out the “rainiest” cities, this record will give attention to cities that obtain probably the most days with measurable precipitation. Afterward, we’ll additionally go over the cities with the 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 practically half of the times every year. Identified for its white winters, Syracuse can be the snowiest metropolis within the U.S., receiving round 110 inches of snow per yr. A notoriously cloudy, chilly, however energetic metropolis, Syracuse is a hub for training, leisure, and recreation.
Syracuse is so moist due to its location close to the Nice Lakes. It’s 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 effect” precipitation. Syracuse is simply east of Lake Ontario, so it sees this sample steadily. Sturdy lake impact snowstorms are additionally a trademark of the area within the winter. Summer season is the driest time of yr, however precipitation is frequent 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 among the finest locations to reside in New York. Whereas it may be dreary throughout the winter and spring, there’s loads to like concerning the metropolis. It’s referred to 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 frequent 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
Positioned 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. A detailed-knit neighborhood and compact downtown make it an important place to reside.
Much like different close by cities, a lot of the realm’s precipitation comes from lake-effect storms, that are extra highly effective the additional east you go. Erie receives practically 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 record, Rochester is the fourth-rainiest metropolis within the US. Generally known as each the “Flour City” and the “Flower City” 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 seek 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 vulnerable to sturdy lake impact snowstorms. Nevertheless, it sees much less rain than Buffalo and Rochester on account of 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
Generally known as the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron is a small Northern Ohio metropolis with a giant footprint. The city is residence to varied sights, together with well-known performing arts facilities, sturdy industries, and plentiful nature. The town was traditionally recognized for its airship improvement and as we speak comprises a stunning downtown surrounded by various 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
Positioned simply north of Akron on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland, OH, is the sixth-rainiest metropolis within the US. Identified for its museums, pure magnificence, and sports activities tradition, Cleveland could be a great place to name residence. It’s additionally positioned in the midst of the Rust Belt and has sturdy industrial and musical roots.
Like practically each different metropolis on this record, a lot of the rain within the space comes from the Nice Lakes, together with bigger storm methods shifting throughout the Midwest. Late summer time is the driest time of yr in Cleveland, whereas Spring and Fall are the most effective 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 lightweight rain for a majority of the yr. Nevertheless, rain patterns have been altering because the local weather warms, resulting in much less frequent however stronger rainfall.
Seattle is thought for its know-how, in addition to having a well-known meals scene, infinite outside actions, world-renowned landscapes, and a top quality of dwelling. Spring and summer time are the most effective seasons to go to.
Seattle is definitely usually in a rain shadow behind the Olympic Mountains, that 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 practically 50 inches of rain per yr over 163 days (its inhabitants is simply too small for our record, 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. Generally known as each Metal Metropolis and the Metropolis of Bridges, Pittsburgh is legendary for its industrial roots, sturdy sports activities scene, and quick access to pure splendor and concrete facilities. The truth is, its inexpensive price of dwelling and revitalized cityscape helped Pittsburgh change into the most effective place to reside in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh will get numerous its precipitation from the Nice Lakes, principally 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 steadily as a result of it’s additional inland and south. Residence to legendary parks, area of interest eating places, markets, museums, and way 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 sturdy winds from each the east and west. This may both create extra moisture or scale 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 record. Grand Rapids sees rain for simply over a 3rd of the yr, 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 vulnerable to sturdy winter snowfall when northwesterly winds blow in from Canada. Summer season thunderstorms are additionally frequent.
Except for soggy climate, Grand Rapids could be a good spot to reside. Artwork museums, craft beer, and an inexpensive price of dwelling are main advantages. Plus, should you 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 whole
Many U.S. cities see see solar for almost all of the yr, but in addition obtain sturdy 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 vital issue to contemplate should you’re planning on shifting.
Listed here are the rainiest main U.S. cities primarily based on common whole rainfall per yr:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 68.77 inches
Miami, Florida: 67.41 inches
Cell, 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 Seashore, 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 sturdy storms produce most of their rain. Rain usually comes in the summertime and fall, primarily from tropical storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and different methods. Moreover, each one has very excessive flood dangers because of the frequency and severity of rainfall.
How is precipitation altering?
Resulting from local weather change, a lot of the world is receiving extra precipitation, however in stronger, much less frequent storms. Since 1901, world 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 record comprises annual precipitation knowledge 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 knowledge discovered on the U.S. Local weather Normals database.
