Climate can outline a area and its id. For instance, Pacific Northwest cities like Seattle, WA are recognized for his or her clouds and rain, whereas desert cities comparable to Phoenix, AZ are dry and clear for a lot of the 12 months.
Nonetheless, an often-overlooked facet of climate is humidity. Humidity performs an essential position in influencing how sizzling the temperature truly feels (the warmth index); excessive warmth plus excessive humidity could be very harmful. Folks residing within the southeastern U.S. know the way a lot humidity can have an effect on each day life.
When deciding the place to dwell, understanding how your physique adapts to humidity is essential. Many individuals choose the sensation of dry warmth, whereas others don’t thoughts the heavier air that comes with excessive humidity. So, when you’re planning to maneuver someplace new, learn on to find probably the most humid cities within the U.S. and see in the event that they’re best for you.
How we outline humidity
Earlier than we dive into probably the most humid cities, let’s outline what humidity is. There are usually 3 ways to measure humidity: relative humidity, absolute humidity, and dew level.
Relative humidity: Usually shortened to simply “humidity,” that is the proportion of moisture within the air in comparison with how a lot it might maintain at a given temperature.
Absolute humidity: The entire quantity of water vapor within the air, no matter temperature.
Dew level: The temperature at which air turns into absolutely saturated, resulting in condensation.
This listing focuses on the primary class, relative humidity. Relative humidity is the commonest manner individuals assume and discuss humidity and the way “muggy” the air feels. Relative humidity is increased when the air temperature is decrease and decrease when air temperature is increased. As such, we’ll additionally point out common annual temperature.
We’ll additionally point out dew factors when doable; they measure the precise moisture within the air, in contrast to relative humidity, which exhibits how saturated the air is at a given temperature. As an illustration, a 35°F day with a 35°F dew level produces 100% relative humidity, however the air gained’t really feel very humid as a result of low water content material. In distinction, a 90°F day with a 70°F dew level ends in solely 52% relative humidity however feels a lot stickier. Larger dew factors at all times really feel extra humid.
Preserve studying to see our rating of probably the most humid cities with over 20,000 residents primarily based on their common annual relative humidity. Afterwards, we’ll briefly listing the least humid cities.
What are probably the most humid cities within the U.S.?
1. Juneau, Alaska
Common annual humidity: 79%
Common annual temperature: 42.1°F
Probably the most humid metropolis within the U.S. is Juneau, AK. Juneau can also be one of many coldest cities within the nation and sees ~90” of snowfall per 12 months.
Juneau is so humid due to its coastal location and chilly local weather. Colder air can maintain much less water, in any case. Temperatures not often surpass 65°F, and precipitation from the lively Northern Pacific is frequent year-round – greater than 250 days throughout a moist 12 months. Fortunately, since temperatures are cool, dew factors are additionally low, so it not often feels very humid.
For those who’re considering of transferring to the world, you’ll love the glacier-filled landscapes, small-town really feel, indigenous tradition, and wealthy historical past. Plus, vigorous residents will greater than make up for the gloomy climate.
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2. San Francisco, California
Common annual humidity: 78%
Common annual temperature: 58.7°F
San Francisco is the second-most humid metropolis in america. Identified for its cool, foggy summers, SF is really a maritime city influenced by the ocean. Rainfall is much less frequent than you would possibly anticipate, however a constant onshore circulation means the air is mostly very damp.
Sometimes, drier offshore wind (from the mainland) blows in and creates sizzling, brittle, sunny situations. This climate sample is conducive to wildfires and is turning into extra frequent all through the Bay Space. Nonetheless, that is uncommon sufficient that it hardly brings down the area’s excessive common humidity.
SF is understood for its tech trade and tradition, historic landmarks, large parks, and exquisite vistas, making it a one-of-a-kind place to name dwelling. There are actually an countless quantity of issues to do. Town is among the many most costly within the nation, although.
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3. Port Arthur, Texas
Common annual humidity: 76.5%
Common annual temperature: 69.9°F
Simply an hour and a half east of Houston, Port Arthur is a small Texas metropolis recognized for its oil trade, cajun cooking, and out of doors recreation. Town sits on Sabine Lake simply throughout from the Louisiana border.
The mix of warmth and humidity turns into an issue within the south. Port Arthur will get its moisture from the nice and cozy waters of the close by Gulf of Mexico, which might create extraordinarily muggy climate. It is because hotter air can maintain extra water, translating to increased dew factors and creating a really humid-feeling local weather. Winters are usually delicate and nice, however summers are sizzling and suffocating.
Dry air generally flows in, which will help with humidity however typically results in hotter temperatures. Extreme climate can also be quite common within the area, with hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flooding all doable
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4. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Common annual humidity: 76%
Common annual temperature: 69.7°F
Lake Charles is the fourth-most humid metropolis within the nation. As one other southern metropolis on the Gulf Coast, stormy climate, heavy rain, and flooding are once more frequent. Lake Charles is simply an hour from Port Arthur, so that they have very related climates.
Lake Charles is understood for its casinos, oil refineries, and seashores. Plus, the world’s value of residing may be very low, so when you can deal with sizzling, humid climate for six months of the 12 months, you might take into account transferring.
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5. Galveston, Texas
Common annual humidity: 76%
Common annual temperature: 72.3°F
Galveston, an oil-rich metropolis on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, is available in at quantity 5 on our listing. Galveston sits alongside the low-lying barrier islands an hour from Houston. 32 miles of shoreline, the well-known Moody Gardens, iconic Galveston Pier, and nostalgic Historic District are just a few highlights.
Galveston’s humidity comes from the Gulf of Mexico, which additionally offers loads of moisture for periodic, heavy rainfall and sizzling, damp summers. Lately, Galveston noticed its hottest August on document, capping off a two-month lengthy warmth wave and months of extended drought. The warmth index commonly surpasses 100°F, generally remaining there for over a day as a result of humid air.
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6. Olympia, Washington
Common annual humidity: 76%
Common annual temperature: 50.5°F
The capital of Washington State and residential to the Evergreen State School Geoducks, Olympia is the sixth-most humid metropolis within the nation. Olympia is understood for its slower tempo of life, out of doors recreation, breweries, and plenty of annual occasions.
Much like Juneau, Olympia is so humid due to its coastal location and delicate local weather. It’s usually wet and gloomy for over half the 12 months, though snow is uncommon. Summers are delicate and sunny. Town solely will get sizzling just a few instances a 12 months, however when it does, it might really feel oppressive. Warmth waves have change into extra frequent lately.
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7. Brownsville, Texas
Common annual humidity: 75%
Common annual temperature: 76.2°F
Positioned on the nice and cozy Gulf Coast just a few hundred miles from the Chihuahuan Desert, Brownsville experiences each sizzling desert warmth and heat coastal humidity. These elements assist the town see extraordinarily sizzling summers and usually heat temperatures year-round. The Rio Grande Valley as a complete may be very sizzling.
Like most of Texas, 2023 was exceptionally sizzling. 2024 introduced warmth waves that pushed the warmth index close to 130°F, with excessive humidity holding in a single day warmth indices above 75°F, which is uncomfortable.
Brownsville is dwelling to attractive seashores, wildlife viewing areas, and walkable state parks. The price of residing is inexpensive, too.
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8. Corpus Christi, Texas
Common annual humidity: 75%
Common annual temperature: 73.0°F
Corpus Christi is one other sizzling Texas metropolis nestled alongside the Gulf of Mexico. Like different cities alongside the Gulf, warmth and humidity can mix to create dangerously heat situations. Through the months-long 2023 warmth wave, Corpus Christi logged a warmth index of 125°F – a document excessive. The variety of 100-degree days in Texas is projected to double by 2036 in comparison with what it was between 2001 and 2020.
Corpus Christi is a small, oil-rich metropolis however has loads going for it. Residents love taking journeys to the close by Padre or Mustang Islands and feeling the nice and cozy, salty breeze. Out of doors fans get pleasure from kayaking within the Laguna Madre and fishing for contemporary seafood, or spending an evening out at one of many many eating places on the town.
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9. New Orleans, Louisiana
Common annual humidity: 75%
Common annual temperature: 70.5°F
The jewel of the Mississippi Delta, New Orleans is constructed alongside the crescent-shaped banks of the Mississippi River. Simply north of the Gulf of Mexico, temperatures are barely cooler than South Texas cities, however very excessive humidity can nonetheless make situations dangerously sizzling. Temperatures not often surpass 100°F, however after they do, the warmth index can soar previous 110°F.
New Orleans has lots going for it. It’s recognized for its vigorous French Quarter, charming Backyard District, and miles of scenic bayous. It additionally boasts world-class music, Creole delicacies, and well-known festivals like Mardi Gras that draw thousands and thousands to the town yearly.
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10. Victoria, Texas
Common annual humidity: 74.5%
Common annual temperature: 71.0°F
Victoria is located within the Golden Crescent of Texas between Corpus Christi and Galveston, about an hour from the Gulf of Mexico. Looking, fishing, and exploring the outside are a few of the hottest issues to do. You’ll discover loads of farms, historic buildings, and humanities alternatives, too. The area can also be well-known for its oil, however manufacturing has steeply dropped over the previous 30 years.
Victoria’s humidity and warmth come from the close by Gulf, however warmth waves can push temperatures a bit increased than cities on the water as a consequence of its extra inland location.
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The ten least humid cities within the U.S.
Many individuals get pleasure from drier climate, particularly in the summertime. If that is you, right here’s an inventory of the least humid U.S. cities primarily based on common annual relative humidity:
Las Vegas, NV: 28%
Phoenix, AZ: 29.5%
Tucson, AZ: 34.5%
El Paso, TX: 35.5%
Albuquerque, NM: 41%
Roswell, NM: 45%
Grand Junction, CO: 46%
Denver, CO: 46.5%
Reno, NV: 47%
Colorado Springs, CO: 49%
What’s the most humid place within the nation?
The outright most humid place within the U.S. is St. Paul, Alaska. St. Paul has a mean annual humidity of 86% – topping out at 93% in July. Most mornings have readings properly above 80%. St. Paul is the first settlement of Saint Paul Island, which is likely one of the Pribilof Islands off the west coast of Alaska. Chilly Bay, positioned among the many Aleutian Islands to the south, is the second most-humid at 83.5%. Nonetheless, they’re a lot too small to make our listing.
St. Paul is so humid as a result of it lies in the course of the ocean, is way from the mainland, and is chilly year-round. Colder air holds much less moisture, so even a small quantity of water vapor can saturate the air and push up relative humidity. Low temperatures additionally imply low dew factors, although, so fortunately the city usually doesn’t really feel very humid.
How is humidity altering?
The world has been heating up quickly. Ending this previous July, there have been 14 straight months of record-breaking temperatures, and 2024 is on observe to be the most well liked on document. This heat has had devastating penalties over the previous 12 months and a half within the type of warmth waves, flooding, drought, and extra.
Humidity can also be anticipated to rise as local weather change continues as a result of hotter air can maintain extra water. Hotter, extra humid air results in extraordinarily excessive warmth indices, which might change into lethal to people. Warmth index extremes are rising a number of instances quicker than air temperatures, too.
The best warmth index within the U.S. reportedly occurred in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1995, when it reached 148°F. Notoriously sizzling cities like Phoenix are too dry to generate excessive warmth indices. The best warmth indices on this planet have occurred close to the Persian Gulf, together with in Iran (180°F) and Saudi Arabia (178°F).
As international warming accelerates, analysis signifies that rising humidity, paired with increased temperatures, will make many areas more and more uncomfortable and even uninhabitable by 2100. Practically 30% of the world’s inhabitants is uncovered to lethal warmth at this time. With out intervention, that share will rise to almost 50%. Cities nearer to the equator are dwelling to the best variety of individuals vulnerable to lethal warmth.
Methodology
This listing incorporates annual relative humidity knowledge for cities with over 20,000 residents. A metropolis’s annual common was calculated by averaging the annual morning and afternoon humidity averages right into a single quantity. Comparative Climatic Information was obtained from a 2023 assessment by the Nationwide Facilities for Environmental Data (NCEI) and its father or mother administration, the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
