Some folks desire sunny climate, others just like the rain. Whereas sunnier cities had been fashionable migration locations following the pandemic, rainier cities are sometimes extra reasonably priced and have many advantages, together with cleaner, better-smelling air and luxurious nature.
So, when you’re contemplating shifting to a brand new space however aren’t certain 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 be taught extra and uncover if certainly one 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 could create confusion. For instance, some cities see lots of of days with measurable precipitation however have decrease rainfall totals, whereas others see a lot of solar and obtain large quantities of rain.
So, for our functions of figuring out the “rainiest” cities, this checklist will concentrate on cities that obtain probably the most days with measurable precipitation. Afterward, we’ll additionally go over the cities with the best annual rainfall totals.
Preserve 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 known as “lake impact” precipitation. Syracuse is simply east of Lake Ontario, so it sees this sample often. 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 greatest locations to reside in New York. Whereas it may be dreary through the winter and spring, there’s lots to like concerning the metropolis. It’s often called 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 typically in bigger portions than the close by cities of Syracuse and Rochester. Lake impact snow is particularly widespread right here within the winter, particularly within the Southtowns, typically dropping greater than six ft of snow in a single storm. Winters are typically 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 points of interest and landmarks, and is thought for its pure harbor, stunning parks, and wealthy industrial historical past. An in depth-knit group 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 checklist, Rochester is the fourth-rainiest metropolis within the US. Referred to as 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 certain to seek out one thing to like right here. On a dry day, take a look at 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 susceptible to sturdy lake impact snowstorms. Nonetheless, it sees much less rain than Buffalo and Rochester resulting from its extra japanese 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
Referred to as the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron is a small Northern Ohio metropolis with a giant footprint. The city is dwelling to varied points of interest, together with well-known performing arts facilities, sturdy industries, and plentiful nature. The town was traditionally recognized for its airship growth and immediately incorporates a stunning downtown surrounded by numerous neighborhoods.
Akron receives a variety of precipitation from close by Lake Erie, though lower than cities additional northeast. Different rain normally 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. Recognized for its museums, pure magnificence, and sports activities tradition, Cleveland is usually a great place to name dwelling. It’s additionally situated in the course of the Rust Belt and has sturdy industrial and musical roots.
Like almost each different metropolis on this checklist, many 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 12 months in Cleveland, whereas Spring and Fall are the very best 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 delicate, cool air and light-weight rain for a majority of the 12 months. Nonetheless, 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, countless out of doors actions, world-renowned landscapes, and a top quality of residing. Spring and summer time are the very best seasons to go to.
Seattle is definitely usually 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 simply too small for our checklist, 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. Referred to as each Metal Metropolis and the Metropolis of Bridges, Pittsburgh is known for its industrial roots, sturdy sports activities scene, and easy accessibility to pure splendor and concrete facilities. In reality, its reasonably priced value of residing and revitalized cityscape helped Pittsburgh grow to be the greatest place to reside in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh will get a variety of its precipitation from the Nice Lakes, largely within the cooler months. Nonetheless, it additionally advantages from sitting on the western fringe of the Appalachian mountains. Which means when heat, moisture-rich air arrives from the west, the air is inspired to rain with a purpose 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 often 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 typically 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 could 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 checklist. Grand Rapids sees rain for simply over a 3rd of the 12 months, typically 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 susceptible to sturdy winter snowfall when northwesterly winds blow in from Canada. Summer season thunderstorms are additionally widespread.
Except for soggy climate, Grand Rapids is usually a great spot to reside. Artwork museums, craft beer, and an reasonably priced value of residing are main advantages. Plus, when 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 12 months, 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 crucial issue to contemplate when you’re planning on shifting.
Listed here are the rainiest main U.S. cities primarily based on common whole 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 sturdy storms produce most of their rain. Rain typically 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?
Attributable to local weather change, many 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 checklist incorporates annual precipitation information for main cities with over 100,000 residents. 2023 Comparative Climatic Knowledge was obtained from the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its subsidiary, the Nationwide Facilities for Environmental Info (NCEI). Further information discovered on the U.S. Local weather Normals database.