The ten Rainiest Cities within the U.S.

Some folks want sunny climate, others just like the rain. Whereas sunnier cities have been fashionable migration locations for the previous few years, rainier cities are sometimes more affordable and have many benefits, together with cleaner, better-smelling air and luxurious nature. 

So, in case 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 want the solar and are in search of locations to keep away from, or love the rain and snow and simply need extra, we’ve compiled a listing of the rainiest cities within the U.S. that can assist you transfer with confidence. Learn on to study extra and uncover if one among these cities is best for you.

What’s wet climate?

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 a whole bunch of days with measurable precipitation however have decrease rainfall totals, whereas others see numerous solar and obtain large quantities of rain. 

So, for our functions of figuring out the “rainiest” cities, this checklist will give attention to cities that obtain essentially the most days with measurable precipitation. Afterward, we’ll additionally go over the cities with the best annual rainfall totals. 

Maintain studying to see Redfin’s rankings of the rainiest cities within the U.S.

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 also be the snowiest major metropolitan area within the nation, receiving round 130 inches of snow per yr. A notoriously cloudy, chilly, however energetic metropolis, Syracuse is a hub for schooling, 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 continuously. Robust lake effect snowstorms are additionally an indicator of the area within the winter. Summer time is the driest time of yr. 

In case you’re contemplating shopping for a house in Syracuse, NY, you’ll discover that the median dwelling sale worth is round $160,000, properly under the nationwide common. Or, in case you’re pondering of renting an condominium, the common month-to-month hire worth for a one-bedroom condominium is about $1,050.

2. Buffalo, New York

• Common annual wet days: 167 days
• Common annual precipitation: 40.48 inches

Buffalo is the second rainiest metropolis within the US. Whereas it may be dreary in the course of the winter and spring, there’s so much to like in regards to the metropolis. It’s often called the City of Good Neighbors, and has well-known craft beer, historic structure, sports activities groups, and bountiful nature.

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 very frequent right here within the winter, particularly within the Southtowns, generally dropping greater than six feet of snow in a single storm. Winters are typically moist, whereas summers are pretty dry. 

Wish to transfer to the realm? Shopping for a house in Buffalo will price a median of $200,000, which is under the nationwide common. In case you’re pondering of renting an condominium, the month-to-month hire worth for a one-bedroom condominium averages $1,380. 

Study extra about residing in Buffalo.

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 filled with points of interest and landmarks, and is understood for its pure harbors, lovely parks, and wealthy industrial historical past. 

Much like different close by cities, a lot of the realm’s rain and snow 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. 

In case you’re contemplating shopping for a house in Erie, PA, you’ll discover that the median dwelling sale worth is about $125,000, lower than half the nationwide common. Or, in case you’re contemplating renting an condominium, anticipate the common worth for a one-bedroom condominium to be round $1,200.

Study extra about residing in Erie.

4. Rochester, New York

• Common annual wet days: 162 days
• Common annual precipitation: 34.27 inches

The final of the Upstate cities, 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 Trail scenic byway, you’re positive to search out one thing to like right here.

Like different close by cities, Rochester sees most of its precipitation from the Nice Lakes, and is vulnerable to sturdy lake impact snowstorms. Nonetheless, it sees much less rain than Buffalo and Rochester on account of its extra jap location and funky, thunderstorm-killing air. 

If shifting to Rochester sounds interesting, you’ll discover the median dwelling sale worth to be $175,000, far under the nationwide common. In case you’re trying to hire an condominium, the common price of a one-bedroom condominium is $1,505. 

Study extra about residing in Rochester.

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 dwelling to numerous points of interest, together with well-known performing arts facilities, sturdy industries, and plentiful nature. Town was traditionally identified for its airship improvement. 

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. 

Shopping for a house in Akron will price a median of $130,000, which is lower than half the nationwide common. In case you’re pondering of renting an condominium, the month-to-month hire worth for a one-bedroom condominium averages $1,380. 

Study extra about residing in Akron.

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 generally is a great place to name dwelling. It’s additionally positioned in the midst of the Rust Belt and has sturdy industrial roots. 

Like each different metropolis on this checklist, a lot of the rain within the space comes from the Nice Lakes, together with bigger storm methods shifting throughout the Midwest. Late summer season is the driest time of yr in Cleveland. 

In case you’re contemplating shopping for a house in Cleveland, OH, you’ll discover that the median dwelling sale worth is about $125,000, lower than half the nationwide common. Or, in case you’re contemplating renting an condominium, anticipate the common worth for a one-bedroom condominium to be round $1,200.

Study extra about residing in Cleveland.

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. Town receives most of its rain from the Pacific Ocean, which gives gentle, cool air and lightweight rain for a majority of the yr. Seattle is understood for its expertise, in addition to having a well-known meals scene, limitless out of doors actions, world-renowned landscapes, and a top quality of residing. Spring and summer season are the most effective 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, simply an hour south of Seattle, receives almost 50 inches of rain per yr over 163 days (its inhabitants is simply too small for our checklist, although). 

If shifting to Seattle sounds interesting, you’ll discover the median dwelling sale worth to be $810,000, properly above the nationwide common. In case you’re trying to hire an condominium, the common price of a one-bedroom condominium is round $2,300. 

Study extra about residing in Seattle.

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. and the final positioned close to the Nice Lakes. Generally known as the Metal Metropolis and the Metropolis of Bridges, Pittsburgh is understood for its industrial roots, sturdy sports activities scene, and quick access to pure splendor and concrete facilities. 

Pittsburgh will get numerous its precipitation from the Nice Lakes, principally within the cooler months. Nonetheless, it additionally advantages from sitting on the western fringe of the Appalachian mountains. Because of this 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. 

Shopping for a house in Pittsburgh will price a median of $253,000, which is under the nationwide common however above close by metros. In case you’re pondering of renting an condominium, the month-to-month hire worth for a one-bedroom condominium averages $1,381. 

Study extra about residing in Pittsburgh.

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 much less continuously as a result of it’s additional inland and south. Dwelling to legendary parks, area of interest eating places, markets, museums, and extra, Portland has one thing for everybody. 

The 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 scale back it. 

In case you’re contemplating shopping for a house in Portland, OR, you’ll discover that the median dwelling sale worth is about $517,000, almost twice the nationwide common. Or, in case you’re contemplating renting an condominium, anticipate the common worth for a one-bedroom condominium to be round $1,497.

Study extra about residing in Portland.

10. Salem, Oregon

• Common annual wet days: 144 days
• Common annual precipitation: 39.67 inches

The capital of Oregon, Salem, is the final metropolis on our checklist, receiving rain for simply over a 3rd of the yr. Curiously, Salem sees larger rainfall totals than Portland and Seattle, however over the course of fewer days. It’s because stronger storms can stream extra freely throughout the flat valleys round Salem. Temperatures are additionally typically hotter, which contributes to stronger storms. 

The Salem space is understood for its sturdy lecturers, lovely pure environment, abundance of wine, and quick access to each the coast and close by mountains. 

If shifting to Salem sounds interesting, you’ll discover the median dwelling sale worth to be $440,000, above the nationwide common. In case you’re trying to hire an condominium, the common price of a one-bedroom condominium is $1,324. 

Study extra about residing in Salem.

Rainiest cities primarily based on annual precipitation complete

Many U.S. cities see solar for almost all of the yr, but additionally 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 think about in case you’re planning on shifting. 

Listed below are the rainiest main U.S. cities primarily based on common complete rainfall per yr: 

1. Cell, Alabama: 65.28 inches
2. New Orleans, Louisiana: 62.45 inches
3. West Palm Seashore, Florida: 62.33 inches
4. Miami, Florida: 61.90 inches
5. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 60.65 inches
6. Tallahassee, Florida: 59.23 inches
7. Wilmington, North Carolina: 57.61 inches
8. Huntsville, Alabama: 54.34 inches
9. Jackson, Mississippi: 54.32 inches
10. Birmingham, Alabama: 53.72 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. All of those cities have very high flood risks as a result of frequency and severity of rainfall.

How is precipitation altering?

Due to climate change, a lot of the world is receiving extra precipitation, however in stronger, 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 more intense wet seasons. 

Methodology

These lists include annual precipitation information for main cities with over 100,000 residents based on the 2020 census. 2020 Comparative Climatic Data was obtained from the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its subsidiary, the Nationwide Facilities for Environmental Data (NCEI).