Weather plays a significant role in shaping the identity of a region. For instance, coastal cities like Astoria, OR, experience cloudy weather for the majority of the year, while desert cities like Phoenix, AZ, enjoy clear skies throughout the year.
When deciding on a place to live, considering the weather and climate is crucial. Whether you prefer sunny and warm weather or rainy days, understanding the type of weather that suits you best is essential when choosing a city to reside in. So, if you are contemplating a move, continue reading to explore the cloudiest cities in the U.S. and determine if they align with your preferences.
Defining Cloudy Weather
Before delving into the cloudiest cities, it is important to establish what constitutes cloudy weather. Cloudiness is categorized into four categories: mostly clear (or sunny during daytime), partly cloudy/sunny, mostly cloudy, and cloudy/overcast.
- Mostly clear: 1/8th sky coverage by clouds
- Partly cloudy: 3/8-5/8ths sky coverage by clouds
- Mostly cloudy: 6/8-7/8ths sky coverage by clouds
- Cloudy: 7/8ths or more sky coverage by clouds.
This list focuses on the cloudiest category, cloudy. Read on to discover the cloudiest cities with a population exceeding 100,000 based on their annual number of cloudy days.
Top Cloudiest Cities in the U.S.
1. Anchorage, Alaska
239 cloudy days annually
Anchorage, AK, the northernmost major city in the U.S., tops the list as the cloudiest city. With over 65% of the year covered in dense cloud cover, the city experiences this due to large-scale atmospheric rivers and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Surprisingly, the summer months witness more dense cloud cover.
Anchorage offers a wealth of wild and breathtaking landscapes, many of which are easily accessible by a short drive. If you plan to relocate to Anchorage, make sure to make the most of the long summer days and incredible northern lights viewing opportunities. However, be prepared for the city being the second-coldest major city in the U.S, with climate change potentially leading to warmer and snowier winters.
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2. Seattle, Washington
226 cloudy days annually
Seattle, WA, known as the epitome of the Pacific Northwest, is a rapidly growing city located on the Puget Sound amidst the Cascade and Olympic mountains. Despite its gloomy weather, which is a source of pride for locals, the city experiences consistent rainfall and cloud cover throughout most of the year, influenced by weather patterns from the Pacific.
With the iconic Mount Rainier (Tahoma) serving as a backdrop, Seattle is renowned for its recreational activities and tech-centric culture. Must-visit attractions include Pike Place Market, the Amazon Spheres, the Space Needle, and the Seattle Great Wheel.
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3. Portland, Oregon
222 cloudy days annually
Portland, OR, renowned for its unique charm, experiences a considerable amount of cloud cover. Similar to Seattle, Portland’s climate is heavily impacted by the Pacific Ocean, albeit being slightly warmer and drier. The city boasts four distinct seasons, including sunny summers and cool winters.
Home to numerous eclectic restaurants, boutique shops, and local breweries, Portland is easily navigable by public transportation. The city’s residents often prefer walking or biking around its accessible streets. Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in Forest Park, the largest urban forest in the country, and enjoy easy access to the Columbia Gorge and the stunning Oregon coastline.
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4. Eugene, Oregon
209 cloudy days annually
Eugene, OR, known as the birthplace of Nike, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated just two hours south of Portland, the city experiences a climate similar to its northern neighbor. Referred to as TrackTown USA, Eugene hosts Olympic trials and major football games at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.
Ideal for those seeking a mid-sized city with a small-town vibe, Eugene offers easy access to craft breweries and wineries in the Pacific Northwest. The city’s proximity to both the coast and mountains makes it a popular destination for outdoor lovers. Thanks to its amenities, Eugene has seen consistent population growth over the past three decades.
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5. Buffalo, New York
208 cloudy days annually
Buffalo, NY, known for its snowy winters and vibrant sports scene, ranks as the fifth cloudiest city in the U.S. Situated near Niagara Falls and a short distance from New York City, Buffalo is a popular relocation spot. The city is also recognized for its social activism and progressive arts scene.
The region experiences significant cloud cover due to its proximity to the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie. The cooler air crossing the milder lake gathers moisture, leading to cloud formation and occasional rain or snow. This meteorological phenomenon is known as the lake effect, prevalent from late fall to early spring, resulting in heavy snowfall.
Interestingly, Buffalo tops the list of cities with at least partly cloudy days (3/8ths cloud cover) at 310 days, narrowly surpassing Anchorage and Seattle, translating to 85% of the entire year. Other Rust Belt cities share a similar cloudiness trend.
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6. Salem, Oregon
208 cloudy days annually
Situated in the picturesque Willamette Valley, Salem, OR, a small college town doubling as the state capital, experiences relatively cool and cloudy weather throughout the year, with warm and sunny summers. The city’s location between the ocean and mountains contributes to its climate.
The region boasts numerous wineries and vineyards, attracting wine enthusiasts seeking local tastings. The state capitol building showcases art from local artists, while Salem hosts the Oregon State Fair and various festivals annually.
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7. Grand Rapids, Michigan
205 cloudy days annually
Grand Rapids, MI, a thriving city famous for its culinary and craft beverage scene, is affectionately known as Beer City. Situated near Lake Michigan and a short drive from Detroit, the city is renowned for its diverse array of craft breweries along the Beer City Ale Trail.
The city experiences significant snowfall in winter and drizzly weather in fall and spring, typical of cities near the Great Lakes. Cloudy and gloomy weather is common outside the summer season.
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8. Syracuse, New York
205 cloudy days annually
Located amidst Lake Ontario, Lake Onondaga, and Oneida Lake, Syracuse, NY, a bustling city with a small-town ambiance, experiences significant cloud cover due to its proximity to the Great Lakes. Despite the cloudy weather, the city offers a range of outdoor attractions, including the Erie Canal, Chittenango Falls, and Labrador Hollow, showcasing the beauty of the Finger Lakes region.