Different people have different preferences when it comes to weather – some enjoy sunny days, while others prefer the rain. Following the pandemic, sunnier cities became popular migration destinations, but rainier cities offer affordability and numerous benefits, such as cleaner air and lush nature.
If you’re contemplating a move to a new area but are unsure where to go, we’re here to assist you. Whether you’re a sun lover looking to avoid it or someone who enjoys rain and snow and wants more of it, we’ve compiled a list of the rainiest cities in the U.S. to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to explore these cities and see if one might be the right fit for you.
How we determine the rainiest cities
Before delving into the rainiest cities, let’s establish our criteria. There are two methods to determine if a city is rainy:
This can lead to confusion, as some cities may have numerous days with precipitation but lower total rainfall, while others may have less frequent precipitation but higher amounts. For our list, we will focus on cities with the most days of measurable precipitation to determine the “rainiest” cities. Additionally, we will also cover cities with the highest annual rainfall totals.
Continue reading to discover Redfin’s rankings of the rainiest cities in the U.S. with a population of 100,000 or more.
What are the rainiest cities in the U.S.?
1. Syracuse, New York
- Average annual rainy days: 172 days
- Average annual precipitation: 38.47 inches
Syracuse, NY, is the rainiest city in the U.S., experiencing rain or snow on nearly half of the days each year. Known for its snowy winters, Syracuse is also renowned for being the snowiest city in the U.S., with around 110 inches of snow annually. The city’s location near the Great Lakes contributes to its high precipitation levels. The phenomenon of “lake effect” precipitation, where colder air passes over warmer lakes, leading to rain or snow, is common in Syracuse due to its proximity to Lake Ontario.
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2. Buffalo, New York
- Average annual rainy days: 167 days
- Average annual precipitation: 40.48 inches
Buffalo, NY, is the second rainiest city in the U.S., known for its dreary winters and abundance of snow. Despite the challenging weather, Buffalo offers a lot to its residents, including a strong sense of community, craft beer culture, historic architecture, and proximity to Niagara Falls. The city receives most of its precipitation from the Great Lakes, with lake effect snow being a common occurrence in the winter.
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3. Erie, Pennsylvania
- Average annual rainy days: 162 days
- Average annual precipitation: 42.16 inches
Erie, PA, located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, is a paradise for rain enthusiasts. The city benefits from its proximity to the lake, receiving a significant amount of precipitation from lake-effect storms. With nearly 13 inches more rainfall than the national average, Erie experiences consistent rain throughout the year, with higher levels in winter and spring.
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4. Rochester, New York
- Average annual rainy days: 162 days
- Average annual precipitation: 34.27 inches
Rochester, NY, the fourth rainiest city in the U.S., is known for its historical significance in flour and seed production. Situated near the Great Lakes, Rochester experiences most of its precipitation from this water source, resulting in strong lake effect snowstorms during winter. Despite being wet, Rochester sees less rain than Buffalo due to its eastern location and cooler air.
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5. Akron, Ohio
- Average annual rainy days: 156 days
- Average annual precipitation: 39.62 inches
Akron, OH, known as the Rubber Capital of the World, is a vibrant city with a rich industrial history and diverse neighborhoods. The city receives precipitation from Lake Erie and other sources, making it a moderately rainy city compared to its northeast counterparts.
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6. Cleveland, Ohio
- Average annual rainy days: 156 days
- Average annual precipitation: 39.14 inches
Cleveland, OH, situated on the shores of Lake Erie, is known for its museums, sports culture, and industrial heritage. The city experiences rain from the Great Lakes and storm systems moving across the Midwest. Late summer is the driest season in Cleveland, with spring and fall offering ideal weather conditions.
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7. Seattle, Washington
- Average annual rainy days: 156 days
- Average annual precipitation: 37.72 inches
Seattle, WA, is known for its rainy reputation, with most of its precipitation coming from the Pacific Ocean. The city offers a high quality of life, renowned technology sector, and diverse outdoor activities. While Seattle experiences frequent rain, it is often in a rain shadow behind the Olympic Mountains, resulting in less rainfall compared to neighboring cities.
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8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Average annual rainy days: 154 days
- Average annual precipitation: 38.19 inches
Pittsburgh, PA, known as Steel City and the City of Bridges, is the eighth rainiest city in the U.S. The city receives precipitation from the Great Lakes and benefits from its location near the Appalachian mountains, leading to varied weather patterns throughout the year.
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9. Portland, Oregon
- Average annual rainy days: 153 days
- Average annual precipitation: 36.03 inches
Portland, OR, is a unique city with a fair amount of rain throughout the year. Most of its precipitation comes from the Pacific Ocean, offering a mild and cool climate for residents. The city experiences warm and dry summers, while fall, winter, and spring are characterized by consistent rain.
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10. Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Average annual rainy days: 147 days
- Average annual precipitation: 39.40 inches
Grand Rapids, MI, Michigan’s second-largest city, experiences rain for over a third of the year, with consistent distribution throughout the year. The city’s location near Lake Michigan results in ample moisture for lake-effect precipitation, making it prone to heavy snowfall in winter. Grand Rapids offers a great living environment with art museums, craft beer culture, and an affordable cost of living.
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