The 10 Rainiest Cities in the U.S.

Notable Insights

• Everett, Syracuse, and Tacoma top the list as the rainiest major cities in the U.S., with measurable rainfall occurring on approximately half of the days in a year.
• The wettest cities are predominantly situated around the Great Lakes and in the Pacific Northwest, where frequent, light rain is a common occurrence.
• Climate change is leading to heavier and more unpredictable rainfall globally, increasing the risk of extreme events such as flooding and drought.

Rain holds a unique charm—it can fall softly like a mist or fiercely like hail, carrying distinctive scents that evoke nostalgia for specific places and shaping the identity of regions. Additionally, rain offers numerous benefits, such as cleaner air and flourishing ecosystems.

Despite sunnier cities being favored as migration destinations post-pandemic, rainier and cloudier cities are often more affordable and currently boast some of the hottest housing markets in the nation.

Excessive rainfall can have devastating consequences, leading to floods, landslides, avalanches, and other disasters, which are becoming more frequent with global warming. Hence, it is crucial to understand the climate of an area before considering relocation or home purchase.

If you are contemplating a move but uncertain about the climate of the destination, we are here to assist. Whether you prefer sunny skies and seek to avoid rain, or adore the rain and desire more, Redfin has compiled a list of the rainiest cities in the U.S. to empower you to make an informed decision about your move. Keep reading to explore and determine if one of these cities aligns with your preferences.

Which cities experience the most rainfall in the U.S.?

Everet, Syracuse, and Tacoma claim the title of the rainiest cities in the U.S., with measurable precipitation nearly every other day. Rainfall in these cities follows a seasonal pattern, with higher amounts during fall, winter, and spring, and reduced levels in summer.

Generally, the “rainiest” cities are characterized by frequent overcast conditions rather than intense rainfall.

If we consider cities with a population threshold of 20,000, Hilo, HI would easily claim the title of the rainiest city in terms of both annual rainy days and total rainfall. It experiences rainfall approximately 273 days per year, totaling around 120”. However, the rain is often intermittent, with significant dry intervals throughout the day.

Factors Contributing to the Raininess of these Cities

The rainiest cities in the U.S. are concentrated in two distinct regions: the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes.

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for being damp and dreary, and for valid reasons. The majority of the area’s rainfall originates over the Pacific Ocean, where winds transport moist air and low-pressure systems towards the coast. These weather patterns typically bring cool, moderate conditions and frequent light rain during the wet season, which typically spans from October through March or April. Rainfall is particularly heavy on the west-facing slopes of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, contributing to parts of coastal Washington and Oregon being among the wettest regions in the contiguous U.S.

On the opposite side of the country, the Great Lakes play a significant role. Cold air arriving from the west or northwest passes over the relatively warmer lakes, absorbing warmth and moisture that can lead to rain, snow, and persistent cloud cover downwind. This phenomenon is known as “lake-effect” precipitation. Cities east and southeast of the lakes, including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, frequently experience this pattern.

It may come as a surprise that renowned rainy cities like Seattle are not among the rainiest cities in America, experiencing fewer rainy days than locations in Western New York and significantly less total precipitation than cities in the Southern U.S. This is primarily due to Seattle often residing in a rain shadow behind the Olympic Mountains, resulting in fewer rainy days compared to cities in the “convergence zones” to the north and south (e.g., Everett and Tacoma).

The Rainiest Cities Based on Total Annual Precipitation

Numerous U.S. cities experience sunshine for the majority of the year but also encounter intense storms capable of producing substantial amounts of rain. Although these cities may not be particularly gloomy, they can be exceedingly wet, a crucial factor to consider when contemplating a move.

Here are the rainiest major U.S. cities based on average total annual rainfall.