The 12 Rainiest Cities in the US You’ll Want To Bring an Umbrella To
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When it rains, it pours, especially in these wet destinations. You won’t want to forget your umbrellas in the rainiest cities in the United States.
The US has many different climates, from hot deserts to snowy plains. It also has regions with high rainfall throughout the year.
By using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization from 1981 to 2010, we compiled a list of some very wet cities. Below are the 12 rainiest cities in the US.
Mobile, Alabama
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Mobile, Alabama, is not a place you’d want to visit if you hate the rain. People who live in the city experience around 65.28 inches of rain every year.
The city sits on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and gets hammered by frequent rainstorms throughout the year. During hurricane season, Mobile is sometimes in the path of intense rain belts that soak the city.
Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with March being the wettest on average. If you visit Mobile, don’t forget to pack your umbrella and rain boots.
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New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a big city with some of the richest cultural attractions in the US. It also has some of the wettest weather, with 62.45 inches of rain every year.
If you visit the Big Easy, don’t forget to bring your umbrella and rain gear. The city gets torrential rain that can sometimes hamper its famous parties. Unfortunately, the city is also prone to intense flooding.
During hurricane season, people living in New Orleans brace for rain and take every precaution to stay dry. Even with all the rain, you’ll still be able to enjoy the city’s incredible history and culture—just be prepared to get wet.
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West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach is a city just north of Miami that experiences around 62.33 inches of rain annually. The city is located at the southern tip of Florida, just north of Miami.
Throughout the year, strong rainstorms bring heavy rainfall to the city. During hurricane season, the amount of rain can cause localized flooding, especially near Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest lake.
Winter is usually the driest time of year, with February getting an average of under three inches. If you visit, try to come during the winter. You’ll get less rain and still enjoy warm temperatures.
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Miami, Florida
Miami gets around 61.90 inches of rain per year. The tropical city experiences monsoons, rainstorms, and occasional hurricanes.
Winter is usually drier, with only 1.62 inches on average in January. Because of this, many people choose to visit during this time.
When spring arrives, the weather changes rapidly; in summer, the city experiences constant storms and occasional flooding. If you visit during the summer, be prepared for heavy rain throughout the day and get used to staying indoors.
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Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is another rainy city located in Florida. It gets an annual rainfall amount of around 61.20 inches.
The city is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout the year, massive rainstorms, occasional tropical storms, and hurricanes hit the city.
Unlike Miami and West Palm Beach to the south, Pensacola gets mostly an even amount of rain throughout the year. This means you’ll have to prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms no matter when you visit.
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Houston, Texas
Houston, the fourth largest city in the US, gets hit by regular rainstorms, and the occasional hurricane puts people on the tips of their toes. It gets an annual rainfall of around 52.69 inches, making it one of the rainiest cities you can visit in the US.
During the winter, the city enjoys relatively mild rainfall. However, in summer and fall, frequent thunderstorms and tropical storms swoop into the Gulf of Mexico and strike near the city, bringing heavy rain and occasional flooding.
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If you visit, try seeing the city in winter. Or, be prepared to spend most of the day inside. Fortunately, Houston is full of great museums, restaurants, and places to hide from the rain.
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Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a beautiful coastal city on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina. It’s famous for its historical places and year-round rainy weather.
The city experiences an average of 51 inches of rain, making it one of the rainiest cities in the country. Most of its precipitation happens in summer when intense storms from the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico slam into the city.
Summer is also when tropical storms and occasional hurricanes soak the city in intense rainfall. If you visit during this time, watch the weather carefully and plan to visit the city’s indoor attractions and museums if the weather report looks bleak.
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Galveston, Texas
Galveston is located in Texas’ rainiest region. It experiences around 50.76 inches throughout the year.
Like nearby Houston, the city gets hit by tropical storms and occasional hurricanes that can cause flooding. In winter, the rains calm down, and locals enjoy drier weather.
If you visit, try seeing the city in winter and spring. This way, you’ll miss the intense summer rainstorms, which, along with the heat, can be hard to get used to.
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Olympia, Washington
Olympia receives an average annual rainfall of around 50 inches. It is located near the edge of the temperate rainforests of Washington State, one of the rainiest places in the US.
Summer stays relatively dry, with sunny skies and nice weather that are perfect for exploring the natural wonders nearby. As winter approaches, strong storms from the North Pacific swoop down into the Northwest and dump rain on Olympia and its suburbs.
If you visit in the fall or winter, be prepared for long stretches of rainy weather that can last for days. If you come to the city in spring, you’ll see the lush forest come alive with beautiful wildflowers and foliage. For locals and visitors, there’s no better time to be there.
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Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta gets around 49.71 inches of rain per year, making it one of the rainiest cities in the US. You’ll have to plan to spend some time indoors unless you love getting soaked in the rain.
The city experiences fairly consistent rain throughout the year. In summer, you’ll get intense thunderstorms and the occasional snowstorm in winter.
Locals know how to stay dry, and many outdoor spaces have tents and roofs so you can hide from the rain. As rainy as it can be, Atlanta is full of fun places to hide out, including museums, music venues, bars, and restaurants, so you’re guaranteed to have a good time, even when the skies get dark.
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New York City, New York
New York is the largest city in the US and one of the rainiest. On average, it experiences close to 50 inches of rain annually.
The Big Apple receives equal rainfall throughout the year. In summer, big thunderstorms and occasional tropical systems bring torrential rain to the city, occasionally flooding its subways.
In winter, most of the city’s precipitation comes as snow. Heavy blizzards turn the city into a winter wonderland, with high piles of snow blanketing its famous landmarks, making it a sight to behold for anyone who loves the weather.
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Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville gets a healthy 47.25 inches of rain every year. Like other cities in the South, it gets a consistent amount of rain no matter which season.
In the summer, you’ll experience intense thunderstorms that can last for days. In winter, the city gets cold fronts that interact with the warm air to create strong weather systems that produce rain and sometimes high winds.
If you visit, you’ll find plenty of amazing places to hide from the rain, such as the Grand Ol’ Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The city also has tons of delicious food and drinks to sample while waiting for the rain to stop.
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