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Are you looking for a new city to live in? Maybe you’re planning a getaway that depends on having sunny weather throughout your trip. Either way, researching the regional climate where you’re going can make your plans more successful. Learning about the rainiest cities in the U.S. will make you familiar with what you could experience anywhere in the country.
Thunderstorms affect the most populated cities and rural locations. Don’t get caught by surprise whenever it’s time to hit the road.
How Is America’s Precipitation Changing?
Climate change is warming the planet’s waters, making it evaporate faster. As additional water molecules rise, clouds gather and form storm systems. The water cycle is the primary reason why widespread, intensified rain events have become more frequent throughout the country over the past few decades. Some cities that were once known for having occasional rain showers now deal with frequent thunderstorms, which may not change as long as global warming continues.
How Does Rainy Weather Affect Homeowners?
If you’re looking into the rainiest cities in the U.S. because you’re moving sooner than later, you should know how a wetter climate could affect your life. Recurring storm systems can cause erosion runoff on your property and structural damage to your home if you don’t keep up with your exterior drainage. Soggy soil can also lead to fallen trees, which could land on your roof.
You may also feel inclined to move to a region where the rainy weather is primarily tropical storms or hurricanes. Living where natural disasters are more likely could raise your homeowner’s insurance. You might love listening to the rain patter on your windows while you fall asleep, but you should also consider the potential adverse effects of consistently rainy weather before purchasing a new home.
Where Does It Rain Most in the U.S.?
Louisiana is where it rains the most in the U.S. because it’s on the Gulf Coast and deals with frequent intensified storm systems. Hurricanes and tropical storms make its annual rainfall readings skyrocket. However, that doesn’t mean other places around the country don’t get comparable amounts of rain.
Rainiest Cities in the U.S.
When you’re ready to explore the nation by its most frequent weather systems, read about the rainiest cities. 2024 data will reveal everything you need to know, regardless of why you’re interested in it.
1. Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie was one of the rainiest cities in the U.S. during 2024. The area receives about 44 inches of rain per year. The winters tend to be chilly and have snow-filled winds off Niagara Falls to the north. The area is vulnerable to snow storms but not hurricanes or tropical storms. If you’re moving to the area, combat the winter precipitation by winterizing your house each fall. Anyone wondering what is the rainiest city in the United States can stop their search at Erie. The 2024 total isn’t an outlier.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 162 | Average Annual Precipitation: 42.16 |
2. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is in Erie County, New York. The area experiences a mild summer climate and freezing winters. The region has hot summers and short, mild winters. During the summer, there are thunderstorms, but they pass through the region quickly. The location gets about 40.47 inches per year. September is often the rainiest month. Protect your home with winterization methods, a snowplow and rock salt on your outdoor walkways.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 167 | Average Annual Precipitation: 40.48 |
3. Akron, Ohio
Akron is a populated city located south of Cleveland. In 2024, the total population averaged around 188,219 people. The climate is humid, making summers rainy and winters full of snow. The area is one of the U.S. cities with the most rainfall, receiving about 40.7 inches of rain a year. Most precipitation occurs in the summer, with October being the driest month. If you’re having summer guests, buy a canopy for your outdoor patio. Akron’s humid climate makes it prone to warm weather rainfall.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 156 | Average Annual Precipitation: 39.62 |
4. Salem, Oregon
Salem is a city tucked away in the most northwestern corner of the country. If you’ve seen any movies or TV shows featuring rainy Seattle, you’ve seen what Salem’s weather has to offer too. The city is south of Seattle, so it gets many of the same weather systems. The region received 44.6 inches of rain in 2024, though it typically gets a few inches less than that annually.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 144 | Average Annual Precipitation: 39.67 |
5. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is home to some of the nation’s best art museums and sports teams. The city is also one of the wettest places to live. The area’s rainy season lasts from March to November. During this time, rain is almost a guarantee on any given day. The region experienced 54.8 inches of rain in 2024, which is more than usual. The trend may continue as water evaporates faster off nearby Lake Erie due to global warming.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 156 | Average Annual Precipitation: 39.14 |
6. Syracuse, New York
Syracuse gets about 38.66 inches of rainfall a year. The city is next to Onondaga Lake and Lake Ontario, so there’s plenty of nearby water contributing to frequent showers. If you buy a home there, learn ways to prevent stormwater runoff. You can buy a rain barrel or plant a rain garden. The city has a cool climate with frequent rainfall during the summer, which could make gardening easier if you can manage the rocky soil.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 172 | Average Annual Precipitation: 38.47 |
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is wet and cloudy, with humid summers and cold winters. The city experienced 43.79 inches of rainfall in 2024, which was the highest regional record since 2019. Residents don’t live near any major bodies of water within the state, but the area still gets plenty of rain due to its elevation. Locals know how to handle rainy days though, so the weather won’t stop the many things happening within the city at any given time. Finding a city with plenty of entertainment you enjoy is a crucial factor in deciding where to live.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 154 | Average Annual Precipitation: 38.19 |
8. Seattle, Oregon
The Seattle area has shorter cold winters and semi-muggy summers. Precipitation is highest in the winter, though rainfall does pick back up in the summer. In 2024, Seattle never got more than one inch of rain on any given day. Carry an umbrella wherever you go in the city, though you might be surprised that it’s not as rainy as its other Oregon counterparts.
| Average Annual Rainy Days: 144 | Average Annual Precipitation: 39.67 |
Get to Know the Rainiest Cities in the U.S.
Rain is essential to replenish crops and cool down temperatures. Intensified rain systems are also becoming more common because of climate change. People need to consider typical rainfall levels before moving or traveling, given the state of the planet.
Keep your research in mind after reading about the rainiest cities in the U.S. No matter how you spend your upcoming year, you can determine the weather you’ll likely experience based on your quick reading.
Original Publish Date 2/25/2023 — Updated 3/4/2025
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About The Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and a dedicated freelance writer with over six years of experience in the home and garden industry. Her passion for landscaping and sustainable practices is deeply rooted in her upbringing — growing up in a family of contractors, she was exposed to the world of construction and design from a young age. This hands-on experience fostered her love for nature and gardening, giving her a green thumb and a keen eye for creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Throughout her career, Rose has honed her expertise in researching and writing about sustainable construction practices, focusing on innovative technologies that enhance the built environment while minimizing environmental impact. She is particularly interested in green roofing, water-efficient landscaping, and integrating native plants in design, all reflecting her commitment to sustainability. Rose's work has appeared in various publications, where she shares valuable insights and practical tips for seasoned professionals and novice DIY-ers.
In addition to her writing, Rose enjoys collaborating with landscape architects and contractors on projects that emphasize eco-friendly design and sustainable materials. She believes that every garden has the potential to be a vibrant ecosystem and works to inspire others to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.
