30 Rainiest Cities in the U.S. to Enjoy Stormier Weather

From West Palm Beach to Sitka, rain is a part of life in these cities.

Travelers love sunny places where they can explore without worrying about getting wet. But rainy destinations are seriously underrated. There’s something cozy about overcast skies and rainy days.

If you agree, it’s good to know which cities in the United States get the most precipitation. The wettest city in the country might surprise you, though, and gets an impressive 211 days of rain per year.

These are the 30 rainiest cities in America. You can use this knowledge to plan a vacation where you can “Sing in the Rain,” or know where not to go when you want lots of sunshine.

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29. Conway, South Carolina (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 100

Bottom line: Conway is a suburb of Myrtle Beach, and most people wouldn’t expect it to be one of the rainiest cities in the country. But the city is wet and cloudy year-round, making for humid summers and cold winters. On the plus side, your skin won’t suffer from winter dryness.

It’s also about 20 minutes from the beach and next to the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find wetlands and forests.

On top of that, Conway is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina and has interesting historic architecture and plenty of ghost tours, including the annual Conway Ghost Walk.

Where to stay dry: The Cypress Inn

*Note: Rankings are based on Budget Direct’s “The Wettest City in Every Country” report. To avoid having this list be almost entirely in Alaska, we only included one city per state.

29. Atmore, Alabama (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 100

Bottom line: Tiny Atmore has almost 10,000 residents and is right on the border with Florida. This means that you can easily visit the Panhandle at any time.

Because of Atmore’s size, the town is mostly quiet. There are parks and golf courses around, and the historic train station is a cute site to visit.

With 100 days of rain, the temperature is wet and humid, especially in the intense summers.

Where to stay dry: Wind Creak Casino & Hotel, Atmore

28. South Bend, Indiana

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Rainy days per year: 102

Bottom line: The hometown of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend is a pleasant, mid-sized city. It boasts some interesting museums, like the History Museum, the Indiana University Civil Rights Heritage Center and the Snite Museum of Art. There also are historic homes and the Morris Performing Arts Center.

The one thing the city doesn’t have is a lot of sunshine. Besides 102 days of rain, it is partly cloudy 293 days a year.

Where to stay dry: Morris Inn

27. Presque Isle, Maine

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Rainy days per year: 103

Bottom line: Literally meaning “almost island,” Presque Isle is actually fairly inland. Close to the Canadian border, the town got its name due to its isolation and dependency on the Aroostook River.

Nearby, you’ll find the beautiful Aroostook State Park, where you can enjoy the famous beauty of Maine’s nature. Most visitors don’t mind the rain, since it gives the pretty town and the surrounding mountains a romantic atmosphere.

Where to stay dry: Hampton Inn Presque Isle

26. Ellijay, Georgia

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Rainy days per year: 104

Bottom line: As the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” Ellijay offers a charming small-town vibe and numerous apple orchards. The town is quiet and peaceful, with under 2,500 inhabitants.

It is also the rainiest place in the entire state. Not that this makes it any less pretty. Hiking to the numerous waterfalls surrounding the town is popular on overcast days.

Where to stay dry: Comfort Inn & Suites Ellijay

25. Vidor, Texas

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Rainy days per year: 105

Bottom line: The small town of Vidor, Texas, is not far from the coast. A suburb of Beaumont, it is near Sabine Lake and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing is a preferred pastime here, even when there is light rain.

This part of Texas is far from the dry desert of the southwest and is known more for swampy lakes and alligators.

Where to stay dry: Best Western Plus Orange County

24. Brevard, North Carolina

Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina

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Rainy days per year: 106

Bottom line: Brevard is a small mountain town in western North Carolina. It is known as a mountain biking destination, with hundreds of miles of biking paths in the mountains.

Residents and visitors enjoy the nearby Pisgah National Forest or travel an hour and a half to get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country.

The small town is consistently rainy year-round, though August and December are the rainiest months of the year.

Where to stay dry: The Inn at Brevard

22. Lead, South Dakota (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 107

Bottom line: A former mining town settled in the late 19th century, Lead is near South Dakota’s beautiful Northern Black Hills. Given that this is one of the state’s greenest parts, it makes sense that it is also the region that gets the most rain.

There is not a great lot to do in town, but who needs modern attractions when you have majestic nature at your doorstep?

Where to stay dry: Town Hall Inn

22. Picayune, Mississippi (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 107

Bottom line: With just over 10,000 people, Picayune is a safe town with friendly people. It is near both New Orleans and Biloxi, which means that the weather tends to be hot and humid with very mild winters. Even in colder months, you can expect rain.

Things to do include visiting the Crosby Arboretum and — when it’s not raining — the gigantic Pearl River Wildlife Management Area, where you’ll see bayous and forests typical of the area.

Where to stay dry: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Picayune-Stennis Space Center

21. North Adams, Massachussetts

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Rainy days per year: 109

Bottom line: Despite having a population of less than 13,000 people, North Adams boasts the country’s largest contemporary art museum, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

The town is nestled in the Berkshires, a rural region whose foggy climate only adds to its mysterious beauty. You’ll easily find farm-to-table restaurants and old mills converted into artist’s studios.

Where to stay dry: The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA

18. Munising, Michigan (Tie)

Au Sable Lighthouse in Munising, Michigan

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Rainy days per year: 112

Bottom line: Rural and quiet Munising is most famous for being a gateway to the astonishing Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The large stone formations you’ll find in the protected area will make your jaw drop in wonder and are in and of themselves enough reason to visit the town.

Rainy days don’t stop tourists from hopping on to a boat tour to see the Pictured Rocks (though choppy waters on Lake Superior might.) If you want to do something even more unique, you can go on a shipwreck tour around the lake.

Where to stay dry: Roam Inn

18. Houma, Louisiana (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 112

Bottom line: Rain doesn’t stop the party in lively Houma, which is located about an hour and 15 minutes away from New Orleans. If you want to experience everything that has made southern Louisiana famous without the drunken crowds, we suggest coming here.

You’ll get to do boat tours in the swamps, enjoy mouth-watering Cajun food and dance the night away. Mardi Gras celebrations are all the rage too.

Where to stay dry: Fairfield Inn & Suites Houma Southeast

18. Harlan, Kentucky (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 112

Bottom line: Harlan is known for two things: coal mining and country music. The first represents a black spot in the town’s history, given that demands for better labor conditions have been shut down.

The second is the pride of every local. Folk and country music is the heart of Harlan, with musicians like Rusty York, Jim Ford and Jordan Smith hailing from here.

Where to stay dry: Quality Inn Harland

17. Frostburg, Maryland

Old Railroad Station in Frostburg Maryland

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Rainy days per year: 113

Bottom line: It may have less than 8,600 people, but Frostburg still attracts diverse minds who come to study at Frostburg State University.

The town is located on the Georges Creek Valley and is part of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad route.

Winters are very cold. Combined with heavy precipitation, this means snow. A lot of it.

Where to stay dry: Allegheny Trail House B&B

16. Ronan, Montana

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Rainy days per year: 115

Bottom line: Located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Ronan is a quiet rural town of less than 2,000 people. What it doesn’t have in fast-paced entertainment, it makes up for in natural beauty.

The town is within the Mission Mountains and is also near Flathead Lake. Hiking and fishing are popular activities. The scenery is so pretty you won’t mind staying in on a rainy day and watching the overcast sky above the mountains.

Where to stay dry: Mountain creek retreat

15. Driggs, Idaho

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Rainy days per year: 116

Bottom line: Forget Jackson, Wyoming. Come to Driggs to enjoy the beautiful Teton County. Though Grand Teton National Park is entirely within Wyoming, this town is also a gateway to the park — without the higher gateway prices.

Besides visiting the Tetons, you can do water activities in the Teton River, which has great fly-fishing and swimming opportunities.

In the winter, people come here to ski and snowboard, which shouldn’t be a surprise. The rainy nature of the city means that the ski slopes often have fresh, powdery snow for a great snow-sports day.

Where to stay dry: Teton Valley Cabins

13. Johnson City, Tennessee (Tie)

St. John's Episcopal Church, Johnson City, Tennessee

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Rainy days per year: 117

Bottom line: Johnson City was once notorious for being a bootlegging city and had the nickname “Little Chicago” in the 1920s. A hundred years later, that history is still present, but the city is better known for its numerous parks than for illicit activity.

You’ll have access to Buffalo Mountain Park and the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Interestingly, the area is also known for its concentration of fossils.

Where to stay dry: Carnegie Hotel & Spa

13. Idaho Springs, Colorado (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 117

Bottom line: Colorado’s most famous former mining town, Idaho Springs is still quite small. But don’t think this means there aren’t a lot of things to do. On the contrary, besides the numerous mining tours, there are also natural hot springs and numerous hiking trails, including to the impressive St. Mary’s Glacier.

Like other towns on here, the rainy nature of the city’s climate combines with its high altitude to make it a perfect ski town. This is why people flock here in the winter. They can spend the day skiing and relax in the hot springs in the evening.

Where to stay dry: The Silver Lake Lodge

11. Norton, Virginia (Tie)

Jefferson National Forest in Norton, Virginia

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Rainy days per year: 118

Bottom line: The smallest city in Virginia by population, Norton is near both the border of Tennessee and Kentucky. Rain doesn’t keep people indoors here.

With access to the Cumberland Mountains, Jefferson National Forest and Flag Rock Recreation Area are a hub for adventure travelers.

Locals occupy their time fishing, mountain biking, swimming, hiking and trail running.

Where to stay dry: Super 8 by Wyndham Norton VA

11. Saint Albans, Vermont (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 118

Bottom line: There is really only one thing you need to know about Saint Albans: It is the maple syrup capital of the world. That alone makes it a worthy destination. After all, who cares about the rain when you can have fresh, thick maple syrup on everything?

The town also hosts the Vermont Maple Festival, where the sweet liquid is celebrated with shows, art exhibits and, of course, delicious recipes.

And if you ever feel like you need a change of scenery, just get in the car and drive 30 minutes to get to Canada.

Where to stay dry: Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast

10. Erie, Pennsylvania

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Rainy days per year: 122

Bottom line: Unsurprisingly, Erie is located on the expansive Lake Erie. On days that aren’t rainy, you can enjoy the nice beaches at Presque Isle State Park, or go to Waldameer Park & Water World.

Erie is one of Pennsylvania’s largest cities, so there are always plenty of things to do, even when it’s raining. Keep dry at the Erie Art Museum or go downtown for dinner, a movie or a fun escape room outing.

Where to stay dry: Glass House Inn

8. Buffalo, Wyoming (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 123

Bottom line: This charming town sits between Wyoming’s plains and the Bighorn Mountains. That has given it a distinct personality that straddles the line between the Old West and a small mountain town.

Historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt, “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Calamity Jane have passed through Buffalo. The historic downtown has several buildings and houses that are more than a hundred years old, while the town’s surroundings provide many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Where to stay dry: Buffalo Inn

8. Conneaut, Ohio (Tie)

The Lighthouse at Conneaut Beach on Lake Erie

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Rainy days per year: 123

Bottom line: We won’t lie to you — Conneaut isn’t really a place people travel to. The city is mainly known for being a transport point for iron ore. Other than that, there really isn’t very much it can claim.

Still, if you happen to find yourself here, you will be able to enjoy Conneaut’s one saving grace: the beautiful Lake Erie.

Where to stay dry: Centennial Inn B&B

7. Seaside, Oregon

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Rainy days per year: 125

Bottom line: Seaside delivers on its name. It is by the seaside, and it is a beach resort. Like most coastal cities in the northwest, however, the beaches are cold and foggy. Sure, you probably won’t get a nice tan while you’re here, but you will enjoy the typical Oregonian coast, which makes overcast days look great.

You can see the sea by walking on the town’s promenade, which dates back a century. At the right time of year, you will get the chance to see graceful gray whales in migration.

Where to stay dry: Rivertide Suites Hotel

5. Summersville, West Virginia (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 130

Bottom line: History buffs come to Summersville to see the site of the Carnifex Ferry Battle, which occurred during the Civil War. Others come to enjoy Summersville Lake, which is West Virginia’s largest lake.

But despite its name, Summersville is not all sunshine. It is, in fact, the state’s wettest city.

Where to stay dry: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Summersville

5. Dunkirk, New York (Tie)

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Rainy days per year: 130

Bottom line: Another town on the shores of Lake Erie, Dunkirk has an incredibly cool name. Besides this, it also has a pretty lighthouse and a pier from which you can enjoy picturesque views of the lake.

There are vineyards and golf courses right outside the town. And while you probably won’t be able to enjoy the latter on rainy days, you can most definitely enjoy indoor wine tasting while listening to the rain pitter-patter on the windows.

Where to stay dry: Clarion Hotel Marina & Conference Center

4. West Palm Beach, Florida

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Rainy days per year: 131

Bottom line: Often confused for its glitzier, wealthier, older neighbor, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach is still an exciting Florida city. It does rain a lot, but that’s a given in South Florida, where you’re just as likely to get a sunburn or weather a tropical storm.

The city has access to nice beaches with soft sand, restaurants that serve international fare and great shopping. It also has fairly good cultural offerings, like the Norton Museum of Art and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Hey, there’s a reason wealthy Northerners come to retire here.

Where to stay dry: Hilton West Palm Beach

3. Sequim, Washington

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Rainy days per year: 143

Bottom line: It surprises no one that Washington state would have some of the rainiest cities in the country. What is surprising is that the wettest city in the state is not Seattle, but Sequim.

This mostly unknown town is a hidden gem. It is located near the Olympic Mountains as well as the Miller Peninsula State Park. If that wasn’t enough, the town has access to the Pacific Ocean from Sequim Bay. Expect to enjoy quintessential Washingtonian outdoorsy adventures like sea kayaking and hiking.

For something more relaxed, you can simply walk along the bay enjoying the image of sailboats floating near the dock.

Where to stay dry: GreenHouse Inn by the Bay

2. Sitka, Alaska

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Rainy days per year: 173

Bottom line: If we had not limited this list to one city per state, Alaska would have had nine out of the top 10 rainiest cities, with Sitka at the very top.

Though it is close to Juneau, Sitka’s history, recreational offerings and culture have saved it from being overshadowed by the state capital. Until the late 1860s, the city belonged to Russia, which is why you’ll find places like the famous St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. The city also boasts more than 20 mentions on the National Register of Historic Places.

And then there’s the legendary Alaskan nature. Fishing is a local pastime, as is whale watching at the right times of the year. All of this combines to make Sitka one of the best small towns in the U.S.

Where to stay dry: Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka

1. Hilo, Hawaii

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Rainy days per year: 211

Bottom line: Are you surprised that the U.S.’s rainiest city is in Hawaii? Most people think of sunshine and warmth when they imagine Hawaii, forgetting that the collection of islands is tropical and, therefore, extremely wet.

With over 200 days of rain, people in Hilo could easily tell Credence Clearwater Revival that they have, indeed, seen rain coming down on a sunny day. Even when it is raining, they are plenty of things to do in this Big Island city. You can visit Wailuku River State Parks, known for the mesmerizing Rainbow Falls, and the unique Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

We’d venture to say that Hilo isn’t only the wettest city in the U.S., but also the best rainy city in the country.

Where to stay dry: SCP Hilo Hotel

The Rainiest City in Every U.S. State, Visualized

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