Wettest States in America: Rainfall Rankings
Which US states get the most rain? We ranked all 50 states by annual precipitation using 30 years of historical data to find America's wettest and driest regions.
Top 10 Wettest States
Measured in average annual inches of precipitation (rain + snow water equivalent):
- Hawaii - 63.7 inches (windward sides of islands receive 200+ inches)
- Louisiana - 60.1 inches
- Mississippi - 59.0 inches
- Alabama - 58.3 inches
- Florida - 54.5 inches
- Tennessee - 54.2 inches
- Georgia - 50.7 inches
- North Carolina - 50.3 inches
- South Carolina - 49.8 inches
- Arkansas - 49.2 inches
Why the Southeast is So Wet
The Southeast receives abundant rainfall due to moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, combined with warm temperatures that generate afternoon thunderstorms throughout spring and summer. Florida is unique in having a defined "wet season" from June through September when daily afternoon storms are common.
Driest States
The opposite extreme is found in the interior West:
- Nevada - 9.5 inches annually
- Utah - 12.2 inches
- Arizona - 13.6 inches
- New Mexico - 14.6 inches
- Wyoming - 15.9 inches
Rain vs. Rainy Days
Total rainfall amount isn't the whole story. Seattle, despite its rainy reputation, receives only about 37 inches annually - less than New York City's 46 inches. The difference is Seattle's rain falls in frequent light drizzle over many days, while New York gets heavier storms concentrated in fewer events. Seattle has roughly 150+ rainy days per year; Phoenix has fewer than 30.