Average Rainfall in the US: How Wet Is Your State?
As the third-largest country by land mass in the world, the climate variations experienced across the United States are not surprising. Those in the southwest experience very different rainfall patterns from those in the Northeast. It’s smart to have a general understanding of regional rainfall patterns before booking vacations, undertaking home renovations, or relocating across the country.
Keep reading to learn the general rainfall patterns across the country and where each state ranks in annual rainfall amounts.
How Does Rainfall Vary Across the United States?
The Southeast receives some of the highest rainfall totals in the country, averaging between 50 and 60 inches each year. The Gulf of Mexico is associated with frequent thunderstorms and high humidity. Hurricanes can bring flooding to coastal states, so it’s important to be prepared if you live in a high-risk location.
The Pacific Northwest is known for steady winter rain and cloudy weather. Winter is the wettest season, in contrast to dry and mild summers.
The mountain West is highly variable due to the topography and changes in elevation, with the mountains creating shadow rain.
In the Midwest and Great Plains, rainfall is moderate but seasonal. The spring and summer bring strong thunderstorms and tornadoes. Backup power, such as the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic, is essential when severe tornadoes strike.
The Northeastern region experiences steady precipitation year-round, with nor’easters bringing in wind, rain, and snow.
Southwestern states have desert climates. Summer monsoons bring some reprieve, but primarily dry weather.
Which States Receive the Most Rainfall?
Hawaii, Louisiana, and Mississippi rank the highest with average precipitation totals of 63.7, 60.1, and 59.0 inches, respectively. While the lowest states, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, have only 9.5, 12.2, and 12.6 inches, respectively. Here's a breakdown of each state's annual rainfall total in inches and the wettest month:
Hawaii
63.7 inches
December
Elevation and location determine rainfall amounts across Hawaii
Louisiana
60.1 inches
July
Tropical storms in the fall can bring flooding
Mississippi
59.0 inches
December
Hurricanes and tropical storms boost rainfall in autumn
Alabama
60.1 inches
March
High humidity in the summer and heavy rain from tropical storms
Florida
54.5 inches
August
Frequent summer thunderstorms and hurricane influence, coastal flooding is common
Tennessee
54.2 inches
March
Humid climate with spring storms and humid summers
Georgia
50.7 inches
July
Subtropical humid climate, with thunderstorms in the summer
Arkansas
50.6 inches
May
High humidity in the summer, spring brings heavy rain and intense storms
Connecticut
50.3 inches
May
Rain all year round with humid summers and snowy winters
North Carolina
50.3 inches
July
Humid, with a subtropical climate and increased rainfall from hurricanes
South Carolina
49.8 inches
July
Humid, rainfall influenced by coastal storms
Kentucky
48.9 inches
May
Even rainfall throughout the year
Rhode Island
47.9 inches
March
Even with ocean-moderated temperatures
Massachusetts
47.7 inches
November
Cold winters, steady rainfall year-round
New Jersey
47.1 inches
July
Nor’easters bring rain in the fall and winter, humid summers
Delaware
45.7 inches
July
Mild humid climate and thunderstorms in the summer
West Virginia
45.2 inches
May
Increased rainfall for some regions due to the mountain range
Maryland
44.5 inches
July
Frequent summer thunderstorms and an overall humid climate
Virginia
44.3 inches
July
Hurricanes can add to the rainfall; humid summers
New Hampshire
43.4 inches
June
Moderate summer rain and winter snow
Pennsylvania
42.9 inches
June
Humid summers, snowy winters, evenly spread rain throughout the year
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Vermont
42.7 inches
June
Cooler summers, heavy snowfalls in the winter
Maine
42.2 inches
November
Humid continental, with frequent spring and fall storms
Missouri
42.2 inches
May
Humid summers, strong spring thunderstorms
New York
41.8 inches
July
Varies by region, with humid summers and snowy winters
Indiana
41.7 inches
May
Humid, spring thunderstorms, and mild winters
Illinois
39.2 inches
May
Thunderstorms late in the spring and early summer
Ohio
39.1 inches
June
Humid continental; lake-effect rain and snow in the northern region
Washington
38.4 inches
December
Wet west coast and east of the Cascades experience dry summers
Oklahoma
36.5 inches
May
Spring thunderstorms and tornadoes
Iowa
34.0 inches
June
Humid continental, thunderstorms, and summer rain
Michigan
32.8 inches
September
Lake-effect rain and snow with humid summers
Wisconsin
32.6 inches
June
Humid continental, and heavy snow in the winter, contributing to totals
Texas
28.9 inches
May
Rainfall varies widely, but flooding is common on the coast
Kansas
28.9 inches
May
Intense spring storms, semi-arid in the West
Oregon
27.4 inches
December
Wet winters on the coast and drier on the east
Minnesota
27.3 inches
June
Humid continental, mild wet summers
Nebraska
23.6 inches
May
Semi-arid West and strong spring/summer thunderstorms
Alaska
22.5 inches
September
Coastal wet regions, interior dry and cold
California
22.2 inches
January
Mediterranean climate: dry summers, wet winters
South Dakota
20.1 inches
June
Semi-arid West; thunderstorms in summer
Idaho
18.9 inches
December
Heavy mountain snow
North Dakota
17.8 inches
June
Dry winters, thunderstorms in late spring
Colorado
15.9 inches
May
Influences from the mountain range, frequent sunshine
Montana
15.3 inches
June
Semi-arid; mountain snowmelt adds to totals
New Mexico
14.6 inches
August
Dry most of the year, monsoon summer storms
Arizona
13.6 inches
August
Hot arid climate, summer monsoon storms
Wyoming
12.6 inches
May
Semi-arid; mountain snowmelt adds to totals
Utah
12.2 inches
March
Aird, snow, and mountain at higher elevations
Nevada
9.5 inches
January
Desert climate with little rain
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US States Are the Driest?
The Southwestern states, including Arizona, New Mexico, southern Nevada, and parts of California, are among the driest. Occasional storms during the summer bring bursts of rain in late summer. Overall, the desert climate keeps this region hot and dry.
How Is Rainfall Measured Across States?
There are several methods for accurately measuring rainfall. Ground-based instruments such as rain gauges, radar systems with NEXRAD Doppler radars, and satellite observations, which complement radars and gauges, provide an overall picture of the amount of rain that falls in a specific area.
Does Climate Change Affect Rainfall Patterns in the US?
Yes, and climate change already has. The degree of impact and the exact effect vary by region. As global temperatures rise, moisture in the atmosphere is impacted. This can intensify rain in some areas while reducing it in others.
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Regardless of the forecast, reliable and sustainable energy options offer peace of mind and lasting protection. Power outages are rarely predictable, and renewable energy offers the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.
If you live in a state prone to severe weather storms, having a backup power solution is vital. Portable power stations from EcoFlow, like an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic, deliver clean, reliable energy when you need it most.