Rainfall varies widely across the United States. While some states struggle through long dry spells, others receive steady rain throughout the year. Coastal locations, mountain ranges, warm ocean waters, and tropical weather systems all play a part in creating some of the wettest places in the country.
Here are 13 states that receive the most average annual rainfall.
Hawaii
Average Annual Precipitation: 63.70 inches
Hawaii ranks as the wettest state in the country. Its tropical climate, warm Pacific waters, and steady trade winds bring frequent rain throughout the year.
The island of Kauai is home to Mount Waialeale, one of the rainiest places on Earth, where some locations receive well over 400 inches of rain annually. Most of the heaviest rainfall occurs on the windward sides of the islands, where moist air rises over the mountains and cools.
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Louisiana
Average Annual Precipitation: 60.09 inches
Louisiana receives abundant rainfall thanks to its location along the Gulf of Mexico. Warm, moisture-filled air regularly moves inland, bringing frequent showers and thunderstorms.
Heavy rain is common across the state, especially around New Orleans and other low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Tropical storms and hurricanes can also produce several inches of rain in a short period.
Mississippi
Average Annual Precipitation: 59.23 inches
Mississippi’s humid subtropical climate brings rain during every season. Warm temperatures and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico help fuel regular thunderstorms, especially during the summer.
The plentiful rainfall supports the state’s forests and farmland, though periods of heavy rain can also lead to flooding in some areas.
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Alabama
Average Annual Precipitation: 58.28 inches
Alabama sees generous rainfall throughout the year. Southern parts of the state receive extra moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, while afternoon thunderstorms are common during the warmer months.
The Appalachian foothills influence rainfall patterns in northern Alabama, helping create lush forests and productive farmland across much of the state.
Florida
Average Annual Precipitation: 54.57 inches
Florida is known for sunshine, but rain is just as much a part of its climate. Most of the state experiences a distinct wet season from late spring through early fall, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico keeps humidity high, while tropical storms and hurricanes often bring periods of intense rainfall.
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Tennessee
Average Annual Precipitation: 54.22 inches
Rainfall varies across Tennessee, with the eastern mountains receiving much more precipitation than the western part of the state.
The Great Smoky Mountains force moist air upward, producing frequent rain along the higher elevations. Elsewhere, thunderstorms provide much of the state’s yearly rainfall.
Arkansas
Average Annual Precipitation: 50.78 inches
Arkansas has a humid climate that brings regular rainfall throughout the year, especially during spring and early summer.
The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains influence local weather patterns, while strong thunderstorms can produce heavy downpours that occasionally lead to flash flooding.
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Georgia
Average Annual Precipitation: 50.72 inches
Georgia’s location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico gives it plenty of moisture throughout the year.
Northern Georgia often receives more rainfall because of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while southern and coastal areas can see heavy rain during hurricane season.
North Carolina
Average Annual Precipitation: 50.45 inches
North Carolina’s varied geography creates a wide range of rainfall totals. The Appalachian Mountains in the west receive frequent precipitation, while the coastal plain is influenced by Atlantic weather systems.
Tropical storms regularly bring heavy rain to eastern parts of the state during hurricane season.
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Connecticut
Average Annual Precipitation: 50.39 inches
Connecticut experiences fairly consistent rainfall across all four seasons. Spring and summer often bring the heaviest showers, while winter adds snow to the mix.
Its steady precipitation helps support the state’s forests, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the year.
South Carolina
Average Annual Precipitation: 49.80 inches
South Carolina’s warm, humid climate produces frequent rain, especially during the summer months.
Coastal cities such as Charleston often receive heavy rainfall from tropical storms and hurricanes, while inland areas benefit from regular thunderstorms.
Kentucky
Average Annual Precipitation: 48.90 inches
Kentucky receives dependable rainfall throughout the year thanks to its position between humid subtropical and humid continental climate zones.
The state’s steady precipitation supports forests, farmland, horse farms, and major crops including corn and tobacco.
Massachusetts
Average Annual Precipitation: 47.70 inches
Massachusetts receives rain during every season, with summer thunderstorms and coastal storms contributing much of its yearly precipitation.
The Atlantic Ocean has a strong influence on the state’s weather, while winter often brings a mix of rain, snow, and coastal storms that add to its annual moisture totals.
