Weather can define a region and its identity. For example, cities like Astoria, OR, spend two-thirds of the year under a blanket of clouds, whereas desert cities such as Phoenix, AZ, generally see clear skies year-round.
When deciding where to live, weather and climate are an important consideration. Perhaps you like warmer, sunnier weather, or maybe you like it rainy – knowing which type of weather you thrive in when choosing a city to live in is important. So, if you’re planning to move somewhere new, read on to discover the cloudiest cities in the US and see if they’re right for you.
What is cloudy weather?
Before we dive into the cloudiest cities, let’s define what cloudy weather actually means. Cloudiness is divided up into four categories: mostly clear (or sunny if during daytime hours), partly cloudy/sunny, mostly cloudy, and cloudy/overcast.
- Mostly clear: 1/8th of the sky is covered by clouds
- Partly cloudy: 3/8-5/8ths of the sky is covered by clouds
- Mostly cloudy: 6/8-7/8ths of the sky is covered by clouds
- Cloudy: 7/8ths or more of the sky is covered by clouds
This list of cities focuses on the last category, cloudy. Keep reading to see our ranking of the cloudiest cities based on their annual number of cloudy days.
What are the cloudiest cities in the US?
1. Anchorage, Alaska
239 cloudy days per year
The northernmost city in the US with over 100,000 residents is also the cloudiest city in the US. Anchorage, AK, spends over 65% of the year under dense cloud-cover, mostly because of large-scale atmospheric rivers and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Surprisingly, the city sees more cloud cover during the summer months. Anchorage is home to an abundance of wild and dramatic landscapes, many of which are within a short drive. If you’re planning on moving to Anchorage, be sure to take advantage of the long summer daylight and great northern lights viewing.
If you’re considering buying a home in Anchorage, you’ll find that the…