Colombia holds the record for the world’s highest rainfall, with some places receiving up to 127.5 inches (3,240 millimeters) each year, and Egypt claims the title for the driest, with some parts of the country receiving less than 1 inch (250 millimeters) annually. In Colombia, some parts of the country are permanently flooded because of the frequent heavy rainfall.
Thankfully, nowhere in the United States comes close to that level of precipitation. But nor is anywhere in the U.S. so dry that it rivals Egypt. Even Nevada, the driest state in the U.S. receives at least nine times more rain than Egypt. Despite not reaching the extremes, the U.S. has a significant variance in rainfall, largely due to its vast expanse. As the third-largest country, only beaten by Russia and Canada, the U.S. experiences a wide range of annual precipitation rates.
We compiled this list of the wettest states based on a study by Current Results using data spanning nearly three decades from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with supplementary insights from the State Climate Summaries by the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies. Note that these figures represent the average annual precipitation for each state as a whole. Yes, rainfall can vary a lot even within a single state, so we’ve taken the state’s average rainfall for this report.
1. Hawaii
- Annual Precipitation: 63.7 inches (1,618 millimeters)
Topping the list, Hawaii is the rainiest state in the U.S., with an average annual rainfall of 63.7 inches (1,618 millimeters). Its unique position in the tropics means that it gets more precipitation than any other state. Rainfall in Hawaii varies dramatically across the state; the windward slopes of mountains can receive over 300 inches of rain per year, while the leeward coastal areas might see as little as 20 inches.
2. Louisiana
- Annual Precipitation: 60.1 inches (1,527 millimeters)
Louisiana, receiving 60.1 inches (1,527 millimeters) of rain per year, is the second rainiest state in the U.S. New Orleans, one of the rainiest cities in the country, significantly contributes to this average. Louisiana is the most precipitous in the contiguous United States.
3. Mississippi
- Annual Precipitation: 59 inches (1,499 millimeters)
With an average annual precipitation of 59 inches (1,499 millimeters), Mississippi takes the third spot. Since the inception of the United States Drought Monitor map in 2000, Mississippi has enjoyed being completely drought-free about 48% of the time from 2000 to 2020.
4. Alabama
- Annual Precipitation: 58.3 inches (1,481 millimeters)
Alabama receives an average of 58.3 inches (1,481 millimeters) of rainfall annually, making it the fourth wettest state in the nation. The Gulf of Mexico plays a pivotal role in this, as it consistently sends moisture-laden air into Alabama’s atmosphere.
5. Florida
- Annual Precipitation: 54.5 inches (1,384 millimeters)
Despite its nickname as the Sunshine State, Florida ranks fifth rainiest in the U.S., with an annual precipitation of 54.5 inches (1,384 millimeters). This state is known for its frequent thunderstorms, more than any other state in the country. The warm climate, abundant sunshine, and high moisture levels create the perfect conditions for these frequent and sometimes severe thunderstorms that often bring with them a tremendous amount of rain.
6. Tennessee
- Annual Precipitation: 54.2 inches (1,377 millimeters)
Ranking sixth, Tennessee is drenched with an average of 54.2 inches (1,377 millimeters) of rain per year. The state is so frequently wet, especially in the higher elevations, that parts of the Great Smoky Mountains are considered a temperate rainforest.
7. Georgia
- Annual Precipitation: 50.7 inches (1,288 millimeters)
Seventh on the list, Georgia receives about 50.7 inches (1,288 millimeters) of rain annually. The northeastern mountainous regions of the state are particularly wet, with upwards of 70 inches of rainfall each year. Known as the Peach State, Georgia’s abundant precipitation is supports its agriculture, including growing those beautiful, juicy peaches.
8. Arkansas
- Annual Precipitation: 50.6 inches (1,285 millimeters)
With an average annual rainfall of 50.6 inches (1,285 millimeters), Arkansas ranks eighth. The state is known for its intense summer thunderstorms. The weather here can be described as wild, with a mix of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy rains leading to localized flooding, and even winter ice storms.
9. (tie) Connecticut
- Annual Precipitation: 50.3 inches (1,278 millimeters)
Tied for ninth place, Connecticut sees an annual precipitation of 50.3 inches (1,278 millimeters), largely thanks to the nearby jet stream. This atmospheric current is a significant factor in bringing both rain and snow to the region. In Connecticut, snowfall adds to the precipitation totals, varying from 30 inches along the coast to over 50 inches in the Northwest Hills.
9. (tie) North Carolina
- Annual Precipitation: 50.3 inches (1,278 millimeters)
Also tied for ninth, North Carolina matches Connecticut with an annual precipitation of 50.3 inches (1,278 millimeters). In this state, July stands out as the wettest month, bringing heavy rains that nourish the soil and support the state’s agriculture and natural ecosystems.
10. South Carolina
- Annual Precipitation: 49.8 inches (1,265 millimeters)
South Carolina has an annual average precipitation of 49.8 inches (1,264 millimeters). The state experiences a significant variation in rainfall across its regions. The coast and lowcountry areas, for instance, sees less rain, with Beaufort receiving 45 inches (1,144 millimeters), while some upstate regions, particularly at Caesars Head State Park, record much higher levels at 74.2 inches (1,885 millimeters).
11. Kentucky
- Annual Precipitation: 48.9 inches (1,232 millimeters)
Kentucky averages an annual precipitation of 48.9 inches (1,232 millimeters). The rainfall is fairly distributed throughout the year. The place that tends to get the most rainfall is Murray, in western Kentucky, with an average of 58.1 inches (1,475 millimeters), while the driest place is Harrington Lake, with 45.9 inches (1,166 millimeters) in a typical year.
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Katy Willis is a writer, lifelong homesteader, and master herbalist, master gardener, and canine nutritionist. Katy is a preparedness expert and modern homesteader practicing everyday preparedness, sustainability, and a holistic lifestyle.
She knows how important it is to be prepared for whatever life throws at you, because you just never know what's coming. And preparedness helps you give your family the best chance to thrive in any situation.
Katy is passionate about living naturally, growing food, keeping livestock, foraging, and making and using herbal remedies. Katy is an experienced herbalist and a member of the CMA (Complementary Medical Association).
Her preparedness skills go beyond just being "ready", she's ready to survive the initial disaster, and thrive afterward, too. She grows 100% organic food on roughly 15 acres and raises goats, chickens, and ducks. She also lovingly tends her orchard, where she grows many different fruit trees. And, because she likes to know exactly what she's feeding her family, she's a seasoned from-scratch cook and gluten-free baker.
Katy teaches foraging and environmental education classes, too, including self-sufficient living, modern homesteading, seed saving, and organic vegetable gardening.
Katy helps others learn forgotten skills, including basic survival skills and self-reliance.
She's been published on sites such as MSN, Angi, Home Advisor, Family Handyman, Wealth of Geeks, Readers Digest, and more.