The 10 Wettest States In The United States Of America

Hawaii sees the most annual rainfall of the US states.

With an area of 10.1 million square km, the United States is the world’s third largest country in the world. Thus, the climate of the country varies widely throughout its vast expanse. Generally, the country’s climate tends to be warmer as one travels south. Precipitation levels also vary significantly in the different parts of the country. Much of the central and upper eastern part of the US receives evenly distributed rainfall all year round. Much of western US and Hawaii receives rainfall during spring, winter, and fall through storm systems that develop in the Pacific Ocean. A subtropical monsoon pattern of winds brings rainfall to Florida. Other parts of the country also receive precipitation depending on their physiogeographic locations. Hawaii is the wettest state, receiving the highest average yearly rainfall of all the states.

The Rainiest States In The United States

1. Hawaii

Hawaii, a US state located in Oceania, is the wettest state in the country. Hawaii is an island group that is part of Polynesia, a group of islands in the central Pacific Ocean. Hawaii has hundreds of islands occupying a total area of about 28,311 square km. Hawaii experiences a tropical climate. Trade winds blowing in from the east moderates the climate of the state. Summer day temperatures can be as high as 31 °C while winter day temperature is around 28 °C. The state has two major seasons, the dry season lasting from May to October and the wet season from November to April. Hawaii receives an average yearly and average monthly rainfall of 57.2 inches and 4.8 inches respectively. December is the rainiest month in the state. Snowfall is an extremely rare phenomenon but occasionally falls on the tall Hawaiian mountains of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in some winter months.

2. Louisiana

Louisiana is the second wettest state in the US. It is located in the Deep South region of the country and experiences a humid subtropical climate. The influences of the Gulf of Mexico, the relatively flat topography of the state, and its low latitude influence its climate. Louisiana experiences long, hot and humid summers. Winters here are relatively short and mild. Rainfall happens frequently all year round but is slightly higher in the summer months. The state has an average annual rainfall of 56.9 inches and an average monthly rainfall of 4.8 inches. June is the rainiest month of the year. Summer rain is usually more intense as it falls after the summer heat leads to the build-up of thunderstorms. Louisiana is extremely vulnerable to tropical cyclones and many such events have wreaked havoc in the state in the past.

3. Mississippi

Located in the southeastern US, Mississippi is the third rainiest state in the country. The state also experiences a humid subtropical climate similar to Louisiana. During the long, hot, and humid summers there is little variation in temperature in the state. However, during the short winter season, places close to the coast are significantly warmer than those further inside. Mississippi receives an average yearly rainfall of 55.5 inches and an average monthly rainfall of 4.6 inches. December is the rainiest season in the state. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of. The state is also vulnerable to hurricanes in late summer. Thunderstorms are also common, especially in southern Mississippi.

4. Alabama

Alabama is also a southeastern US state that experiences a humid subtropical climate. The temperature is warmer in the state’s southern parts due to the nearness to the ocean while the northern parts are less warm. Summers are generally very hot, the hottest in the country, while winters are quite mild. Alabama receives an average yearly and monthly rainfall of 55.3 inches and 4.7 inches respectively. March is the wettest season in this state. Tropical storms and even hurricanes happen in Alabama and bring tremendous rainfall to the state. Thunderstorms are especially frequent in the southern parts of Alabama. Areas near to the coast experience thunderstorms for about 70 to 80 days annually. Alabama has one of the highest fatality rates due to lightning in the country.

5. Florida

Florida is the southernmost US state and the country’s fifth rainiest state. Since no part of Florida is too distant from the ocean with its widest point at only 160 miles, the state experiences a somewhat tempered climate at all places. The part of Florida located to the north of Lake Okeechobee experiences a humid subtropical climate while that to the south has a tropical climate. Snowfall is extremely rare in the state but rainfall is a frequent occurrence. It is known as the country’s lightning capital since it experiences the highest number of lightning strikes in the country. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from late spring to early autumn. Florida receives an average yearly rainfall of 53.7 inches and an average monthly rainfall of 4.5 inches. August is the wettest season in the state.

The 10 Wettest States In The United States Of America

RankStateAverage yearly rainfallAverage monthly rainfallWettest Month
9North Carolina49.34.0August
10South Carolina48.03.9August

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