Driest Cities in New South Wales

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · Australia · New South Wales

Driest Cities — New South Wales

1 Broken Hill 9.6"

2 Deniliquin 16.7"

3 Leeton 17.8"

4 Griffith 20.3"

5 Moama 20.3"

6 Forbes 21.2"

7 Lithgow 21.3"

8 Cooma 21.7"

9 Singleton 22.0"

10 Muswellbrook 22.0"

11 Tamworth 22.1"

12 West Tamworth 22.1"

13 East Tamworth 22.1"

14 South Tamworth 22.1"

15 Hillvue 22.1"

16 North Tamworth 22.1"

17 Parkes 23.5"

18 Moree 23.7"

19 Dubbo 24.7"

20 Bathurst 24.9"

21 Kelso 24.9"

22 Bathurst city centre 24.9"

23 Yass 25.2"

24 Gunnedah 25.2"

25 Narrabri 25.4"

26 Kempsey 25.6"

27 Cowra 26.2"

28 Cootamundra 26.4"

29 Young 26.5"

30 Goulburn 26.9"

31 Scone 27.1"

32 Newcastle 27.5"

33 Raymond Terrace 27.5"

34 Maitland 27.7"

35 Rutherford 27.7"

36 Aberglasslyn 27.7"

37 Wauchope 28.0"

38 Port Macquarie 28.2"

39 Lake Albert 28.6"

40 Wagga Wagga 28.6"

41 Glenfield Park 28.6"

42 Kooringal 28.6"

43 Tuncurry 28.9"

44 Taree 28.9"

45 Forster 28.9"

46 Wingham 28.9"

47 Mudgee 29.0"

48 Medowie 29.2"

49 Corlette 29.2"

50 Nelson Bay 29.2"

51 Orange 29.6"

52 Grafton 30.6"

53 South Grafton 30.6"

54 Berowra Heights 31.0"

55 Pymble 31.0"

56 South Windsor 31.0"

57 Castle Hill 31.0"

58 Richmond 31.0"

59 Bella Vista 31.0"

60 Oakhurst 31.0"

61 Kellyville 31.0"

62 Quakers Hill 31.0"

63 Glendenning 31.0"

64 Beaumont Hills 31.0"

65 Beecroft 31.0"

66 Kellyville Ridge 31.0"

67 Rouse Hill 31.0"

68 Waitara 31.0"

69 Hornsby 31.0"

70 Riverstone 31.0"

71 Marayong 31.0"

72 Ropes Crossing 31.0"

73 Hebersham 31.0"

74 Cherrybrook 31.0"

75 Saint Ives 31.0"

76 Normanhurst 31.0"

77 Wahroonga 31.0"

78 Frenchs Forest 31.0"

79 Stanhope Gardens 31.0"

80 Turramurra 31.0"

81 Dural 31.0"

82 West Pennant Hills 31.0"

83 Glenwood 31.0"

84 Belrose 31.0"

85 Thornleigh 31.0"

86 Mount Colah 31.0"

87 The Ponds 31.0"

88 Pennant Hills 31.0"

89 Hornsby Heights 31.0"

90 Bligh Park 31.0"

91 Glenhaven 31.0"

92 Armidale 31.1"

93 Woolgoolga 31.1"

94 Baulkham Hills 31.3"

95 Strathfield 31.3"

96 Sydney Central Business District 31.3"

97 Yagoona 31.3"

98 Westmead 31.3"

99 Cronulla 31.3"

100 Earlwood 31.3"

The driest cities in New South Wales receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Broken Hill receives just 9.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Broken Hill gets just 9.6" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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