Driest Cities in Australia

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · Australia

Driest Cities — Australia

1 Carnarvon 08 2.4"

2 Kalgoorlie 08 7.1"

3 Karratha 08 8.3"

4 Geraldton 08 9.2"

5 Broken Hill 02 9.6"

6 Mildura 07 11.4"

7 Irymple 07 11.4"

8 Newman 08 11.7"

9 Red Cliffs 07 11.8"

10 South Hedland 08 12.1"

11 Port Hedland 08 12.4"

12 Northam 08 12.7"

13 Whyalla Norrie 05 13.9"

14 Whyalla Stuart 05 13.9"

15 Port Augusta 05 14.1"

16 Swan Hill 07 14.2"

17 Murray Bridge 05 14.5"

18 Alice Springs 03 15.7"

19 Deniliquin 02 16.7"

20 Port Lincoln 05 17.6"

21 Leeton 02 17.8"

22 Elizabeth Downs 05 18.3"

23 Salisbury North 05 18.3"

24 Gawler 05 18.3"

25 Burton 05 18.3"

26 Andrews Farm 05 18.3"

27 Craigmore 05 18.3"

28 Munno Para West 05 18.3"

29 Davoren Park 05 18.3"

30 Blakeview 05 18.3"

31 Mount Barker 05 18.4"

32 Horsham 07 18.5"

33 Kinross 08 18.6"

34 Butler 08 18.6"

35 Iluka 08 18.6"

36 Clarkson 08 18.6"

37 Currambine 08 18.6"

38 Mindarie 08 18.6"

39 Yanchep 08 18.6"

40 Merriwa 08 18.6"

41 Quinns Rocks 08 18.6"

42 Alkimos 08 18.6"

43 Port Pirie 05 18.7"

44 Ocean Reef 08 18.8"

45 Mullaloo 08 18.8"

46 Fremantle 08 18.8"

47 Hillarys 08 18.8"

48 Bullsbrook 08 19.5"

49 Joondalup 08 19.5"

50 Tapping 08 19.5"

51 Carramar 08 19.5"

52 Banksia Grove 08 19.5"

53 Griffith 02 20.3"

54 Moama 02 20.3"

55 Echuca 07 20.3"

56 Yarrawonga 07 20.3"

57 West Hobart 06 20.4"

58 Lenah Valley 06 20.4"

59 New Town 06 20.4"

60 Sandy Bay 06 20.4"

61 Hobart 06 20.4"

62 Claremont 06 20.4"

63 South Hobart 06 20.4"

64 Howrah 06 20.4"

65 Moonah 06 20.4"

66 Kingston 06 20.4"

67 Blackmans Bay 06 20.4"

68 Lindisfarne 06 20.4"

69 Glenorchy 06 20.4"

70 Rockingham city centre 08 20.6"

71 Dudley Park 08 20.6"

72 Halls Head 08 20.6"

73 Warnbro 08 20.6"

74 Mandurah 08 20.6"

75 Mandurah city centre 08 20.6"

76 Safety Bay 08 20.6"

77 Rockingham 08 20.6"

78 Dawesville 08 20.6"

79 Kyabram 07 21.0"

80 Forbes 02 21.2"

81 Lithgow 02 21.3"

82 Nuriootpa 05 21.5"

83 Gawler East 05 21.5"

84 Eaglehawk 07 21.5"

85 Cooma 02 21.7"

86 Singleton 02 22.0"

87 Muswellbrook 02 22.0"

88 Maryborough 07 22.0"

89 Carey Park 08 22.0"

90 Busselton 08 22.0"

91 Eaton 08 22.0"

92 Dalyellup 08 22.0"

93 West Busselton 08 22.0"

94 Bunbury 08 22.0"

95 South Bunbury 08 22.0"

96 Australind 08 22.0"

97 Tuart Hill 08 22.0"

98 Carlisle 08 22.0"

99 Heathridge 08 22.0"

100 Wilson 08 22.0"

The driest cities in Australia receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Carnarvon receives just 2.4 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. Carnarvon gets just 2.4" 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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