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Driest Cities in British Columbia

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Best British Columbia Cities

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics — 4 topics from climate and air quality data.

Best Climate Cities
Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and clean air.
Cleanest Air Cities
Lowest pollution levels for healthy outdoor living.
Sunniest Cities
Most days of sunshine per year, with warm and dry climate.
Most Urban Cities
Densely populated city centers with the largest urban footprints.
Population & Density
Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense
Economy
Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Wages
Housing
Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Highest Homeownership
Demographics & Education
Most Educated Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Sunniest Cities Snowiest Cities
Quality of Life
Shortest Commute Most Work From Home
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  Canada  ·  British Columbia

Driest Cities — British Columbia

1 Cranbrook 12.5"
2 Lake Country 13.3"
3 Peachland 14.2"
4 Glenrosa 14.2"
5 Sahali 14.3"
6 Aberdeen 14.3"
7 Oliver 14.3"
8 Summerland 14.4"
9 Kelowna 14.5"
10 West Kelowna 14.6"
11 Hanceville 14.7"
12 Fort St. John 15.4"
13 Vernon 15.7"
14 Merritt 16.5"
15 Brocklehurst 17.4"
16 North Kamloops 17.4"
17 Westsyde 17.4"
18 Dawson Creek 17.9"
19 Peace River C 18.1"
20 Peace River B 18.3"
21 Okanagan Mission 18.5"
22 Rutland 18.5"
23 Tsinstikeptum 10 18.5"
24 Coldstream 18.9"
25 Spallumcheen 19.0"
26 Armstrong 19.0"
27 Salmon Arm 24.4"
28 Trail 24.4"
29 Prince George 25.2"
30 Smithers 27.3"
31 Bulkley-Nechako A 28.1"
32 Castlegar 28.8"
33 Fernie 28.9"
34 Kimberley 29.4"
35 Nelson 29.8"
36 East Kootenay C 31.8"
37 Hillside-Quadra 31.9"
38 Rural Saanich 32.0"
39 James Bay 32.0"
40 Shelbourne 32.0"
41 Fairfield 32.0"
42 View Royal 32.0"
43 Oak Bay 32.0"
44 Carey 32.0"
45 Fernwood 32.0"
46 Tillicum 32.0"
47 Gordon Head 32.0"
48 Royal Oak 32.0"
49 Victoria West 32.0"
50 Cordova Bay 32.0"
51 Oaklands 32.0"
52 Burnside-Gorge 32.0"
53 Jubilee 32.0"
54 Saanich Core 32.0"
55 Sidney 32.9"
56 North Saanich 32.9"
57 Central Saanich 32.9"
58 Victoria-Downtown 34.5"
59 Victoria 34.5"
60 Saanich 34.7"
61 Colwood 35.0"
62 Brentwood Bay 37.2"
63 Langford 38.6"
64 Central Kootenay H 38.7"
65 Saltspring Island 39.2"
66 Southern Gulf Islands 39.2"
67 Ganges 39.4"
68 Mill Bay 40.3"
69 Sooke 42.2"
70 Revelstoke 43.4"
71 Ladner 44.8"
72 White Rock 45.9"
73 Metchosin 46.6"
74 Brookswood 46.8"
75 Aldergrove 48.1"
76 Sunshine Hills 48.6"
77 Duncan 49.8"
78 Nanaimo 49.9"
79 Nanaimo G 49.9"
80 Nanaimo F 49.9"
81 Nanaimo A 49.9"
82 Nanaimo E 49.9"
83 Comox Valley A 50.4"
84 Comox Valley C 50.4"
85 Comox Valley B 50.4"
86 West Clayton 50.4"
87 Surrey Centre 50.4"
88 East Clayton 50.4"
89 Hope 50.8"
90 South Surrey 50.9"
91 North Cowichan 51.1"
92 Whatcom 51.5"
93 Murrayville 51.5"
94 West Cambie 53.1"
95 Broadmoor 53.1"
96 Thompson 53.1"
97 South Arm 53.1"
98 Garden City 53.1"
99 Blundell 53.1"
100 Shellmont 53.1"

The driest cities in British Columbia receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Cranbrook receives just 12.5 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. Cranbrook gets just 12.5" 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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