Driest Cities in California

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · United States · California

Driest Cities — California

1 Imperial 2.4"

2 Brawley 2.4"

3 Calipatria 2.4"

4 Calexico 2.5"

5 El Centro 2.5"

6 Holtville 2.5"

7 Heber 2.5"

8 La Quinta 2.9"

9 Garnet 2.9"

10 Thousand Palms 2.9"

11 Rancho Mirage 2.9"

12 Bermuda Dunes 2.9"

13 Cathedral City 2.9"

14 Palm Desert 2.9"

15 Coachella 2.9"

16 Desert Palms 2.9"

17 Mecca 3.1"

18 Blythe 3.6"

19 Fort Irwin 3.8"

20 Twentynine Palms 3.9"

21 Salton City 4.0"

22 Joshua Tree 4.4"

23 Ridgecrest 4.7"

24 Barstow 5.0"

25 Desert Hot Springs 5.1"

26 Palm Springs 5.1"

27 Adelanto 5.6"

28 Apple Valley 5.6"

29 Silver Lakes 5.6"

30 Taft 6.0"

31 Yucca Valley 6.3"

32 East Bakersfield 6.7"

33 East Niles 6.7"

34 Oildale 6.7"

35 Hillcrest 6.7"

36 La Cresta 6.7"

37 Greenfield 6.7"

38 Fairfax 6.7"

39 Lamont 6.7"

40 Benton Park 6.7"

41 Arvin 6.7"

42 Potomac Park 6.7"

43 California City 6.7"

44 Lake Los Angeles 6.8"

45 Sun Village 6.8"

46 Quartz Hill 6.8"

47 Rosamond 6.8"

48 Wasco 7.1"

49 Lemoore 7.2"

50 Lemoore Station 7.2"

51 McFarland 7.5"

52 Delano 7.5"

53 Earlimart 7.5"

54 Rosedale 7.7"

55 Shafter 7.7"

56 Spring Valley Lake 7.9"

57 Oak Hills 7.9"

58 Dos Palos 8.0"

59 Avenal 8.2"

60 Coalinga 8.2"

61 Hanford 8.5"

62 Imperial Beach 8.6"

63 Lemon Grove 9.2"

64 National City 9.2"

65 Bonita 9.2"

66 La Presa 9.2"

67 Coronado 9.3"

68 El Sobrante CDP (Riverside County) 9.4"

69 Los Banos 9.5"

70 Indio 9.9"

71 Norco 10.0"

72 Home Gardens 10.0"

73 Eastvale 10.0"

74 Woodcrest 10.0"

75 Camp Pendleton South 10.3"

76 Tulare 10.3"

77 Farmersville 10.3"

78 Gustine 10.5"

79 Hilmar-Irwin 10.5"

80 Delhi 10.5"

81 Calimesa 10.7"

82 Homeland 10.7"

83 Mead Valley 10.7"

84 Lake Mathews 10.7"

85 Nuevo 10.7"

86 Madera 10.8"

87 Chowchilla 10.8"

88 Madera Acres 10.8"

89 Mendota 10.8"

90 Firebaugh 10.8"

91 Porterville 11.0"

92 Mayfair 11.0"

93 Old Fig Garden 11.0"

94 La Mesa 11.0"

95 Fountain Valley 11.2"

96 Kerman 11.3"

97 Encinitas 11.4"

98 Solana Beach 11.5"

99 Poway 11.5"

100 Rancho San Diego 11.6"

The driest cities in California receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Imperial 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. Imperial 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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