Driest Cities in California

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Best Cities For...

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 5 topics across U.S. Census, FBI, NOAA and CDC data.

Best Cities for Retirees
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Best Cities for Families
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Best Cities for Young Professionals
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Most Affordable Cities
The lowest cost of living across home prices, rent, services and rent burden.
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All Countries  ·  United States  ·  California

Driest Cities - California

1 Holtville 2.4"
2 El Centro 2.4"
3 Imperial 2.4"
4 Heber 2.4"
5 Brawley 2.4"
6 Calexico 2.5"
7 Calipatria 2.6"
8 Desert Palms 2.9"
9 Bermuda Dunes 2.9"
10 Indio 2.9"
11 Coachella 3.0"
12 La Quinta 3.0"
13 Mecca 3.1"
14 Blythe 3.6"
15 Twentynine Palms 3.9"
16 Salton City 4.0"
17 Joshua Tree 4.4"
18 Thousand Palms 4.6"
19 Palm Desert 4.6"
20 Desert Hot Springs 4.6"
21 Palm Springs 4.6"
22 Garnet 4.6"
23 Cathedral City 4.6"
24 Rancho Mirage 4.6"
25 Ridgecrest 4.7"
26 Barstow 5.0"
27 Fort Irwin 5.2"
28 Apple Valley 5.6"
29 Silver Lakes 5.6"
30 Spring Valley Lake 5.6"
31 Victorville 5.6"
32 Adelanto 5.6"
33 California City 5.8"
34 Sun Village 5.9"
35 Palmdale 5.9"
36 Taft 6.0"
37 Yucca Valley 6.3"
38 East Bakersfield 6.4"
39 Bakersfield 6.4"
40 La Cresta 6.4"
41 Benton Park 6.4"
42 Oildale 6.4"
43 Rosedale 6.4"
44 Potomac Park 6.4"
45 Lamont 6.4"
46 Hillcrest 6.4"
47 East Niles 6.4"
48 Lake Los Angeles 6.8"
49 Rosamond 6.8"
50 Lancaster 6.8"
51 Quartz Hill 6.8"
52 Wasco 7.1"
53 Lemoore 7.2"
54 Huron 7.2"
55 Lemoore Station 7.2"
56 Avenal 7.5"
57 McFarland 7.5"
58 Delano 7.5"
59 Earlimart 7.5"
60 Shafter 7.7"
61 Oak Hills 7.8"
62 Hesperia 7.8"
63 Kingsburg 8.1"
64 Dinuba 8.1"
65 Hanford 8.1"
66 Corcoran 8.1"
67 Coalinga 8.2"
68 Imperial Beach 8.6"
69 National City 9.3"
70 Coronado 9.3"
71 Colton 9.4"
72 Newport Beach 9.4"
73 Riverside 9.4"
74 Grand Terrace 9.4"
75 Jurupa Valley 9.4"
76 Rialto 9.4"
77 Temescal Valley 9.4"
78 Home Gardens 9.4"
79 Muscoy 9.4"
80 Woodcrest 9.4"
81 El Sobrante CDP (Riverside County) 9.4"
82 Bloomington 9.4"
83 Dos Palos 9.5"
84 Los Banos 9.5"
85 Diamond Bar 10.0"
86 Norco 10.0"
87 Eastvale 10.0"
88 Corona 10.0"
89 Chino Hills 10.0"
90 Chino 10.0"
91 Chula Vista 10.2"
92 Bonita 10.2"
93 La Presa 10.2"
94 Visalia 10.3"
95 Tulare 10.3"
96 Orosi 10.3"
97 Farmersville 10.3"
98 Hilmar-Irwin 10.4"
99 Livingston 10.4"
100 Gustine 10.4"

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