Driest Cities in Scotland

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · United Kingdom · Scotland

Driest Cities — Scotland

1 Dunbar 24.6"

2 North Berwick 24.8"

3 Saint Andrews 25.5"

4 Monifieth 25.5"

5 Lossiemouth 26.4"

6 Arbroath 26.5"

7 Dundee 26.8"

8 Brechin 26.9"

9 Buckie 27.3"

10 Nairn 27.5"

11 Fraserburgh 27.7"

12 Cupar 27.8"

13 Turriff 28.2"

14 Peterhead 28.4"

15 Carnoustie 28.4"

16 Forres 29.3"

17 Forfar 29.4"

18 Montrose 29.7"

19 Inverurie 29.8"

20 Ellon 29.9"

21 Elgin 30.0"

22 Perth 30.8"

23 Aberdeen 30.9"

24 Nigg 30.9"

25 Portlethen 30.9"

26 Banchory 30.9"

27 Cove 30.9"

28 Kelso 31.0"

29 Dyce 31.5"

30 Stonehaven 32.1"

31 Westhill 32.2"

32 Blairgowrie and Rattray 33.0"

33 Kirriemuir 36.0"

34 Galashiels 37.2"

35 Annan 37.7"

36 Wick 39.4"

37 Thurso 41.2"

38 Kirkwall 41.8"

39 Irvine 41.9"

40 Troon 41.9"

41 Hawick 42.1"

42 Dumfries 42.2"

43 Locharbriggs 42.2"

44 Ayr 43.7"

45 Prestwick 43.7"

46 Kilwinning 44.0"

47 Saltcoats 44.0"

48 Ardrossan 44.0"

49 Stevenston 44.0"

50 Selkirk 44.1"

51 Edinburgh 44.3"

52 Kirkcaldy 44.3"

53 Glenrothes 44.3"

54 Musselburgh 44.3"

55 Bonnyrigg 44.3"

56 Penicuik 44.3"

57 Mayfield 44.3"

58 Dalkeith 44.3"

59 Tranent 44.3"

60 Methil 44.3"

61 Prestonpans 44.3"

62 Haddington 44.3"

63 Leven 44.3"

64 Burntisland 44.3"

65 Loanhead 44.3"

66 Gorebridge 44.3"

67 Cockenzie 44.3"

68 Stranraer 45.3"

69 Inverness 46.1"

70 Lerwick 46.6"

71 Livingston 47.0"

72 Dunfermline 47.0"

73 Bathgate 47.0"

74 Grangemouth 47.0"

75 Broxburn 47.0"

76 Bo’ness 47.0"

77 Rosyth 47.0"

78 Linlithgow 47.0"

79 Armadale 47.0"

80 Cowdenbeath 47.0"

81 Whitburn 47.0"

82 Dalgety Bay 47.0"

83 Queensferry 47.0"

84 Colinton 47.0"

85 Kelty 47.0"

86 Lochgelly 47.0"

87 Currie 47.0"

88 Balerno 47.0"

89 Ballingry 47.0"

90 Blackburn 47.0"

91 Polmont 47.0"

92 Inverkeithing 47.0"

93 Tillicoultry 47.0"

94 Kilmarnock 48.0"

95 Girvan 48.4"

96 Alness 50.4"

97 Auchterarder 50.6"

98 Stewarton 50.8"

99 Beith 50.8"

100 Isle of Lewis 52.3"

The driest cities in Scotland receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Dunbar receives just 24.6 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. Dunbar gets just 24.6" 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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