Driest Cities in New York

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
Low crime, warm climate, affordable cost of living and strong healthcare access.
Best Cities for Remote Workers
Strong broadband, affordable rent, low traffic and existing remote-work culture.
Best Cities for Families
Strong schools, low crime, affordable homes and family-friendly commutes.
Best Cities for Young Professionals
High incomes, educated peers, transit access and an under-35 demographic.
Most Affordable Cities
The lowest cost of living across home prices, rent, services and rent burden.
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 Cheapest Cost of Living
Housing
Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Highest Homeownership Newest Housing Lowest Property Tax
Demographics & Education
Most Educated Best Schools Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Most Veterans
Health & Safety
Safest Cities Highest Crime Healthiest Cities Lowest Smoking Best Doctor Access Best Dental Access
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities Cleanest Air Worst Air Quality
Quality of Life
Shortest Commute Most Work From Home
Civic & Politics
Most Republican Most Democratic Most Disasters
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Best Broadband Most EV Stations Most Libraries Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  United States  ·  New York

Driest Cities - New York

1 Plattsburgh 30.9"
2 Southport 32.4"
3 Horseheads 32.4"
4 Elmira 32.4"
5 Big Flats 32.4"
6 Niagara Falls 33.0"
7 Dunkirk 33.0"
8 Fredonia 33.0"
9 North Tonawanda 33.0"
10 Tonawanda 33.0"
11 Geneseo 33.1"
12 Gananda 33.4"
13 Massena 33.9"
14 Geneva 34.6"
15 Rochester 35.1"
16 Rochester Institute of Technology 35.1"
17 Fairport 35.1"
18 Irondequoit 35.1"
19 Greece 35.1"
20 Brighton 35.1"
21 East Rochester 35.1"
22 Hilton 35.1"
23 North Gates 35.1"
24 Albion 35.2"
25 Canandaigua 35.2"
26 Clarkson 35.5"
27 Brockport 35.5"
28 Hamlin 35.5"
29 Bath 36.0"
30 Batavia 36.6"
31 Saranac Lake 36.6"
32 Newark 36.9"
33 Watertown 37.1"
34 Seneca Falls 37.7"
35 Medina 37.8"
36 Lockport 37.9"
37 Glens Falls North 38.2"
38 Potsdam 38.2"
39 West Glens Falls 38.2"
40 Hudson Falls 38.2"
41 Glens Falls 38.2"
42 Canton 38.2"
43 East Farmingdale 38.3"
44 North Merrick 38.3"
45 Jericho 38.3"
46 Levittown 38.3"
47 Babylon 38.3"
48 Hicksville 38.3"
49 West Babylon 38.3"
50 New Cassel 38.3"
51 East Meadow 38.3"
52 Wheatley Heights 38.3"
53 Huntington Station 38.3"
54 Farmingdale 38.3"
55 Ithaca 38.3"
56 West Hills 38.3"
57 South Farmingdale 38.3"
58 Bay Shore 38.3"
59 Massapequa Park 38.3"
60 Salisbury 38.3"
61 North Wantagh 38.3"
62 Deer Park 38.3"
63 Lindenhurst 38.3"
64 West Islip 38.3"
65 Plainview 38.3"
66 North Lindenhurst 38.3"
67 North Massapequa 38.3"
68 Dix Hills 38.3"
69 Baywood 38.3"
70 Copiague 38.3"
71 Massapequa 38.3"
72 South Lockport 38.3"
73 North Bellmore 38.3"
74 Old Bethpage 38.3"
75 North Bay Shore 38.3"
76 North Amityville 38.3"
77 East Massapequa 38.3"
78 Plainedge 38.3"
79 Bethpage 38.3"
80 South Hill 38.3"
81 Melville 38.3"
82 South Huntington 38.3"
83 North Babylon 38.3"
84 Amityville 38.3"
85 Hornell 38.4"
86 Corning 38.7"
87 Ogdensburg 39.2"
88 Webster 39.3"
89 Fulton 39.6"
90 Syracuse 39.9"
91 Solvay 39.9"
92 Malone 39.9"
93 Mattydale 39.9"
94 North Syracuse 39.9"
95 De Witt 39.9"
96 Fairmount 39.9"
97 Westvale 39.9"
98 Albany 40.7"
99 Tonawanda Town 40.7"
100 University at Buffalo 40.7"

The driest cities in New York receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Plattsburgh receives just 30.9 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. Plattsburgh gets just 30.9" 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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