Driest Cities in New York

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · United States · New York

Driest Cities — New York

1 Plattsburgh 30.9"

2 Horseheads 32.4"

3 Big Flats 32.4"

4 Geneseo 33.1"

5 Massena 33.9"

6 Niagara Falls 34.4"

7 Irondequoit 35.1"

8 Brighton 35.1"

9 Rochester Institute of Technology 35.1"

10 Greece 35.1"

11 North Gates 35.1"

12 Canandaigua 35.2"

13 Albion 35.2"

14 Medina 35.2"

15 Hilton 35.5"

16 Brockport 35.5"

17 Hamlin 35.5"

18 Clarkson 35.5"

19 Geneva 37.0"

20 South Lockport 37.9"

21 Lockport 37.9"

22 Elmira 38.1"

23 Southport 38.1"

24 Canton 38.2"

25 Hudson Falls 38.2"

26 North Massapequa 38.3"

27 Old Bethpage 38.3"

28 Seaford 38.3"

29 West Babylon 38.3"

30 Baywood 38.3"

31 Plainedge 38.3"

32 South Farmingdale 38.3"

33 Babylon 38.3"

34 Wheatley Heights 38.3"

35 Farmingdale 38.3"

36 Amityville 38.3"

37 Deer Park 38.3"

38 Lindenhurst 38.3"

39 Bethpage 38.3"

40 West Islip 38.3"

41 North Lindenhurst 38.3"

42 Plainview 38.3"

43 Copiague 38.3"

44 Massapequa 38.3"

45 East Farmingdale 38.3"

46 Massapequa Park 38.3"

47 North Bay Shore 38.3"

48 North Amityville 38.3"

49 East Massapequa 38.3"

50 Melville 38.3"

51 Woodbury 38.3"

52 North Babylon 38.3"

53 South Hill 38.3"

54 Hornell 38.4"

55 Corning 38.7"

56 Ithaca 38.9"

57 Ogdensburg 39.2"

58 Webster 39.3"

59 Gananda 39.3"

60 Cortland 39.5"

61 Fort Drum 39.6"

62 Fairmount 39.9"

63 De Witt 39.9"

64 Mattydale 39.9"

65 Solvay 39.9"

66 North Syracuse 39.9"

67 Westvale 39.9"

68 Newark 39.9"

69 Malone 39.9"

70 North Tonawanda 40.1"

71 Tonawanda 40.1"

72 Olean 40.7"

73 Country Knolls 40.7"

74 Williamsville 40.7"

75 Cheektowaga 40.7"

76 Schenectady 40.7"

77 Latham 40.7"

78 Westmere 40.7"

79 Tonawanda Town 40.7"

80 West Seneca 40.7"

81 East Glenville 40.7"

82 Depew 40.7"

83 Eggertsville 40.7"

84 University at Buffalo 40.7"

85 Scotia 40.7"

86 Lancaster 40.7"

87 Colonie 40.7"

88 Rotterdam 40.7"

89 Harris Hill 40.7"

90 Niskayuna 40.7"

91 Loudonville 40.7"

92 Kenmore 40.7"

93 Roessleville 40.7"

94 Lackawanna 40.7"

95 Fredonia 41.1"

96 Batavia 41.8"

97 Wappingers Falls 41.9"

98 Myers Corner 41.9"

99 Beacon 41.9"

100 Potsdam 42.0"

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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