Driest Cities in North Carolina

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · United States · North Carolina

Driest Cities — North Carolina

1 Asheville 33.7"

2 Greensboro 35.4"

3 High Point 36.1"

4 Winston-Salem 37.1"

5 Indian Trail 37.9"

6 Monroe 37.9"

7 Matthews 37.9"

8 Mint Hill 37.9"

9 Stallings 37.9"

10 Weddington 37.9"

11 Wesley Chapel 37.9"

12 Unionville 37.9"

13 Woodfin 40.6"

14 Charlotte 41.0"

15 Concord 41.9"

16 Raleigh 42.2"

17 Cary 42.7"

18 Gastonia 43.1"

19 Kernersville 43.2"

20 Walkertown 43.2"

21 Kings Mountain 43.3"

22 Durham 43.5"

23 Chapel Hill 43.6"

24 Huntersville 43.6"

25 Pineville 43.6"

26 Westport 43.6"

27 Salisbury 43.7"

28 Mount Holly 44.0"

29 Belmont 44.0"

30 Summerfield 44.0"

31 Oak Ridge 44.0"

32 Dallas 44.0"

33 Stokesdale 44.0"

34 Bessemer City 44.0"

35 Cramerton 44.0"

36 Mooresville 44.3"

37 Mocksville 44.3"

38 Nashville 44.4"

39 Hope Mills 44.6"

40 Thomasville 45.5"

41 Lexington 45.5"

42 Trinity 45.5"

43 Elon 45.9"

44 Gibsonville 45.9"

45 Siler City 45.9"

46 Morrisville 46.1"

47 Kill Devil Hills 46.6"

48 Laurinburg 46.6"

49 Oxford 46.6"

50 Butner 46.6"

51 Asheboro 46.6"

52 Newton 46.6"

53 Conover 46.6"

54 Anderson Creek 46.6"

55 Statesville 46.7"

56 Lake Norman of Iredell 46.7"

57 Lake Norman of Catawba 46.7"

58 Burlington 47.1"

59 Holly Springs 47.1"

60 Hickory 47.2"

61 St. Stephens 47.2"

62 Sawmills 47.2"

63 Mebane 47.2"

64 Graham 47.2"

65 Hillsborough 47.2"

66 Clemmons 47.3"

67 Lewisville 47.3"

68 Roxboro 47.3"

69 Eden 47.4"

70 Wake Forest 47.5"

71 Tarboro 47.6"

72 Reidsville 47.8"

73 Waxhaw 47.8"

74 Marvin 47.8"

75 Sanford 47.8"

76 Pinehurst 47.8"

77 Southern Pines 47.8"

78 Spout Springs 47.8"

79 Aberdeen 47.8"

80 Barbecue 47.8"

81 Whispering Pines 47.8"

82 Kannapolis 47.9"

83 Cornelius 47.9"

84 Harrisburg 47.9"

85 Davidson 47.9"

86 Spring Lake 47.9"

87 Archdale 48.3"

88 Albemarle 48.3"

89 Locust 48.3"

90 Apex 48.3"

91 Fayetteville 48.5"

92 Rocky Mount 48.6"

93 Moyock 48.6"

94 Henderson 48.6"

95 Carrboro 48.9"

96 Briar Chapel 48.9"

97 Smithfield 49.4"

98 Selma 49.4"

99 Roanoke Rapids 49.5"

100 Lincolnton 49.5"

The driest cities in North Carolina receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Asheville receives just 33.7 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. Asheville gets just 33.7" 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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