Driest Cities in North Carolina

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.

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All Countries  ·  United States  ·  North Carolina

Driest Cities - North Carolina

1 Indian Trail 37.9"
2 Monroe 37.9"
3 Matthews 37.9"
4 Mint Hill 37.9"
5 Waxhaw 37.9"
6 Stallings 37.9"
7 Weddington 37.9"
8 Wesley Chapel 37.9"
9 Unionville 37.9"
10 Marvin 37.9"
11 Asheville 40.6"
12 Woodfin 40.6"
13 Lumberton 42.6"
14 Huntersville 43.0"
15 Cornelius 43.0"
16 Mount Holly 43.0"
17 Davidson 43.0"
18 Westport 43.0"
19 Winston-Salem 43.2"
20 Clemmons 43.2"
21 Walkertown 43.2"
22 Gastonia 43.3"
23 Burlington 43.3"
24 Graham 43.3"
25 Kings Mountain 43.3"
26 Elon 43.3"
27 Gibsonville 43.3"
28 Dallas 43.3"
29 Bessemer City 43.3"
30 Cramerton 43.3"
31 Charlotte 43.6"
32 Chapel Hill 43.6"
33 Carrboro 43.6"
34 Belmont 43.6"
35 Pineville 43.6"
36 Briar Chapel 43.6"
37 Salisbury 43.7"
38 Kernersville 44.0"
39 Summerfield 44.0"
40 Oak Ridge 44.0"
41 Stokesdale 44.0"
42 Mooresville 44.3"
43 Nashville 44.4"
44 Fayetteville 44.6"
45 Hope Mills 44.6"
46 Lexington 45.5"
47 Rocky Mount 45.8"
48 Butner 45.8"
49 Greensboro 45.9"
50 Siler City 45.9"
51 Raleigh 46.1"
52 Durham 46.1"
53 Morrisville 46.1"
54 Elizabeth City 46.5"
55 Kill Devil Hills 46.5"
56 Statesville 46.6"
57 Asheboro 46.6"
58 Laurinburg 46.6"
59 Lake Norman of Iredell 46.6"
60 Lake Norman of Catawba 46.6"
61 Oxford 46.6"
62 Angier 46.6"
63 Hillsborough 46.7"
64 Sanford 46.9"
65 Mocksville 46.9"
66 Hickory 47.1"
67 Holly Springs 47.1"
68 Eden 47.1"
69 Anderson Creek 47.1"
70 Newton 47.1"
71 Spring Lake 47.1"
72 Spout Springs 47.1"
73 St. Stephens 47.1"
74 Conover 47.1"
75 Barbecue 47.1"
76 Sawmills 47.1"
77 Mebane 47.2"
78 King 47.2"
79 Lewisville 47.3"
80 Roxboro 47.3"
81 Wake Forest 47.5"
82 Tarboro 47.6"
83 Knightdale 47.8"
84 Pinehurst 47.8"
85 Southern Pines 47.8"
86 Reidsville 47.8"
87 Wendell 47.8"
88 Rolesville 47.8"
89 Aberdeen 47.8"
90 Zebulon 47.8"
91 Whispering Pines 47.8"
92 Concord 47.9"
93 Kannapolis 47.9"
94 Harrisburg 47.9"
95 Locust 47.9"
96 Lincolnton 48.1"
97 Cary 48.3"
98 High Point 48.3"
99 Apex 48.3"
100 Thomasville 48.3"

The driest cities in North Carolina receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Indian Trail receives just 37.9 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. Indian Trail gets just 37.9" 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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