Driest Cities in Norway

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Norway

Driest Cities — Norway

1 Alta 05 17.1"

2 Hamar 34 21.6"

3 Brumunddal 34 24.3"

4 Røros 21 24.7"

5 Gjøvik 34 25.1"

6 Lillehammer 34 26.9"

7 Raufoss 34 27.8"

8 Elverum 34 27.8"

9 Hønefoss 04 28.2"

10 Hammerfest 05 28.7"

11 Nesoddtangen 01 30.5"

12 Eidsvoll 01 31.0"

13 Råholt 01 31.0"

14 Fredrikstad 13 31.1"

15 Sarpsborg 13 31.1"

16 Vestby 01 31.2"

17 Ås 01 31.2"

18 Jessheim 01 31.3"

19 Moss 13 31.3"

20 Ensjø 12 31.4"

21 Kongsvinger 34 31.4"

22 Oslo 12 31.4"

23 Tønsberg 20 31.5"

24 Notodden 17 31.8"

25 Halden 13 31.8"

26 Kløfta 01 32.1"

27 Ask 01 32.1"

28 Mysen 13 32.1"

29 Sørumsand 01 32.1"

30 Ski 01 32.1"

31 Narvik 09 32.3"

32 Asker 01 32.3"

33 Drøbak 01 32.4"

34 Tranby 04 32.6"

35 Fetsund 01 32.6"

36 Strømmen 01 32.6"

37 Lillestrøm 01 32.6"

38 Drammen 04 32.6"

39 Horten 20 32.8"

40 Askim 13 33.1"

41 Kongsberg 04 34.3"

42 Holmestrand 20 35.0"

43 Sandefjord 20 35.3"

44 Lenvik 18 35.4"

45 Stokke 20 35.5"

46 Melhus 21 35.5"

47 Skien 17 37.1"

48 Hommelvik 21 37.2"

49 Malvik 21 37.2"

50 Tromsdalen 18 37.2"

51 Stjørdal 21 37.6"

52 Stjørdalshalsen 21 37.6"

53 Tromsø 18 37.9"

54 Porsgrunn 17 38.1"

55 Trondheim 21 38.4"

56 Stavern 20 38.6"

57 Larvik 20 39.0"

58 Kragerø 17 40.0"

59 Arendal 42 40.9"

60 Tvedestrand 42 41.2"

61 Orkanger 21 42.7"

62 Bodø 09 43.8"

63 Grimstad 42 44.5"

64 Lillesand 42 45.1"

65 Verdal 21 46.1"

66 Steinkjer 21 46.5"

67 Luster 46 46.7"

68 Levanger 21 47.0"

69 Hokksund 04 47.3"

70 Fauske 09 48.2"

71 Bryne 14 48.5"

72 Tananger 14 48.5"

73 Sortland 09 50.0"

74 Nærbø 14 50.4"

75 Namsos 21 50.5"

76 Harstad 18 50.5"

77 Sandnes 14 52.1"

78 Stavanger 14 52.1"

79 Mo i Rana 09 53.4"

80 Time 14 56.2"

81 Kristiansand 42 58.4"

82 Tangvall 42 59.1"

83 Egersund 14 59.6"

84 Åkrehamn 14 60.6"

85 Sæveland 14 60.6"

86 Kopervik 14 60.6"

87 Austevoll 46 62.6"

88 Søgne 42 62.9"

89 Haram 08 64.3"

90 Brønnøysund 09 64.3"

91 Mosjøen 09 65.0"

92 Vennesla 42 65.0"

93 Strand 14 65.5"

94 Hommersåk 14 67.1"

95 Mandal 42 67.1"

96 Kristiansund 08 67.3"

97 Flekkefjord 42 68.6"

98 Haugesund 14 71.2"

99 Stryn 46 71.7"

100 Ålesund 08 72.3"

The driest cities in Norway receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Alta receives just 17.1 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. Alta gets just 17.1" 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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