Humidity refers to the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air, explaining why we feel more oppressive and uncomfortable during the peak summer months. The United States, with its varied weather conditions, has several cities on the radar with glaringly high humidity.
In the U.S., cities located in the Southeast and Gulf Coast experience the stickiest, most humid weather year-round. Would you even dare to live in those cities?
With how drastically weather changes are happening worldwide, we’ve managed to list the top 15 cities in the U.S. that have the most humid climates.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Average Annual Humidity: ~85%
- Climate: Subtropical
When discussing the most humid cities in the U.S., New Orleans is bound to make an appearance on every list. Due to its location near the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River, New Orleans experiences high humidity levels throughout the year. Spending your summer months in this city can be uncomfortable, especially with the sweltering heat and moist air.
2. Houston, Texas
- Average Annual Humidity: ~80-85%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Again, Houston is located close to the Gulf Coast, which explains why humidity is a constant presence throughout the year. The city is notorious for hot, steamy summers where even 90°F can feel like 105°F due to high dew points. If you are planning to live in this otherwise vibrant city, ensure that being out during the middays is going to suck all the water out of your body, figuratively speaking.
Curious about which parts of the U.S. see the most rainfall? Check out our guide on the Rainiest States in the US?
3. Jacksonville, Florida
- Average Annual Humidity: ~80-82%
- Climate: Subtropical
Tagged as the “largest city” in Florida based on land area, Jacksonville is near the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River. This geographical presence explains why the moisture levels in the air in this Florida city are so high throughout the year, but especially during the peak summers. Not just the daytime,but even the evenings feel uncomfortable.
Wondering about ideal indoor moisture levels? Learn more in our guide: What Is Normal Humidity for Home?
4. Miami, Florida
- Average Annual Humidity: ~70-75%
- Climate: Tropical monsoon
Across the entirety of mainland U.S, Miami is one of the most tropical cities and is bustling with tourists year-round. Compared to the other cities already mentioned, Miami has lower humidity, typically between 70-75%, and sometimes drops to around 60%. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay also makes the humidity persistent throughout the year.
5. Tampa, Florida
- Average Annual Humidity: ~80-85%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Another city in the U.S. that sits along the Gulf Coast is Tampa, Florida. If you are familiar with this city, you are likely aware of the frequent summer thunderstorms it brings every year. However, that’s the primary reason why the weather is so uncomfortable and the humidity is often high. Also, the combination of afternoon rains with summer sun further worsens the weather.
6. Port Arthur, Texas
- Average Annual Humidity: ~73-78%
- Climate: Subtropical
If you are in Texas, Port Arthur is one of the most humid cities in the state. Besides coastal erosion, other climate issues, such as frequent storms and severe floods, often contribute to the worsening weather and humidity. The coastal position of this city, especially with Sabine Lake nearby, is one of the main reasons behind the high humidity.
7. Galveston, Texas
- Average Annual Humidity: ~75-77%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Located off the coast of Texas, Galveston is an island city that experiences the wrath of intense weather shifts. Pushing aside the somewhat comfortable maritime temperature, the majority of the year, the tourists and the residents have to deal with the uncomfortable humidity, which is especially worse during the summer months. Only after thunderstorms do these humidity levels gradually subside.
8. Mobile, Alabama
- Average Annual Humidity: ~75-78%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Although it is not often discussed, Mobile, Alabama, is known for its intensely humid weather. The city is located right along Mobile Bay, making it a hotbed for oppressive humidity. It ranks consistently high in terms of dew point and rainfall. Even cloudy days feel damp and warm. The city also experiences frequent fog and a persistent feeling of dampness, which is quite uncomfortable.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
- Average Annual Humidity: ~64-81%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Another coastal town in the U.S that experiences high humidity is Charleston, located in South Carolina. The peak of moisture in the city is usually higher during the summer months, sometimes crossing 85% during the hottest days. If you are exploring the downtown of this city as a tourist, be prepared to sweat all your energy while walking down the cobblestone pathway.
10. Pensacola, Florida
- Average Annual Humidity: ~80-90%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Dubbed as one of the most humid cities in the U.S, Pensacola in Florida is another name that needs to be added to the list. The city is located along the Florida Panhandle, which is one reason it experiences high humidity. Being trapped in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and the bay leads to sweating hot weather during the summer months.
11. Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Average Annual Humidity: ~72-80%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Besides Charleston, another city in Louisiana that has high humidity is Lake Charles. With a morning average of over 83%, you are bound to feel the heat and discomfort. The subtropical weather, along with the Gulf of Mexico nearby, makes the humidity soar. Ensure you visit during the milder and colder months to enjoy outdoor activities.
12. Olympia, Washington
- Average Annual Humidity: ~75-85%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Olympia is another city that experiences high humidity. The lakes and forests surrounding the town also add to the moisture levels in the air. Not just the daytime temperature, but the ongoing wildfires and drastic weather shifts have also led to high and humid evening temperatures.
13. Corpus Christi, Texas
- Average Annual Humidity: ~74-77%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Fairly less talked about, Corpus Christi is not a common Texan city that many know about. However, the city is located along the shores of Texas, which explains why it is exposed to the tropical climate and the high humidity. Also, the city experiences frequent floods, which is another common reason behind the sudden weather changes.
14. Brownsville, Texas
- Average Annual Humidity: ~76-82%
- Climate: Tropical
While we are already in Texas, another city in the state with pretty high humidity is Brownsville. The moisture in the air not only feels uncomfortable but often keeps the city’s temperature in the double digits, especially during the peak summers. Also, since the city is located along the border of Mexico and close to the western Gulf coast, it further explains why the weather often feels too uncomfortable and stuffy.
15. Rochester, Minnesota
- Average Annual Humidity: ~73-75%
- Climate: Humid subtropical
Located in southern Minnesota, Rochester is the last on the list. The daytime humidity in the city often averages around 79%, making residents feel uncomfortable, especially during the summer months. Also, the increase in wildfires near this city is another reason why there has been a shift in the climate, especially regarding the moisture in the air.
Looking to settle somewhere with pleasant weather all year? Check out our list of the top U.S. cities with the best year-round climates.
Final Words
Humidity is a defining feature of life in many southern and coastal cities in the United States. While it contributes to beautiful green spaces and diverse ecosystems, it also presents challenges to health, infrastructure, and daily living. Cities like New Orleans, Houston, Miami, and Mobile consistently top the list of America’s most humid places due to their location near the Gulf Coast or Atlantic Ocean and their subtropical climates. So, the next time you plan to visit any of these cities in the U.S., ensure to plan things.
