The weather around us significantly affects our physical and mental well-being. While the scorching heat can lead to dehydration and fatigue, frigid winters often strain the heart functions and impact people’s mental wellness.
If you are in the U.S., consider relocating or visiting a city that won’t wreak your health. There are certain spots that truly sound too good to be true—but they are. From comfortable weather to clean air and a safe neighborhood, you get to experience it all.
This detailed guide will break down the top 12 U.S. cities where the weather won’t wreck your health, allowing you to live a fulfilling life.
1. San Diego, California
In the entirety of the continental U.S, San Diego is considered to have the best weather with a Mediterranean climate, where the city enjoys around 260 sunny days annually. The average temperature is usually around 70°F (21°C) year-round, ensuring comfort. The summers are warm and dry, while the winter months are pretty comfortable due to the cool ocean breeze. The average temperature throughout the year ranges from 57°F to 72°F, with low humidity, making it an excellent choice for individuals with respiratory issues, arthritis, or cardiovascular conditions. Not just that, but the air quality in the city is also quite favorable. For individuals struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the abundance of sunshine keeps the symptoms in check, too. To ensure physical fitness, you can indulge in numerous outdoor activities like surfing, walking, or yoga in Balboa Park.
Curious about how sunshine varies across the country? Check out our guide to the cloudiest cities in the U.S. to see which places get the least sunlight each year.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
Featuring a tropical savanna climate, Honolulu is yet another comfortable city to settle down in, thanks to its consistent trade winds and moderate humidity. The average temperature ranges from 68°F to 87°F, and the city experiences around 278 sunny days in a year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the U.S. If you suffer from asthma, allergies, or joint pain, the ocean air, low pollen count and steady temperatures ensure optimal health throughout the year. Even during the winter months, the city remains warm, eliminating the cold-related stress on the cardiovascular system. The city also has a high UV index, encouraging Vitamin D synthesis. The outdoor-friendly weather in the city is also great for activities like walking, swimming, surfing, or hiking are routine daily activities, ensuring optimal physical and mental wellness.
3. Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is another popular coastal city in the U.S., featuring a Mediterranean climate and consistent sunshine throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 45°F in the winter to 75°F in the summer, rarely experiencing weather extremes that can exacerbate health issues. Also, the humidity in the city is relatively low, and the air quality is ranked as one of the best in California. So, if you have diagnosed heart conditions, respiratory diseases, or autoimmune disorders which is aggravated by smog or air, this city is the perfect escape. The city is also one of the sunniest, experiencing 300 annual days of sunshine, making outdoor activities relatively easy. The consistency in the weather ensures optimal mental health, too.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has a temperate oceanic climate with four seasons. The average annual temperature ranges from 27°F in January to 84°F in July, enabling you to experience warmth during summers and a comfortable cold during winter. The city gets around 210 sunny days per year, with moderate humidity that doesn’t put any excess strain on the lungs and skin. The city also boasts clean air and a low pollen index, making it a paradise for people with allergies. In the southern part of the city, the temperate climate prevents risks of heatstroke and dehydration, too. There are abundant outdoor trails, bike paths and greenways, perfect for exploring and ensuring optimal physical fitness.
5. Portland, Oregon
With a marine west coast climate, Portland is yet another popular city in the U.S with cool winters and warm summer months. This is a rain-prone city, but the temperature remains stable throughout the year, ensuring your health doesn’t take a hit. The annual average temperature remains around 36°F during winters and exceeds 81°F during summers. With moderate humidity and clean air quality, your respiratory functions are well optimized, too. The cooler, moist air is also suitable for skin hydration and lung health, benefiting people with eczema or chronic respiratory issues. Beyond urbanization, the city also has numerous walking and biking trails to keep you healthy.
6. San Jose, California
Located in Silicon Valley, San Jose features a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature ranges from 42°F to 82°F, and the city receives over 257 sunny days yearly. However, it doesn’t stop there because the city also has low humidity, minimal precipitation, and a high air quality index, making it great for individuals with comorbidities. The smog levels and allergens in the city are low, owing to the city’s valley positioning and good emission controls. If you have asthma or bronchitis, the air in San Jose is quite comfortable. Outdoor fitness is a way of life here, with hiking trails in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains and biking paths throughout the city.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
While the concept of a humid subtropical climate might put you off, don’t worry because Charleston has pretty comfortable weather with coastal breezes and mild winters. The average annual temperature is about 65°F, with winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F and summer highs around 88°F. You also get around 230 sunny days a year, striking a balance between warmth and livability. The city’s climate particularly supports arthritis sufferers, as cold snaps are rare and barometric pressure remains stable. Also, the air pollution levels are pretty low here. You can indulge in walking around the historical walking districts or visit the beaches for activities to keep your health in check.
8. Sarasota, Florida
Part of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota has a humid subtropical climate. In the city, the average temperature also remains 72°F throughout the year. With 251 annual sunny days, your Vitamin D levels are in check, and the risks of Seasonal Affective Disorder are low. Despite Florida’s reputation for high humidity, Sarasota’s Sea breezes keep the conditions tolerable. Also, paired with good air quality and low pollen index, the risks of allergies are minimal. The weather supports outdoor activities like walking, swimming, and yoga — all of which are great for heart health and flexibility. Since retirees primarily inhabit the city, it is health-friendly, with parks, walking trails, and wellness centers that ensure optimal health.
9. Albuquerque, New Mexico
The high desert climate in Albuquerque often raises eyebrows, but the city is one of the healthiest places to reside in. Combining low humidity with abundant sunshine, with 280 sunny days a year, ensures optimal physical and mental well-being. The average temperature ranges from 27°F in winter to 93°F in summer, but the dry air prevents the heat from becoming oppressive. Due to low industrial output, even the air pollution in the city is low, making it safe for individuals with asthma, COPD, or cardiovascular issues. The low humidity also prevents flare-ups or skin conditions like eczema. You can indulge in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and walking to improve circulation, joint health, and mental well-being.
10. Boulder, Colorado
With a blend of mountain air and low humidity, Boulder is yet another city in the U.S where your health won’t take a hit. The city experiences 245 sunny days a year with average temperatures around 60°F to 88°F. Experiencing snowfall is common due to the altitude, but it melts down due to abundant sun and low humidity. The clean mountain air keeps respiratory functions in check. Also, the lack of mold and pollen helps those with allergies maintain consistent health. The surrounding green valleys and snow-capped peaks with diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors also keep your physical and mental well-being in check.
11. Boise, Idaho
Boise has a semi-arid continental climate where the summers remain hot and dry, and the winters are cold and clear. The city also experiences 210 annual sunny days, offering plenty of outdoor opportunities. The average temperatures range from 24°F in winter to 93°F in summer, but low humidity keeps even the hottest days manageable. Boise also has one of the lowest pollen counts in the U.S, making it a haven for people with allergies. The seasonal yet moderate climate also enables the residents to live a balanced and active lifestyle, indulging in biking, hiking, skiing, or rafting, depending on the season. Also, the predictability of the seasons doesn’t shock the body, ensuring easy adaptability.
12. Sacramento, California
Another city in the U.S that’s great to visit or move to is Sacramento, experiences a Mediterranean climate. The average temperature ranges from 39°F in winter to 94°F in summer. But, with low humidity, living in this city doesn’t feel uncomfortable. You also enjoy around 270 sunny days yearly, stabilizing your physical and mental wellness. The city’s air quality has improved drastically, making it one of the best in California. Since the weather contributes to dry air, it is excellent for people with arthritis, respiratory conditions, and those sensitive to barometric changes. With a vast network of greenbelts, trails, and riverfront parks, Sacramento supports a lifestyle where health is built into daily routines.
Final Words
The weather has a lot of power in determining how we feel, both physically and mentally. We have sorted out a list of the top 12 U.S. cities that are renowned for amazing health throughout the year. With favorable weather conditions, clean air, and low humidity, you get to bask in these cities, and so will your health. Sometimes, the right weather can be the prescription for better living, and these cities prove just that.
