Summary
The article lists and explains the 20 cloudiest cities in the United States, ranked by the average number of overcast days per year. It defines what makes a city “cloudy”, explains the reasons behind frequent cloud cover (such as proximity to lakes or mountains), and points out regional patterns, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes areas. It also addresses common questions about cloudiness, weather, and how it affects daily life. The article uses clear data, avoids hype, and sticks to facts.
Some cities in the United States see more grey skies than clear ones. These places spend much of the year under clouds, whether from coastal weather patterns, lake-effect systems or constant low pressure. If you are looking for information about the cloudiest cities in the US, this guide gives you a clear picture.
What Counts as a Cloudy City?
The term “cloudy city” refers to the number of days in a year that are mostly or fully overcast. The data often comes from weather stations that track how often the sun is visible. Cities on this list are ranked by how many cloudy days they get each year.
Top 20 Cloudiest Cities in the US
Below is a list of the 20 cloudiest cities in the United States, based on average yearly cloud cover.
| Rank | City | State | Avg. Cloudy Days per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchorage | Alaska | 239 |
| 2 | Seattle | Washington | 226 |
| 3 | Buffalo | New York | 208 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | 203 |
| 5 | Portland | Oregon | 201 |
| 6 | Cleveland | Ohio | 202 |
| 7 | Rochester | New York | 200 |
| 8 | Grand Rapids | Michigan | 193 |
| 9 | Erie | Pennsylvania | 192 |
| 10 | Spokane | Washington | 191 |
| 11 | Binghamton | New York | 190 |
| 12 | Syracuse | New York | 188 |
| 13 | Detroit | Michigan | 185 |
| 14 | Tacoma | Washington | 183 |
| 15 | Flint | Michigan | 180 |
| 16 | South Bend | Indiana | 179 |
| 17 | Green Bay | Wisconsin | 175 |
| 18 | Madison | Wisconsin | 172 |
| 19 | Chicago | Illinois | 170 |
| 20 | Milwaukee | Wisconsin | 168 |
Why These US Cities Stay Cloudy
Several things cause this much cloud cover. Cities near large lakes or oceans often have moist air that leads to thick cloud. Others are affected by mountains that trap low clouds. Northern cities also get fewer daylight hours in winter, which adds to the gloomy feel.
Common Questions About Cloudy US Cities
What is the cloudiest city in the US?
Anchorage, Alaska. On average, it sees about 239 cloudy days a year.
Do cloudy cities always get a lot of rain?
No. Some cities are often cloudy without heavy rainfall. Overcast skies do not always mean storms.
Which part of the US has the most cloudy cities?
The Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes regions have the highest numbers of cities with frequent cloud cover.
Is Seattle really as gloomy as people say?
Yes, Seattle has about 226 fully cloudy days a year. However, it gets less total rainfall than many expect—just spread out over many days.
Are there any sunny days in these cities?
Yes, even the cloudiest places get clear skies from time to time. Summer can bring brief but welcome breaks in many of these cities.
Why are so many cloudy cities near lakes?
The lakes feed moisture into the air. When it rises and cools, clouds form. Even when wind patterns shift, the moisture lingers.
What Causes So Many Cloudy Days In US Cities?
Several factors explain why some cities stay grey most of the year.
1. Large Bodies of Water
Cities near lakes and oceans often have more cloud. Moist air from water sources rises and cools, forming low-level clouds. The Great Lakes region is known for this. Lake-effect weather keeps skies cloudy even when there is no rain or snow.
2. Mountain Ranges
In cities like Seattle and Portland, nearby mountain ranges trap moist air. This leads to frequent cloud cover. The Cascades and the Olympics both have a strong effect on the Pacific Northwest climate.
3. Low Sun Angles
Northern cities such as Anchorage get less direct sunlight due to their latitude. This reduces solar heating, which makes it easier for clouds to linger.
4. Persistent Low Pressure
Some areas are more prone to low-pressure systems, which bring clouds, wind and rain. High-pressure systems bring sun, but these are less common in the cloudiest areas.
Pacific Northwest
This includes Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Spokane. These cities have mild, wet winters and summers that are slow to start. Rain isn’t always heavy, but the skies stay dull.
Great Lakes and Northeast
Cities like Buffalo, Rochester and Cleveland are heavily affected by lake-effect clouds. Winters are long and damp, while summers can still be unpredictable.
Cloudy cities may not get much sunshine, but they still have solid reasons why people live there—cost, work, nature, or personal preference. If you prefer a milder climate or don’t mind grey skies, these places are worth knowing about.