Some places on earth are known for their persistent grey skies. Cloudy weather isn’t just a feature; it shapes the life, culture, and economy of these regions. Here’s a list of the top 10 cloudiest cities and countries where overcast skies are a constant part of daily life.
1. Bergen, Norway
Average Cloudy Days: 240 days per year
Bergen, often called the “City of Rain,” sees more cloudy days than almost anywhere else. This city, on Norway’s western coast, is constantly hit by weather fronts from the North Atlantic. The mountains surrounding Bergen trap moisture, leading to almost continuous cloud cover and frequent rainfall.
2. Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Average Cloudy Days: 280 days per year
Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, sits between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic. Its location means it is regularly shrouded in thick clouds, often combined with mist and fog. This constant overcast weather is a defining feature of life on the islands.
3. Seattle, USA
Average Cloudy Days: 226 days per year
Seattle, on the Pacific Coast of the USA, experiences cloud cover much of the year. The city’s weather is heavily influenced by moist air from the Pacific Ocean, which creates overcast conditions, especially in winter. Though not rainy all the time, the clouds are a frequent presence.
4. London, United Kingdom
Average Cloudy Days: 160 days per year
London is no stranger to grey skies. Due to its position near the Atlantic Ocean, the city regularly experiences cloudy weather, especially in the colder months. Rain and overcast conditions are common, making the sky dull for much of the year.
5. Lima, Peru
Average Cloudy Days: 300+ days per year
Lima has a unique climate despite its location in a desert. The city is often covered in a thick fog known as “La Garúa,” which rolls in from the Pacific Ocean. The clouds here don’t bring much rain, but they keep the skies grey almost year-round.
6. Vancouver, Canada
Average Cloudy Days: 195 days per year
Vancouver, on Canada’s Pacific coast, has mild weather but a high number of cloudy days. The surrounding mountains trap moist air, creating cloudy conditions, particularly during winter. It’s not as rainy as some other cities on this list, but the clouds dominate.
7. Helsinki, Finland
Average Cloudy Days: 200+ days per year
Helsinki experiences long, dark winters. The cold, cloudy conditions result from the meeting of cool Arctic air and milder Atlantic air. As a result, the city is often grey, particularly during the winter months when daylight is in short supply.
8. Dublin, Ireland
Average Cloudy Days: 148 days per year
Dublin sees plenty of cloud cover throughout the year. The city’s coastal location means it frequently experiences rain and overcast skies, particularly in the autumn and winter. While the rain doesn’t fall every day, the clouds often remain, making the weather feel dreary.
9. Glasgow, Scotland
Average Cloudy Days: 190 days per year
Glasgow, on Scotland’s west coast, is known for its grey skies. The weather here is dominated by moisture-laden air from the Atlantic, bringing overcast skies and frequent showers. The city’s weather can feel particularly gloomy in winter, with long stretches of grey days.
10. St. Petersburg, Russia
Average Cloudy Days: 210 days per year
St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, has one of the cloudiest climates in Europe. The city experiences long, dark winters, where the cloud cover often persists for days. The maritime climate leads to frequent overcast conditions, which only break during the brief summer period of “white nights.”
The Effect of Cloudy Weather
Cloudy weather influences more than just the atmosphere; it can shape a city’s culture and economy. In places like Tórshavn and Bergen, people are used to the clouds, but it can still have a psychological effect. Lack of sunlight during long periods can lead to conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), leaving people feeling drained or unmotivated.
Economically, cloudy cities often have a focus on indoor activities, with thriving café, arts, and culture scenes. However, for tourism, it can be a deterrent. While many people may flock to sunnier destinations, those who enjoy the quiet, grey atmosphere might find a certain charm in the gloom.
In these cities, despite the overcast skies, life goes on. The clouds might be an ever-present backdrop, but they don’t stop people from living full, rich lives in these unique and vibrant locations.