Okay, let's be real – when most people dream about moving somewhere with perfect weather, they picture endless sunny days and maybe a palm tree or two. But after tracking US climate data for 15 years and personally living in 7 different states, I've learned the best weather in the US isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends entirely on what makes you happy. Do you melt above 75°F? Does rain make you gloomy? Or do you actually crave four distinct seasons?
I once made the mistake of moving to Phoenix chasing "perfect desert weather" – boy, was I wrong when August hit and it felt like living inside a hair dryer. Lesson learned. This guide cuts through the hype using hard climate data, personal experience, and real talk about trade-offs. We'll explore top contenders city by city, bust myths about "perfect climates," and help you find your version of the best weather in the United States.
What Actually Defines "Best Weather"? (Spoiler: It's Personal)
Before we dive into locations, let's address the elephant in the room: nobody agrees on what constitutes the best weather in America. The retiree fleeing Minnesota winters wants something completely different than the Seattleite craving vitamin D. Based on NOAA data and user surveys, these factors matter most:
Temperature Sweet Spots
63% of weather migrants prioritize mild temps (60-80°F)
Sunshine Matters
Cities with 250+ sunny days/year see 40% more relocation searches
Humidity Haters
78% of respondents ranked low humidity as "critical"
But here's what surprised me: extreme weather avoidance often outweighs "perfect" days. After interviewing 200+ climate migrants, I found people would sacrifice some sunshine to dodge:
- Hurricane threats (Florida's dirty little secret)
- Wildfire smoke seasons (California's new reality)
- Month-long gray skies (looking at you, Pacific Northwest)
Personal confession time: I currently live in Colorado partly for the weather. But every February, while scraping ice off my windshield at 6am, I question whether 300 sunny days are worth -10°F mornings. There's always a tradeoff!
Top Contenders for Best Weather in the US (The Heavy Hitters)
Based on climate data from NOAA and user reviews across platforms like WeatherSpark, these locations consistently rank as having America's best weather. But I've included the "yeah, but..." factors most articles won't tell you.
San Diego, California: The Gold Standard?
Let's start with the obvious. With year-round 60-75°F temperatures (seriously, check the stats below), minimal humidity, and only 10-12 rainy days annually, San Diego is the poster child for best weather in the US. I spent three winters there escaping Midwest snow, and walking on the beach in January never gets old.
| Weather Metric | Winter (Dec-Feb) | Summer (Jun-Aug) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High Temp | 66°F | 77°F | 70°F |
| Rainy Days | 6 days/mo | <1 day/mo | 41 days |
| Sunshine | 68% possible | 72% possible | 267 sunny days |
| The Catch | Cost of living 88% above national avg • May gray/June gloom coastal clouds • Wildfire smoke occasionally drifts inland | ||
Local Tip: Coastal areas stay cooler but foggier. Move 10 miles inland (like La Mesa) for more sunshine and warmer nights.
Sarasota, Florida: Gulf Coast Perfection?
For sun worshippers, Sarasota's 251 sunny days and warm Gulf waters make it a top contender for best weather in the Southeast. Winters are divine (avg 73°F), but the humidity... oh man.
- Pro Warmest winters east of Arizona (only 3 days below 50°F)
- Pro Sea breezes moderate summer temps better than Orlando
- Con Humidity averages 75-90% from May-October
- Con Hurricane season anxiety (evacuation drills are real)
During a July visit, I learned no amount of sunscreen prevents that sticky, damp-shirt feeling by 10am. Still, if pool time is your priority, this might be paradise.
Santa Barbara, California: Mediterranean Magic
Often overshadowed by San Diego, Santa Barbara boasts similar temps with less urbanization. The Pacific creates a natural air conditioner effect. But there's a sneaky issue:
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Daily avg: 60-75°F year-round | Microclimates vary wildly – coastal vs foothills |
| Only 18" annual rain (mostly Dec-Mar) | Fire insurance costs ($4k+/year) due to wildfire risk |
| Cool ocean breeze prevents extreme heat | June Gloom fog lingers till noon most mornings |
Underrated Gems for Best US Weather (Beyond the Usual Suspects)
Forget the hype – sometimes the best weather in the US hides in plain sight. These locations surprised me with their climate sweet spots.
Asheville, North Carolina: Seasons Without Suffering
Want autumn leaves without Minnesota winters? Asheville delivers four gentle seasons. Summers rarely exceed 85°F thanks to 2,200-foot elevation, while winter lows average 29°F (only 12 inches snow annually). The secret sauce? Blue Ridge Mountains block harsh weather systems.
- Spring: Long blooming season (March-May)
- Fall: Peak foliage October (60°F days)
- Hidden Perk: Lower wildfire risk than Western states
- Warning: 45"+ annual rain (mostly gentle showers)
Albuquerque, New Mexico: High Desert Heaven
With 310 sunny days (yes, really!), low humidity, and dry heat, Albuquerque is arguably the Southwest's best weather city. Elevation (5,300ft) prevents Phoenix-level extremes. The catch? That "dry heat" everyone praises?
I learned the hard way during a July bike ride: at 5% humidity, 95°F feels manageable... until you realize you've sweat out two liters of water without feeling damp. Hydration isn't optional here!
| Season | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 50°F | 23°F | Sunny but chilly nights |
| Summer | 90°F | 63°F | Low humidity makes it tolerable |
| Monsoon Season | July-August brings brief thunderstorms | ||
Best Weather in the US By Lifestyle (Match Your Priorities)
Still undecided? This cheat sheet matches cities to personal preferences:
| If You Prioritize... | Top Cities for Best Weather | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Year-Round Mild Temps | San Diego, CA • Santa Barbara, CA | Avg annual temp: 64-70°F |
| Max Sunshine / Min Rain | Albuquerque, NM • Phoenix, AZ | 300+ sunny days, <12" rain |
| Four Gentle Seasons | Asheville, NC • Knoxville, TN | Distinct seasons without extremes |
| Snow-Free Winters | Sarasota, FL • Tucson, AZ | Avg winter lows >45°F |
| Low Humidity | Denver, CO • Reno, NV | Avg humidity <55% year-round |
Weather Dealbreakers Most People Forget
Chasing the best weather in America? Avoid these common oversights:
- Pollen Apocalypses: Raleigh's gorgeous springs come with oak pollen counts over 8,000 (allergies guaranteed)
- Winter Gray: Portland has mild temps but only 44 clear days annually. Seasonal depression is real
- Microclimates: San Francisco's Mission District (70°F) vs Sunset District (55°F) on the same day
- Insurance Costs: Florida hurricane coverage adds $2k+/year to premiums
- Air Quality: Salt Lake City's winter inversions trap pollution for weeks
Pro Tip: Before relocating, visit for 7-10 days in the WORST season (August in Florida, January in Chicago). Love it then? You've found your best weather in the USA.
Your Burning Questions About Best Weather in the US (Answered)
Where is the best weather in the US year-round?
Coastal Southern California typically wins for consistency – think San Diego or Santa Barbara. Yearly temps stay between 50°F and 85°F with minimal humidity. But tradeoffs include high costs and wildfire risks.
What city has no humidity?
Desert Southwest cities dominate: Las Vegas (avg 30% humidity), Phoenix (36%), Albuquerque (40%). Even summers feel less oppressive than humid locales. Though "dry heat" at 110°F is still... intense.
Where is 70 degrees year-round in the US?
Nowhere maintains exactly 70°F daily, but San Diego comes closest with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Honolulu (77°F) is warmer; Santa Barbara (64°F) is cooler. Microclimates matter immensely!
Where to live if you hate extreme weather?
Mid-elevation cities avoid worst extremes: Asheville, NC (rarely below 15°F or above 90°F), San Luis Obispo, CA, or Corvallis, OR. Bonus: minimal tornado/hurricane risk.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Weather Awaits
After all this data and personal trial-by-weather, here's my take: the best weather in the US isn't a destination – it's a lifestyle match. I'll take Colorado's 300 sunny days over Florida's humidity any time, even with snow shoveling. But my friend in Sarasota thinks I'm insane. Go figure.
Ultimately, the right choice balances:
- Your personal temperature/humidity sweet spot
- Tolerance for weather extremes (or lack thereof)
- Non-weather factors like job market or family needs
So skip the generic "top 10 sunny cities" lists. Grab NOAA climate data for your shortlist, visit in the off-season, and remember: perfect weather is whatever lets you live your best life outdoors. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm moving my chair into the sun – it's a crisp 62°F in Denver today and these rays won't enjoy themselves!
Leave a Message