There’s a certain heaviness to the air that you can feel the moment you step outside. Your clothes cling a little tighter, a bead of sweat traces a path down your temple, and a simple walk to the mailbox feels like a workout. This is the reality of living with high humidity, a climatic feature that defines summers and often much of the year for millions of Americans. While some find it oppressive, others see it as the price of admission for lush, green landscapes and warm temperatures. If you’ve ever wondered where the air feels most like a warm, wet blanket, you’re in the right place.
We’ve analyzed data on average relative humidity, dew points, and overall muggy days to bring you a definitive list of the 15 Cities with the Most Humid Climate in the U.S. This Year. This isn’t just about rainfall; it’s about the amount of moisture the air can hold, which directly impacts how comfortable—or uncomfortable—you feel outdoors. From the swampy coasts of the Gulf to the surprisingly muggy river valleys, these are the places where humidity is a dominant force of nature.
What Makes a Climate “Humid”?
Before we get to the list, it helps to know what we’re measuring. You’ll often hear about “relative humidity,” which is a percentage of how much moisture the air is holding compared to how much it can hold at that temperature. While useful, a more telling metric for human comfort is the dew point. The dew point is the temperature the air needs to be cooled to for it to become saturated. The higher the dew point, the more moisture is in the air. As a general guide, a dew point above 65°F starts to feel muggy, and anything over 70°F feels downright oppressive. Most of the cities on our list experience dew points in that sticky range for a significant portion of the year.
The 15 Cities with the Most Humid Climate in the U.S. This Year
Prepare for a virtual tour of America’s muggiest metropolises. You’ll notice a strong geographical trend, with one region claiming the majority of the spots.
1. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Often topping national lists, Lake Charles endures an average relative humidity of around 90% in the morning and remains high throughout the day. Its location near the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding wetlands make it a humidity powerhouse.
2. Brownsville, Texas
Situated at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville basks in heat and absorbs moisture directly from the Gulf. The humidity here is a near-constant companion, contributing to its tropical feel.
3. Port Arthur, Texas
Another Gulf Coast contender, Port Arthur’s industrial landscape is set against a backdrop of intense humidity, driven by its proximity to the water and low-lying geography.
4. Houston, Texas
As the largest city on this list, Houston is famous for its thick, soupy air. The vast metro area, with its concrete and infrastructure, can create a heat island effect that traps the moisture, making those summer days particularly challenging.
5. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile sits on the Mobile Bay, opening directly into the Gulf. This prime location ensures a steady supply of moist air, resulting in high humidity levels and frequent, intense thunderstorms.
6. Jacksonville, Florida
While South Florida is known for its heat, Jacksonville and other cities in North Florida often experience higher humidity due to their positioning and the influence of weather patterns from both the Atlantic and the Gulf.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
The “Crescent City” is built on swampy land below sea level. This, combined with its Gulf Coast location, creates a uniquely humid atmosphere that is as much a part of its character as its jazz and cuisine.
8. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s charming, moss-draped squares are a direct result of its humid climate. The coastal Georgian air is thick with moisture for much of the year.
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A popular vacation destination, Myrtle Beach offers more than just sun and sand; it offers incredibly humid air, especially during the peak summer months when the ocean breezes aren’t enough to cut through the mugginess.
10. Biloxi, Mississippi
This casino hub on the Mississippi Sound faces the full force of Gulf humidity. The air here is often heavy and salt-laden.
11. Gulfport, Mississippi
Just west of Biloxi, Gulfport shares a similar climate profile, with high humidity levels that contribute to the region’s vibrant ecosystem and frequent summer precipitation.
12. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s historic beauty comes with a side of palpable humidity. The city’s peninsula location between two rivers and the Atlantic Ocean makes it a natural humidity magnet.
13. West Palm Beach, Florida
South Florida makes its appearance here. While slightly less humid than its northern counterparts in the state during certain periods, West Palm Beach still experiences a great number of muggy days annually.
14. Corpus Christi, Texas
Completing the Texas Gulf Coast trifecta with Brownsville and Port Arthur, Corpus Christi is a coastal city where the humidity is a defining feature of life.
15. Norfolk, Virginia
Proving that high humidity isn’t exclusively a Deep South phenomenon, Norfolk represents the Mid-Atlantic. Its location on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic exposes it to significant moisture, particularly in the summer.
Living with High Humidity: Tips for Staying Comfortable
If you live in or are visiting one of these humid hubs, managing the moisture is key to your comfort. Here are a few practical tips:
First, embrace your air conditioner. A/C doesn’t just cool the air; it actively removes moisture, making your indoor environment much more comfortable. Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your A/C or on milder days can make a huge difference.
Second, dress for the weather. Choose loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. These materials allow for better air circulation and sweat evaporation than synthetic fibers.
Finally, stay hydrated and time your activities. The body works harder to cool itself in humid conditions, so drinking plenty of water is essential. Try to schedule strenuous outdoor activities for the early morning or later in the evening when the sun’s intensity and the humidity levels are often slightly lower.
Embracing the Muggy Metropolises
From the bayous of Louisiana to the beaches of the Carolinas, the cities on this list share a common, moist bond. This humidity is not just a weather statistic; it shapes the local culture, architecture, and daily rhythms of life. It fuels the growth of magnificent gardens and dense forests, and it often leads to spectacular afternoon thunderstorms that clear the air, if only for a little while. While the mugginess can be a challenge, it’s also an integral part of what makes these places uniquely vibrant and alive.