10 of the sunniest — and cloudiest — cities in America
Discover 10 of the sunniest and cloudiest major cities and the weather patterns that define them, according to Redfin
Weather isn’t just small talk. It shapes how we live, work, and build a lifestyle.
In the U.S., some places seem to have sun by default, while others are shrouded in clouds more than half the year. That contrast matters if you care about outdoor lifestyles, energy use, mental health, or seasonal planning.
Redfin recently ranked the sunniest and cloudiest major U.S. cities using annual climate data on days with mostly clear or mostly overcast skies.
This list isn’t exhaustive of all places in the U.S., but it does reflect patterns across major metropolitan areas.
Here are five sun-drenched cities and five that rarely see bright blue skies.
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Yuma, Arizona — the sunniest city in the country
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Yuma tops Redfin’s sunniest cities list with 242 days of mostly sunny skies per year, and it logs the highest percentage of possible sunshine too. This makes it a standout for those seeking year-round bright weather.
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Phoenix, Arizona — endless bright days in a desert climate
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Phoenix ranks second according to Redfin’s findings, with 211 mostly sunny days annually and strong regional sun metrics that draw residents and visitors alike. Its hot desert setting gives it both high sunshine and extreme heat.
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Las Vegas, Nevada — sun as a backdrop to adventure
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Las Vegas sees 210 mostly sunny days each year, placing it among the top sunniest cities according to the data, and reflecting its position in the Mojave Desert. Outdoor recreation and tourism thrive under this consistent sunshine.
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Fresno, California — sunshine in the Central Valley
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Fresno records 194 sunny days per year, says Redfin, boosted by its inland Central Valley location where dry summers are the norm. Morning fog may appear in cooler months, but clear skies dominate overall.
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Stockton, California — sunny skies with seasonal shifts
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Stockton rounds out the top ten on Redfin’s list of sunniest cities, with 184 mostly sunny days annually, anchored in California’s sun-rich Central Valley climate. Winters bring more clouds, but summers remain bright.
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Anchorage, Alaska — the cloudiest city on Redfin’s list
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Anchorage leads on Redfin’s list of cloudiest U.S. cities, with 239 cloudy days each year, shaped by Pacific weather systems and northern latitude patterns. For those drawn to wild landscapes over constant sun, Anchorage’s climate is part of the appeal.
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Seattle, Washington — gray skies define the skyline
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Seattle sees 226 cloudy days annually, according to the data, making it one of the gloomier major cities despite its cultural and economic vitality. The cloud cover is a hallmark of the Pacific Northwest.
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Portland, Oregon — persistent overcast weather
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Portland matches Seattle’s cloudy rhythm, says Redfin, with 222 cloudy days each year, driven by similar coastal weather influences. The city’s clouds are part of its identity for many locals.
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Buffalo, New York — cloud cover near the Great Lakes
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According to Redfin, Buffalo logs 208 cloudy days yearly, influenced by moisture and weather patterns from nearby Lake Erie. Winters are particularly gray, though cultural life in the city is vibrant year-round.
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Cleveland, Ohio — clouds near the Rust Belt
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Cleveland rounds out the top ten cloudiest cities, says Redfin, with 202 overcast days per year, again linked to regional lakes and seasonal weather patterns. If gray skies are your baseline, Cleveland typifies that climate.