GITNUX REPORT 2024

Cloudiest Cities in America: Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland

Discover Americas gloomiest cities: Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland top the overcast list.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

Seattle experiences an average of 58 clear days per year

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Portland, OR has an average of 68 clear days annually

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Buffalo sees an average of 54 clear days per year

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Pittsburgh experiences an average of 59 clear days annually

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Cleveland has an average of 66 clear days per year

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Seattle, WA experiences an average of 226 cloudy days per year

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Portland, OR has an average of 222 cloudy days annually

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Buffalo, NY sees an average of 208 cloudy days per year

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Pittsburgh, PA experiences an average of 203 cloudy days annually

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Cleveland, OH has an average of 202 cloudy days per year

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Seattle experiences an average of 81 partly cloudy days per year

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Portland, OR has an average of 75 partly cloudy days annually

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Buffalo sees an average of 103 partly cloudy days per year

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Pittsburgh experiences an average of 103 partly cloudy days annually

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Cleveland has an average of 97 partly cloudy days per year

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Seattle's cloudiest month is December with an average of 25 cloudy days

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Portland, OR's cloudiest month is December with an average of 26 cloudy days

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Buffalo's cloudiest month is December with an average of 24 cloudy days

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Pittsburgh's cloudiest month is December with an average of 22 cloudy days

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Cleveland's cloudiest month is December with an average of 22 cloudy days

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Seattle experiences an average of 29 foggy days per year

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Portland, OR has an average of 29 foggy days annually

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Buffalo sees an average of 16 foggy days per year

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Pittsburgh experiences an average of 56 foggy days annually

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Cleveland has an average of 13 foggy days per year

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Seattle's average relative humidity is 73%

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Portland, OR has an average relative humidity of 71%

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Buffalo's average relative humidity is 76%

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Pittsburgh has an average relative humidity of 75%

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Cleveland's average relative humidity is 77%

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Seattle averages 152 days with measurable precipitation annually

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Portland, OR has an average of 154 days with measurable precipitation per year

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Buffalo averages 167 days with measurable precipitation annually

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Pittsburgh has an average of 140 days with measurable precipitation per year

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Cleveland averages 135 days with measurable precipitation annually

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Seattle's average annual rainfall is 37.7 inches

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Portland, OR receives an average of 36.0 inches of rain annually

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Buffalo's average annual rainfall is 40.5 inches

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Pittsburgh receives an average of 38.2 inches of rain annually

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Cleveland's average annual rainfall is 39.1 inches

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Seattle experiences an average of 5.9 inches of snow annually

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Portland, OR receives an average of 2.6 inches of snow per year

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Buffalo averages 95.4 inches of snow annually

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Pittsburgh receives an average of 27.7 inches of snow per year

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Cleveland averages 54.3 inches of snow annually

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Seattle receives only 28% of possible sunshine annually

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Portland, OR gets 29% of possible sunshine per year

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Buffalo receives 45% of possible sunshine annually

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Pittsburgh gets 45% of possible sunshine per year

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Cleveland receives 49% of possible sunshine annually

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Seattle receives an average of 2,170 hours of sunshine annually

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Portland, OR gets an average of 2,341 hours of sunshine per year

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Buffalo receives an average of 2,207 hours of sunshine annually

Statistic 54

Pittsburgh gets an average of 2,021 hours of sunshine per year

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Cleveland receives an average of 2,280 hours of sunshine annually

Statistic 56

Seattle's sunniest month is July with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day

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Portland, OR's sunniest month is July with an average of 12 hours of sunshine per day

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Buffalo's sunniest month is July with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day

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Pittsburgh's sunniest month is July with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day

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Cleveland's sunniest month is July with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day

Statistic 61

Seattle's average annual temperature is 52.6°F (11.4°C)

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Portland, OR has an average annual temperature of 53.8°F (12.1°C)

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Buffalo's average annual temperature is 48.3°F (9.1°C)

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Pittsburgh has an average annual temperature of 50.8°F (10.4°C)

Statistic 65

Cleveland's average annual temperature is 50.8°F (10.4°C)

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Summary

  • Seattle, WA experiences an average of 226 cloudy days per year
  • Portland, OR has an average of 222 cloudy days annually
  • Buffalo, NY sees an average of 208 cloudy days per year
  • Pittsburgh, PA experiences an average of 203 cloudy days annually
  • Cleveland, OH has an average of 202 cloudy days per year
  • Seattle receives only 28% of possible sunshine annually
  • Portland, OR gets 29% of possible sunshine per year
  • Buffalo receives 45% of possible sunshine annually
  • Pittsburgh gets 45% of possible sunshine per year
  • Cleveland receives 49% of possible sunshine annually
  • Seattle averages 152 days with measurable precipitation annually
  • Portland, OR has an average of 154 days with measurable precipitation per year
  • Buffalo averages 167 days with measurable precipitation annually
  • Pittsburgh has an average of 140 days with measurable precipitation per year
  • Cleveland averages 135 days with measurable precipitation annually

Tired of constantly searching for your sunglasses in the most overcast cities in the US? While some people chase the sun, residents of Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland are well-acquainted with the moody cloud cover that dominates their skies. With Seattle topping the charts at an average of 226 cloudy days per year, it seems like these cities have mastered the art of embracing the gloom. So, grab your umbrella and lets dive into the misty world of Americas cloudiest locales!

Clear Days

  • Seattle experiences an average of 58 clear days per year
  • Portland, OR has an average of 68 clear days annually
  • Buffalo sees an average of 54 clear days per year
  • Pittsburgh experiences an average of 59 clear days annually
  • Cleveland has an average of 66 clear days per year

Interpretation

These statistics paint a rather gloomy picture for residents of the most overcast cities in the US. With a limited number of clear days per year, it seems like these cities have a special appreciation for the sun when it does decide to make an appearance. Perhaps the clouds play a vital role in nurturing the unique culture and character of each city, forcing locals to find brightness in other aspects of life beyond just the weather. So next time the sun peeks through the clouds in Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, or Cleveland, be sure to soak up that precious sunlight like the rare gem that it is.

Cloud Cover

  • Seattle, WA experiences an average of 226 cloudy days per year
  • Portland, OR has an average of 222 cloudy days annually
  • Buffalo, NY sees an average of 208 cloudy days per year
  • Pittsburgh, PA experiences an average of 203 cloudy days annually
  • Cleveland, OH has an average of 202 cloudy days per year
  • Seattle experiences an average of 81 partly cloudy days per year
  • Portland, OR has an average of 75 partly cloudy days annually
  • Buffalo sees an average of 103 partly cloudy days per year
  • Pittsburgh experiences an average of 103 partly cloudy days annually
  • Cleveland has an average of 97 partly cloudy days per year
  • Seattle's cloudiest month is December with an average of 25 cloudy days
  • Portland, OR's cloudiest month is December with an average of 26 cloudy days
  • Buffalo's cloudiest month is December with an average of 24 cloudy days
  • Pittsburgh's cloudiest month is December with an average of 22 cloudy days
  • Cleveland's cloudiest month is December with an average of 22 cloudy days

Interpretation

As the clouds loom over these cities more days than not, it seems Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland are all vying for the title of the most overcast metropolis. With December reigning as the cloudiest month across the board, one can only imagine the residents seeking solace in steaming mugs of coffee and the comforting glow of their electronic devices. So, while the sun may play hard to get in these urban landscapes, at least they have plenty of excuses to snuggle up indoors and unleash their creativity on the world. After all, who needs sunshine when you have a symphony of clouds to inspire your thoughts?

Fog

  • Seattle experiences an average of 29 foggy days per year
  • Portland, OR has an average of 29 foggy days annually
  • Buffalo sees an average of 16 foggy days per year
  • Pittsburgh experiences an average of 56 foggy days annually
  • Cleveland has an average of 13 foggy days per year

Interpretation

Are these cities really just foggy with a chance of clarity? With Seattle and Portland neck and neck in the foggy day race, one might say they're always seeing things from a misty perspective. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh seems to have a foggy outlook more often than not, perhaps making it the city where even the sky needs a mental health day. As for Cleveland and Buffalo, they seem to have fewer foggy days, but maybe they're just holding out for those rare moments of sunshine to keep the optimism afloat. In the end, whether it's fog or clarity, these cities prove that every view has its own unique tint.

Humidity

  • Seattle's average relative humidity is 73%
  • Portland, OR has an average relative humidity of 71%
  • Buffalo's average relative humidity is 76%
  • Pittsburgh has an average relative humidity of 75%
  • Cleveland's average relative humidity is 77%

Interpretation

With relative humidity levels rivaling a tropical rainforest, it's no wonder these cities are often shrouded in a thick blanket of gloom. Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland could easily form a support group for cities with perpetually overcast skies. Perhaps they can find solace in the fact that they are not alone in their moisture-laden woes, each vying for the title of the most perpetually damp metropolis in the United States.

Precipitation

  • Seattle averages 152 days with measurable precipitation annually
  • Portland, OR has an average of 154 days with measurable precipitation per year
  • Buffalo averages 167 days with measurable precipitation annually
  • Pittsburgh has an average of 140 days with measurable precipitation per year
  • Cleveland averages 135 days with measurable precipitation annually

Interpretation

These statistics may paint a dreary picture for those who like their skies clear and sunny, but for the residents of these cities, a little rain or snow is just another day in paradise. It's no surprise that Seattle and Portland are leading the pack, after all, nothing says Pacific Northwest charm like a constant drizzle. Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland may not have the same hipster reputation, but their penchant for precipitation is undeniable. So next time you find yourself reaching for that umbrella for the umpteenth time, just remember, you're living in one of the most overcast cities in the U.S.—embrace it, and maybe invest in a good raincoat while you're at it.

Rainfall

  • Seattle's average annual rainfall is 37.7 inches
  • Portland, OR receives an average of 36.0 inches of rain annually
  • Buffalo's average annual rainfall is 40.5 inches
  • Pittsburgh receives an average of 38.2 inches of rain annually
  • Cleveland's average annual rainfall is 39.1 inches

Interpretation

These cities may have a reputation for being overcast, but hey, at least they're consistent! From the drizzly shores of Seattle to the soggy streets of Buffalo, these cities rack up more inches of rain than your average umbrella can handle. If you ever find yourself in need of a waterproof outfit or a sturdy rain boot, just follow the clouds to Portland, Pittsburgh, or Cleveland, where the forecast always calls for a 100% chance of precipitation. Whether you see it as a gloomy outlook or a chance for growth like the lush greenery it brings, these cities prove that when life gives you rain, you better learn to dance in it.

Snowfall

  • Seattle experiences an average of 5.9 inches of snow annually
  • Portland, OR receives an average of 2.6 inches of snow per year
  • Buffalo averages 95.4 inches of snow annually
  • Pittsburgh receives an average of 27.7 inches of snow per year
  • Cleveland averages 54.3 inches of snow annually

Interpretation

While some cities may bask in sunny days, others seem to have a love affair with overcast skies. Seattle and Portland apparently prefer to sprinkle their grounds with just a dash of snow, perhaps to keep things interesting. Buffalo, on the other hand, sees snow in abundance, making its residents experts in the art of winter survival. Pittsburgh and Cleveland fall somewhere in between, receiving a moderate yearly snowfall that probably keeps their residents on their toes without burying them completely. So, whether your winter wardrobe includes a light jacket or a snowsuit, these cities prove that there's always a place for every shade of gray in the sky.

Sunshine Duration

  • Seattle receives only 28% of possible sunshine annually
  • Portland, OR gets 29% of possible sunshine per year
  • Buffalo receives 45% of possible sunshine annually
  • Pittsburgh gets 45% of possible sunshine per year
  • Cleveland receives 49% of possible sunshine annually
  • Seattle receives an average of 2,170 hours of sunshine annually
  • Portland, OR gets an average of 2,341 hours of sunshine per year
  • Buffalo receives an average of 2,207 hours of sunshine annually
  • Pittsburgh gets an average of 2,021 hours of sunshine per year
  • Cleveland receives an average of 2,280 hours of sunshine annually
  • Seattle's sunniest month is July with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day
  • Portland, OR's sunniest month is July with an average of 12 hours of sunshine per day
  • Buffalo's sunniest month is July with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day
  • Pittsburgh's sunniest month is July with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day
  • Cleveland's sunniest month is July with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day

Interpretation

In a playing field where sunshine is the MVP, cities like Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland seem content with their roles as perpetual benchwarmers. With annual sunshine percentages that would make even the most optimistic sun worshipper reach for their raincoat, these cities prove that sometimes it's not about the quantity but the quality of sunlight that counts. In a world where "partly cloudy" is practically a foreign concept, these cities embrace their overcast glory, saving their best shine for that one elusive month of July. Sunshine may be in short supply, but their residents clearly have an abundance of resilience and vitamin D supplements on hand.

Temperature

  • Seattle's average annual temperature is 52.6°F (11.4°C)
  • Portland, OR has an average annual temperature of 53.8°F (12.1°C)
  • Buffalo's average annual temperature is 48.3°F (9.1°C)
  • Pittsburgh has an average annual temperature of 50.8°F (10.4°C)
  • Cleveland's average annual temperature is 50.8°F (10.4°C)

Interpretation

In a world where the sun seems to be playing an extended game of hide-and-seek, the residents of Seattle, Portland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland have mastered the art of living under grey skies. Embracing a collective sigh of resignation, these cities boast average annual temperatures that always seem to hover in the "not too hot, not too cold" zone, maintaining the delicate balance between misery and moderate discomfort. For them, umbrellas are not just rain shields but also symbolic flags of resilience in the face of perpetual overcast conditions. They may not see the sun often, but their spirits shine bright enough to pierce through even the thickest layer of clouds.

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