10 of the sunniest — and cloudiest — cities in America

Weather is more than just a casual conversation starter — it profoundly influences our daily lives, from the way we plan our activities to how we manage our energy consumption and even our mental well-being.

In the United States, some cities get lots of sunshine while others see more clouds. This difference affects outdoor activities and how people plan for the seasons. Redfin put together a list of the sunniest and cloudiest major cities in the country, using yearly climate data that counts clear and cloudy days.

This list does not include every city, but it shows important weather trends in big metro areas. Here are five cities known for their sunshine and five that often have cloudy skies.

Clay Elliot / Unsplash

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.

Matthew Hamilton / Unsplash

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.

David Lusvardi / Unsplash

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.

Evan Wise / Unsplash

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.

Levi Meir Clancy / Unsplash

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.

Simon Hurry / Unsplash

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.

Stephen Plopper / Unsplash

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.

Justin Shen / Unsplash

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.

Anil Baki Durmus / Unsplash

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.

DJ Johnson / Unsplash

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.