The 25 Best Places to Live for the Weather in 2023-2024

Weather can be a major factor in determining how much you enjoy a particular place. Since many people prefer clear skies and warm temperatures, U.S. News looked for metro areas among the 150 most populous in the U.S. considered for our Best Places to Live rankings that offer the most moderate temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

We looked for places that had the most temperate days on average – with lows above freezing and highs below 90 degrees Fahrenheit – as well as those with the most sunny days, based on information from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information.

Although some regions may be experiencing extreme heat this summer or have faced a particularly cold winter or rainy spring in recent months, this list looks at annual averages for a more holistic view of the general climate picture in each metro area. While this list looks at weather temperateness, you may want to additionally consider weather extremes in a specific metro area before deciding to move there.

The Best Places to Live ranking also considers the risk of extreme weather and natural disasters, as well as a metro area's resilience to such events in its Quality of Life score, based on information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Read on for the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for the Weather, counting down to the top spot.

25. Tucson, Arizona
24. Tampa, Florida
23. Melbourne, Florida
22. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
21. Sarasota, Florida
20. Daytona Beach, Florida
19. Naples, Florida
18. Port St. Lucie, Florida
17. Las Vegas
16. Stockton, California
15. Visalia, California
14. Charleston, South Carolina
13. Bakersfield, California
12. Miami
11. Modesto, California
10. Sacramento, California
9. Vallejo and Fairfield, California
8. Santa Rosa, California
7. Honolulu
6. San Jose, California
5. San Francisco
4. Salinas, California
3. Los Angeles
2. San Diego
1. Santa Barbara, California

25. Tucson, Arizona

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 96
Metro Population: 1,035,063
Median Home Price: $378,577
Average Annual Salary: $52,990
Temperate Days: 202
Rainy Days: 51

Located in southern Arizona and in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson may surprise you with its temperate weather. It certainly has plenty of hot days, with average Fahrenheit temperatures in June and July in the triple digits, according to National Weather Service data, but it doesn’t experience any average temperatures below freezing. Overall, 202 days out of the year are between freezing and 90 degrees.

24. Tampa, Florida

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 24
Metro Population: 3,146,074
Median Home Price: $427,241
Average Annual Salary: $53,270
Temperate Days: 275
Rainy Days: 107

If you’re looking for a completely different type of heat than in the desert, Florida offers more humidity, which means temperatures can often be lower. But Florida can feel warmer due to the amount of water in the air. Still, as many as 275 days in Tampa register highs below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above freezing. On average, as many as 107 days can see some rain.

23. Melbourne, Florida

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 15
Metro Population: 601,573
Median Home Price: $217,400
Average Annual Salary: $54,360
Temperate Days: 296
Rainy Days: 120

Like many parts of coastal Florida, Melbourne sees its fair share of rainy days – an average of 120, specifically. However, not every one of those days experiences rain for the entire day, and fast-moving weather ensures there’s plenty of sun. Home to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, the Melbourne metro area experiences 296 temperate days, on average.

22. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 18
Metro Population: 478,654
Median Home Price: $392,696
Average Annual Salary: $40,470
Temperate Days: 299
Rainy Days: 107

This popular tourist destination in coastal South Carolina doesn’t see particularly low or high temperatures more than 66 days a year, on average. Still, residents and visitors don’t have to worry about too many gloomy days since 258 days per year are typically clear of precipitation. If you feel the pull to Myrtle Beach, you’re certainly not the only one. Myrtle Beach is the fastest-growing metro area on the Best Places to Live list, having increased in population by 4.46% between 2020 and 2021 due to net migration alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

21. Sarasota, Florida

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 5
Metro Population: 824,160
Median Home Price: $387,630
Average Annual Salary: $49,760
Temperate Days: 280
Rainy Days: 106

The Sarasota metro area takes the No. 5 spot on the overall Best Places to Live list, but when it comes to weather, it ranks No. 21. Sarasota is a major destination for retirees looking to move to the Sunshine State, and the warm weather and fair share of good weather are certainly a part of the attraction. Sarasota experiences few to no temperature lows below freezing on an annual basis, with an average of 280 temperate days, overall.

20. Daytona Beach, Florida

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 49
Metro Population: 662,671
Median Home Price: $375,917
Average Annual Salary: $44,620
Temperate Days: 301
Rainy Days: 116

The fourth of seven Florida metro areas to make the top 25 list for weather temperateness is Daytona Beach, which ranks No. 49 on the overall Best Places to Live list. Daytona Beach experiences a whopping 301 temperate days throughout the year, though there are a hefty amount of rainy days as well. Expect at least some rain for 116 days out of the year.

19. Naples, Florida

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 6
Metro Population: 372,797
Median Home Price: $823,196
Average Annual Salary: $50,820
Temperate Days: 282
Rainy Days: 118

In South Florida, Naples is a small metro area nestled up against the national parks that make up the Florida Everglades. Don’t expect to experience any days below freezing in the Naples area in the typical year, and 282 days tend to keep temperature highs below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There are, on average, 118 days with some rain throughout the year.

18. Port St. Lucie, Florida

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 63
Metro Population: 482,922
Median Home Price: $429,104
Average Annual Salary: $47,710
Temperate Days: 310
Rainy Days: 132

The city of Port St. Lucie doesn’t have beaches, but there are plenty of ways to take in the good weather within the larger metro area. As many as 310 days out of the year experience temperatures between 32 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and 233 days are completely free of rain. Like many other coastal spots, however, Port St. Lucie’s rainy days are often not entirely rainy, and you’ll have at least a portion of the day to enjoy the sun and sand.

17. Las Vegas

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 136
Metro Population: 2,231,147
Median Home Price: $495,457
Average Annual Salary: $50,360
Temperate Days: 204
Rainy Days: 26

For a climate that can feel opposite to Florida's, the desert setting in Las Vegas has only 26 days throughout the year that get any rain. Of course, with the hot sun and few clouds to interrupt it, there are a greater number of days above 90 degrees. On average, 204 days throughout the year experience temperatures between freezing and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, an average of about 26 days experience lows that reach below freezing, but it’s less common than in many other parts of the U.S.

16. Stockton, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 148
Metro Population: 771,406
Median Home Price: $589,200
Average Annual Salary: $55,020
Temperate Days: 259
Rainy Days: 55

Located along the San Joaquin River, Stockton makes the list for its few cold days and plentiful sun. With an average of only 55 rainy days per year, residents are lucky enough to enjoy the sun more than 84% of the year. With weather like this, it’s easy to get out and visit the vineyards and wineries in the surrounding area.

15. Visalia, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 147
Metro Population: 470,999
Median Home Price: $375,910
Average Annual Salary: $50,100
Temperate Days: 245
Rainy Days: 46

In Visalia, there are about 120 days on average that will either dip below freezing or over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but the overwhelming number of days throughout the year experience more temperate weather. Additionally, just 46 days log any precipitation throughout the year, so if you’re looking for a dry climate, consider this inland California metro area.

14. Charleston, South Carolina

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 53
Metro Population: 789,932
Median Home Price: $459,772
Average Annual Salary: $51,850
Temperate Days: 325
Rainy Days: 107

One of the few metro areas on this list outside Florida and California, Charleston benefits from its proximity to the coast and location in the South. It experiences few freezing days, and not many days become dangerously hot. Just 40 days, on average, will experience more extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum. As many as 107 days get some rain throughout the year.

13. Bakersfield, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 149
Metro Population: 905,644
Median Home Price: $370,572
Average Annual Salary: $54,570
Temperate Days: 242
Rainy Days: 37

Another inland California metro area to consider for temperate weather and little precipitation is Bakersfield, where just 37 days out of the year get any rain. There will be a few days with freezing temperatures or highs above 90 degrees, but 242 days, on average, remain in between either extreme. Expect more from your paycheck to go toward housing costs than in many other parts of the U.S. The cost of living in Bakersfield requires 27.64% of the area’s median annual household income.

12. Miami

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 138
Metro Population: 6,105,897
Median Home Price: $608,742
Average Annual Salary: $54,790
Temperate Days: 300
Rainy Days: 107

Known for its hot, sunny weather on the Atlantic coast, Miami is a popular destination for tourists seeking ideal weather for going to the beach during the day and club-hopping at night. The humidity can certainly make it feel hotter, but there are 300 temperate days throughout the year. Expect a decent amount of rain – 107 days annually – but clouds can move quickly through the Miami area for a partly sunny day.

11. Modesto, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 145
Metro Population: 829,992
Median Home Price: $463,918
Average Annual Salary: $53,906
Temperate Days: 275
Rainy Days: 56

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Modesto is one of 13 California metro areas on the Best Places to Live for the Weather list. Generally, California is known for sunny, moderate weather that draws visitors and new residents year-round. In Modesto, you can expect an average of 275 days each year that don’t fall below 32 degrees or reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Just 56 days each year experience any rain.

10. Sacramento, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 127
Metro Population: 2,379,368
Median Home Price: $619,981
Average Annual Salary: $65,580
Temperate Days: 273
Rainy Days: 57

This Northern California metro area, and the state’s capital city, averages 308 rain-free days per year. Located away from the coast, Sacramento gets some hot and cold days while avoiding extremes in either direction. Additionally, you can expect 92 days either above 90 degrees in summer or below freezing during the coldest times of the year.

9. Vallejo and Fairfield, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 142
Metro Population: 451,432
Median Home Price: $606,442
Average Annual Salary: $64,270
Temperate Days: 302
Rainy Days: 65

Located north of San Francisco and northeast of San Pablo Bay, the Vallejo and Fairfield metro area offers proximity to the job opportunities and attractions of San Francisco without the same notoriously steep home prices. Weather-wise, Vallejo and Fairfield offer similar temperatures to other Northern California metro areas on this list: few cold and hot days, and plenty of sunny days.

8. Santa Rosa, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 125
Metro Population: 492,498
Median Home Price: $889,590
Average Annual Salary: $64,080
Temperate Days: 311
Rainy Days: 76

Part of what makes the heart of California wine country such a popular destination for people looking for an enjoyable weekend – wine aside – is the pleasant, moderate weather. With just over 50 days either below freezing or that surpass 90 degrees, Santa Rosa residents and visitors enjoy weather that makes being outside easier. Plus, the area sees nearly 289 days without any rain, on average.

7. Honolulu

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 59
Metro Population: 1,015,167
Median Home Price: $581,658
Average Annual Salary: $61,860
Temperate Days: 340
Rainy Days: 92

That tropical vacation wasn’t too good to be true – Hawaii’s weather really is that nice all the time. Honolulu’s island location is ideal if you want to avoid freezing lows at night while experiencing just a few dozen days above 90 degrees. With weather typically moving quickly over the Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu residents see just 92 rainy days a year.

6. San Jose, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 13
Metro Population: 1,995,351
Median Home Price: $1,524,907
Average Annual Salary: $99,430
Temperate Days: 343
Rainy Days: 62

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose experiences similar weather to other metro areas nearby, including San Francisco and Salinas. San Jose averages only 22 days that reach either cold or hot extremes, and rarely do any of those days hit below freezing. Residents can expect an average of just 62 rainy days per year. It’s no wonder the city is the capital of Silicon Valley – people looking to join or launch a tech startup can’t resist the ideal weather.

5. San Francisco

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 45
Metro Population: 4,725,584
Median Home Price: $1,122,946
Average Annual Salary: $86,590
Temperate Days: 363
Rainy Days: 67

Since it's known for rolling fog, San Francisco ranking high on the list may come as a surprise. But that fog often burns off by the afternoon or rolls in late in the day. In fact, 298 days out of the year are completely free of rain. Additionally, San Francisco experiences no days below freezing throughout the year and just two days above 90 degrees.

4. Salinas, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 143
Metro Population: 438,953
Median Home Price: $925,458
Average Annual Salary: $56,350
Temperate Days: 356
Rainy Days: 60

South of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Salinas metro area includes Monterey Bay and the area inland from it. Salinas offers residents just nine days that either dip below freezing or reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, on average, throughout the year. With an average of 305 days free of rain, Salinas has just 60 days throughout the year that have precipitation, which makes for ideal weather to visit the beaches, marine reserves and parks along Monterey Bay.

3. Los Angeles

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 139
Metro Population: 18,628,215
Median Home Price: $836,831
Average Annual Salary: $63,056
Temperate Days: 344
Rainy Days: 35

Not the only SoCal metro area on the list, Los Angeles averages just 35 rainy days per year. With no nights of freezing temperatures and 21 days over 90 degrees, on average, the City of Angels makes for a great place to enjoy warm weather without extremes. Because the metro area includes both beachfront towns and valley locations, expect cooler, breezier weather near the water and more heat and sun inland.

2. San Diego

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 93
Metro Population: 3,296,317
Median Home Price: $919,507
Average Annual Salary: $67,200
Temperate Days: 362
Rainy Days: 41

With no freezing days and an average of just three days over 90 degrees, San Diego is second on the list of Best Places to Live in the U.S. for the Weather, beating out 148 of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. And with residents experiencing just 41 rainy days per year on average, they'll be spending plenty of time at the beach enjoying the blue skies and sunshine.

1. Santa Barbara, California

Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 124
Metro Population: 447,651
Median Home Price: $464,954
Average Annual Salary: $62,020
Temperate Days: 351
Rainy Days: 36

A little northwest of Los Angeles, along the California coast, Santa Barbara benefits from beach breezes and the beauty of Los Padres National Forest, located directly north of the metro area. As many as 351 days throughout the typical year have temperatures above freezing and below 90 degrees. With as many as 329 days without rain per year, on average, Santa Barbara tops the list of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for the Weather.