From melting ice caps in Antarctica and Greenland to severe droughts, which have doubled the number of wildfires in the western United States between 1984 and 2015 – climate change anxiety is rising, and so is the willingness to act on it.
However, climate change concerns more than just global temperature; it also affects humidity levels. We all know that too much heat can be dangerous for us, with the potential to cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, and, in severe cases, death. But when you combine high temperatures with high humidity, your body will have an even harder time trying to cool itself off.
Luckily there are ways to combat this. Staying hydrated, taking cool showers, and wearing loose clothing are the obvious solutions. Using a fan or investing in a dehumidifier will prevent air from becoming stale, humid, and hot.
But which cities struggle with humidity the most? HouseFresh data analysts used WeatherSpark.com to collect the humidity data for 18,830 cities across the world on their muggiest day of the year.
As Weather Spark explains on their website, they “base the humidity comfort level on the dew point, as it determines whether perspiration will evaporate from the skin, thereby cooling the body. Lower dew points feel drier and higher dew points feel more humid. Unlike temperature, which typically varies significantly between night and day, dew point tends to change more slowly, so while the temperature may drop at night, a muggy day is typically followed by a muggy night.”
Key Findings
- The most humid city in the world is Patna, India, which has “miserable” humidity averaging 99.2%.
- Höfn, Iceland, is the most humid city in Europe, experiencing “dry” humidity averaging 99.1%.
- The 20 most humid cities in the US all reside in Florida, ranging from 36.8% to 48.7%.
- The Maldives is the most humid travel destination, experiencing ”miserable” humidity for 96.6%.
The Most Humid Cities Worldwide, Mapped
Follow the key to uncover the most dominant type of humidity within each city on the muggiest day – ranging from dry and comfortable or humid and muggy to oppressive and miserable.
Click to see full size
These are the most humid cities in the world according to our study:
| Rank | City | Humidity |
| 1 | Patna, India | 99.2% |
| 2 | Bhubaneshwar, India | 99.1% |
| 3 | Cuttack, India | 98.9% |
| 4 | Satkhira, Bangladesh | 98.8% |
| 5 | Khulna, Bangladesh | 98.7% |
| 6 | Sittwe, Myanmar | 98.7% |
| 7 | Guwahati, India | 98.7% |
| 8 | Hāora, India | 98.7% |
| 9 | Kolkata, India | 98.7% |
| 10 | Gaya, India | 98.6% |
North America’s Most Humid City is San Pedro, Belize
Long, hot, and wet summers are typical of San Pedro, Belize. Known for its abundance of sun, sea, and sand – people often flock to the city for its heat, though those living there or visiting can expect to experience “miserable” humidity averaging 94.7%.
“Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free,” Madonna sings of San Pedro in her 1987 hit La Isla Bonita. Boasting sandy streets lined with picturesque wooden houses and an array of seafood restaurants and beach bars, it’s no wonder San Pedro is a hotspot for tourism. Home to a diverse number of species, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
Top 10 Most Humid Cities in North America
| Rank | City | Humidity |
| 1 | San Pedro, Belize | 94.7% |
| 2 | Gouyave, Grenada | 86.7% |
| 3 | Nueva Gerona, Cuba | 85.5% |
| 4 | Puerto Cortez, Honduras | 85.2% |
| 5 | Colón, Panama | 83.4% |
| 6 | Coatzacoalcos, Mexico | 79.1% |
| 7 | Cabrera, Dominican Republic | 76.1% |
| 8 | Laguna de Perlas, Nicaragua | 75.6% |
| 9 | Vieux Fort, St Lucia | 72.6% |
| 10 | Speightstown, Barbados | 71.6% |
Barrancabermeja, Colombia, Is More Humid Than Any Other City in South America
Although Colombian weather is not strongly affected by seasons due to its proximity to the Equator, what will affect the climate is the altitude of the places you are visiting. The mountains are cool and fresh, while the Amazon is warm and wet year-round. Thanks to a significant amount of rainfall during the year, even throughout the driest months, Colombia is humid. The city of Barrancabermeja experiences “miserable” humidity for 94.1% of the day.
The best time to visit Colombia is December-March, which are the driest months in the Andes. However, this is an extremely popular time to visit, with both locals and international tourists, so you’ll need to book early to keep costs low.
Top 10 Most Humid Cities in South America
| Rank | City | Humidity |
| 1 | Barrancabermeja, Colombia | 94.1% |
| 2 | Lagunillas, Venezuela | 85.1% |
| 3 | Macapá, Brazil | 82.5% |
| 4 | New Amsterdam, Guyana | 67.9% |
| 5 | Nieuw Nickerie, Suriname | 66.1% |
| 6 | Riberalta, Bolivia | 43.2% |
| 7 | Iquitos, Peru | 36.4% |
| 8 | Pedernales, Ecuador | 21.0% |
| 9 | San Ramón de la Nueva Orán, Argentina | 13.2% |
| 10 | Salto del Guairá, Paraguay | 9.3% |
The Fishing Port of Höfn, Iceland, Is The Most Humid City in Europe
Iceland has some very humid months and above-average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is April, and the most humid month is August. The city of Höfn, meaning “harbor,” is a fishing port in the southeast and is the most humid city in Iceland, experiencing “dry” humidity for 99.1% of the day.
Iceland is home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the world, offering miles of untouched tranquil rivers and sparkling lakes full of arctic char, salmon, and trout. Although enjoyed recreationally, it is also the country’s largest export and one of the biggest sectors of its economy.
Top 10 Most Humid Cities in Europe
| Rank | City | Humidity |
| 1 | Höfn, Iceland | 99.1% |
| 2 | Athy, Ireland | 60.1% |
| 3 | Remich, Luxembourg | 53.7% |
| 4 | Fredrikstad, Norway | 53.0% |
| 5 | Kalmar, Sweden | 49.3% |
| 6 | Helsinki, Finland | 45.4% |
| 7 | Räpina, Estonia | 43.7% |
| 8 | Leposaviq, Kosova | 43.3% |
| 9 | Yerevan, Armenia | 39.0% |
| 10 | Darmstadt, Germany | 38.8% |
Hulhumale is the Most Humid City in the Middle East & Central Asia
The Maldives enjoys calm, clear waters and white sand beaches, an average of eight hours of sunshine a day, and a temperature which rarely falls below 25 degrees – it’s easy to see why people love to visit. However, its monsoonal seasons dramatically affect the amount of rainfall throughout the year, resulting in high humidity – especially in Hulhumale, which experiences “miserable” humidity for 96.6% of the day.
Aside from sticky heat and muggy air, which can become uncomfortable, humidity also affects visibility, which is something to consider if you are a fan of diving or snorkeling. The summer months in the Maldives are the most humid, so the best time to visit is between December and April, when the climate is drier and less windy, while temperatures are still hot.
Top 10 Most Humid Cities in the Middle East & Central Asia
| Rank | City | Humidity |
| 1 | Hulhumale, Maldives | 96.6% |
| 2 | Al Khawkhah, Yemen | 92.3% |
| 3 | Fujairah, United Arab, Emirates | 86.9% |
| 4 | Jizan, Saudi Arabia | 84.4% |
| 5 | Ar Ruways, Qatar | 73.3% |
| 6 | Muharraq, Bahrain | 70.8% |
| 7 | Bandar Bushehr, Iran | 66.1% |
| 8 | Salalah, Oman | 42.8% |
| 9 | Arwād, Syria | 29.5% |
| 10 | İskenderun, Turkey | 28.6% |
Patna, India, is the Most Humid City in the Rest of Asia & Oceania
Patna is the largest and capital city of the state of Bihar, northeast India. It sprawls along the south bank of the Ganges River and remains one of the oldest living cities in the world. The country’s subtropical climate promises plenty of sunshine, an abundance of heat, and high humidity (Patna experiences “miserable” humidity for 99.2% of the day).
Trying to pack for temperatures exceeding 100 degrees with humidity rising past 90 percent is hard to imagine, but this is a regular occurrence in India, especially in the summer months just before the monsoon season. To combat the heat and humidity, tourists are advised to wear lightweight, loose but modest clothing. Tight clothes can chafe, irritate, and will show sweat patches. Loose garments in natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, will allow the skin to breathe and cool you off.
Top 10 Most Humid Cities in the Rest of Asia & Oceania
| Rank | City | Humidity |
| 1 | Patna, India | 99.2% |
| 2 | Satkhira, Bangladesh | 98.8% |
| 3 | Sittwe, Myanmar (Burma) | 98.7% |
| 4 | Hạ Long, Vietnam | 97.4% |
| 5 | Malangwa, Nepal | 96.6% |
| 6 | Point Pedro, Sri Lanka | 96.2% |
| 7 | Macau, Macau SAR China | 95.4% |
| 8 | Magong, Taiwan | 95.2% |
| 9 | Surigao, Philippines | 94.7% |
| 10 | Jabor, Marshall Islands | 94.3% |
The Coastal Town of Jacqueville is the Most Humid in Africa
Africa is the second-largest continent in the world both in size and population, after Asia in both cases. On September 13th, 1922, the world’s hottest temperature was recorded at 57.8 degrees (136.0 °F) in ‘Aziziya, Libya. However, this was later proven to be an inaccurate reading of a thermometer. The hottest temperature on record is, in fact, Death Valley in California.
Still, the African deserts are arguably some of the hottest places on Earth, particularly the Sahara Desert and the Danakil Desert. But when it comes to heat and humidity combined, Jacqueville, a coastal town in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, takes the top spot. For 92.5% of the day, the town experiences “miserable” humidity.
Top 10 Most Humid Cities in Africa
| Rank | City | Humidity |
| 1 | Jacqueville, Côte d’Ivoire | 92.5% |
| 2 | Anloga, Ghana | 90.2% |
| 3 | Grand-Popo, Benin | 90.0% |
| 4 | Río Campo, Equatorial Guinea | 89.3% |
| 5 | Aného, Togo | 88.8% |
| 6 | Kribi, Cameroon | 86.6% |
| 7 | Foundiougne, Senegal | 85.6% |
| 8 | Wete, Tanzania | 85.6% |
| 9 | Obock, Djibouti | 85.1% |
| 10 | Sapele, Nigeria | 83.6% |
The Top Three Most Humid Cities in the World Reside in India
Due to their close proximity to the Equator, the most humid cities in the world reside in South Asia. This corner of the world is known for its blistering heat and humid weather. India dominates our top three results, with Patna (99.2%), Bhubaneshwar (99.1%), and Cuttack (98.9%) experiencing the most “miserable” humidity.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity. Among more serious side effects, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and simply being uncomfortable, one of the most common effects of humidity is sweating.
The Top 5 Most Humid U.S. States Are All Located in The South
The top five most humid states are Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi and Texas – all of which are located in the south of the country, with four of the states (bar South Carolina) likely to be influenced by winds sweeping up from the Gulf of Mexico.
Abbeville is a city located a little outside of the action, lying 150 miles west of New Orleans and 60 miles southwest of Baton Rouge. Thanks to sweeping winds from the Gulf, the city experiences “miserable” humidity for 68.4% of the day, making it the most humid in the state of Louisiana.
The Most Humid Cities in America Can All Be Found in the State of Florida
Boasting hundreds of miles of beaches and year-round high temperatures, Florida is often better known as the Sunshine State. Its climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south, and it is the only continental state with both a tropical climate and a coral reef. As a result of hot temperatures and being bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, there is a vast amount of moisture in the air across the state.
Envisioned by developer George Merrick in the 1920s, Coral Gables is a planned community located a few miles southwest of Downtown Miami. Experiencing “oppressive” humidity for 60.1% of the day, it is the most humid city in Florida.
How to Stop Sweating in Humidity and Conquer the Heat
While too much heat poses potential problems on its own, the discomfort levels and potential harm increase when combined with high humidity. Like many things in life, preparation and prevention are easier than finding a cure, so it could be a good idea to check humidity levels ahead of planning your next trip.
Use the tabs on the table below to discover the most humid cities in the world and how they compare to where you live.
Our Top 3 Dehumidifiers
If you live in one of the most humid cities in our study, or find yourself suffering as a result of stuffy humid air, it might be time to pick up a dehumidifer. Believe us, it will make your life much more pleasant, here are our top picks.
Model
Best for Large Spaces
Best Overall
Best for Large Spaces
Style
Pros
Ideal for large rooms.
Customizable control over the amount of humidity in your room.
After you set your desired humidity, the dehumidifier will run intelligently.
Cons
The unit occasionally doesn't switch off when it’s full of water; which results in spillages.
Instructions book can be confusing.
The bucket is a little hard to pour out without spilling water.
Special Features
Turbo mode increases fan speed from Normal Air CFM 165 (cubic feet per minute) to High Air CFM 188 for maximum moisture removal.
Continuous drain option allows you to skip emptying the water bucket.
A quiet fan that won't disturb you when you sleep or at work.
Recommended Room Size
4,500 Sq. Ft
N/A
2000 Sq. Ft
Weight
40 lbs
43 lbs
N/A
Price
$219.97
$287.00
$189.99
Best for Large Spaces
Model
Style
Pros
Ideal for large rooms.
Cons
The unit occasionally doesn't switch off when it’s full of water; which results in spillages.
Special Features
Turbo mode increases fan speed from Normal Air CFM 165 (cubic feet per minute) to High Air CFM 188 for maximum moisture removal.
Recommended Room Size
4,500 Sq. Ft
Weight
40 lbs
Price
$219.97
More Details
Best Overall
Model
Style
Pros
Customizable control over the amount of humidity in your room.
Cons
Instructions book can be confusing.
Special Features
Continuous drain option allows you to skip emptying the water bucket.
Recommended Room Size
N/A
Weight
43 lbs
Price
$287.00
More Details
Best for Large Spaces
Model
Style
Pros
After you set your desired humidity, the dehumidifier will run intelligently.
Cons
The bucket is a little hard to pour out without spilling water.
Special Features
A quiet fan that won't disturb you when you sleep or at work.
Recommended Room Size
2000 Sq. Ft
Weight
N/A
Price
$189.99
More Details
METHODOLOGY & SOURCES
We used WeatherSpark.com to gather the humidity level for every global and US city on their muggiest day. The colored charts show the proportional breakdown of humidity levels (miserable, oppressive, muggy, humid, comfortable, dry) across the 24 hours. The data was collected in September 2021.
We compiled a list of popular destinations from various sources:
Blair, O. (2019). Best Holiday Destinations: Where You Need To Visit In 2020. elle.com
Bloom, L. (2021). The 20 Best Places To Travel In 2021: Where To Go Next. forbes.com
Gray, C. (2021). 8 Best Summer Holiday Destinations in 2021. luxurytravelmagazine.com
Irvin, C. (2021). Winter sun, with no quarantine: The best destinations to book now. telegraph.co.uk
Kiesnoski, K. (2021). Here’s where Americans are planning to go for that summer vacation. cnbc.com
Last Minute. (2022). Top 10 Holiday Destinations. lastminute.com
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice. (2021). Popular Destinations — World. tripadvisor.co.uk
Tui. (2021). Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe. tui.co.uk
Last update on 2022-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQs
Where is the most humid city in the world? ›
The most humid city in the world is Patna, India, which has “miserable” humidity for 99.2% of the day. Höfn, Iceland, is the most humid city in Europe, experiencing “dry” humidity for 99.1% of the day. The 20 most humid cities in the US all reside in Florida, ranging from 36.8% to 48.7% “miserable” humidity.
Which is the most humid city in India? ›Patna in Bihar is the world's most humid city, where residents experience “miserable” humidity for 99.2% of the day, British company HouseFresh has found. It is followed closely by Bhubaneswar in Odisha, where the number is only marginally lower at 99.1%.
What city is hot humid? ›Machilipatnam. Source This city is located in Andhra Pradesh on the eastern coastline of India and experiences a hot and humid climate throughout the year.
Which state is most humid? ›You might be surprised to see that our most northern state tops this list, but there's a reason that Alaska has the highest Relative Humidity (RH). Alaska has an average RH of 77%. The next highest state, Florida, comes in around 74% average RH.
What makes a city humid? ›The more water evaporates in a given area, the more water vapor rises into the air, and the higher the humidity of that area is. Hot places tend to be more humid than cool places because heat causes water to evaporate faster.
What is the highest humidity? ›At 100% relative humidity, the air is saturated and is at its dew point. In the absence of a foreign body on which droplets or crystals can nucleate, the relative humidity can exceed 100%, in which case the air is said to be supersaturated.
Are cities more humid? ›Humidity is another part of the climate, which is affected by the temperature of the air. Relative humidity can be up to 6% lower in an urban area as the air is warmer meaning it can hold more moisture, however the lack of vegetation and surfaces limit evapotranspiration.
Which area is humid? ›The amount of water vapour in the air is called humidity. Humidity affects the climate of a place. The winds blowing from sea to land bring a lot of moisture with them. They make the climate in the coastal areas very humid.
Is India is a most humid country? ›...
Regions.
| < 20.0 °C | (< 68.0 °F) |
|---|---|
| > 27.5 °C | (> 81.5 °F) |
Best Humidity Level: Cyprus
(You might know it as the sweet spot where your hair isn't frizzy and your skin isn't dry.) This island nation can get pretty hot, but the air remains nicely arid and the ocean setting means plenty of cool breezes.
What are the two most humid cities? ›
Most Humid Cities in the United States
New Orleans has the highest relative humidity among big US cities, with an average of nearly 86 percent. The Louisiana city is followed closely by second-ranked Jacksonville, Florida.
The increased levels of moisture in the air when the weather is humid prevent your skin from drying out. If your skin is normal or dry, higher humidity levels can help your skin feel soft, supple, and more nourished in comparison to a drier climate.
Is Texas dry or humid? ›Texas' weather varies widely, from arid in the west to humid in the east. The huge expanse of Texas encompasses several regions with distinctly different climates: Northern Plains, Trans-Pecos Region, Texas Hill Country, Piney Woods, and South Texas.
Can you have 100% humidity? ›If the air is totally saturated at a particular level (e.g., the surface), then the dewpoint temperature is the same as the actual air temperature, and the relative humidity is 100 percent.
What is humidity short answer? ›Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. If there is a lot of water vapor in the air, the humidity will be high. The higher the humidity, the wetter it feels outside.
Is humid hot or cold? ›High humidity levels are more likely in warm air, because it can hold more water at higher temperatures. If the air in your home is warm, it will also have the capacity to hold a lot of moisture.
How many types of humidity are there? ›What are the main types of humidity? Absolute humidity, relative humidity, and specific humidity.
Which type of humidity is best? ›The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity, according to the Mayo Clinic. This means that the air holds between 30-50% of the maximum amount of moisture it can contain.
Which countries are humid? ›Cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Singapore have very high humidities year-round because of their proximity to the equator and water. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sees annual average humidity ranging from 74% to 86%. The average humidity in Jakarta can be up to 90%.
What city has the lowest humidity? ›Las Vegas clearly ranks as the driest, with an average relative humidity level of just 30 percent. Phoenix joins in as the only other big city that averages less than 40 percent humidity.
Why are humid places hotter? ›
On humid days, when the air is already saturated with water, sweat evaporates more slowly. This explains why it feels so much hotter in high humidity. When relative humidity reaches a high enough level, the body's natural cooling system simply can't work. Sweat evaporates very slowly, if at all, and the body heats up.
What climate is humid? ›The humid climate is the climate where precipitation is more than evaporation. It has fairly distributed precipitation throughout the year. There are three main humid climates: the humid subtropical climate, the humid tropical climate, and the humid continental climate.
What is humidity Class 7? ›Humidity is the amount of water vapour present in the air. If there is a lot of water vapour in the air, the humidity will be high. The higher the humidity, the wetter it feels outside.
Is high humidity good? ›High humidity can have a number of adverse effects on the human body. It can contribute to feelings of low energy and lethargy. In addition, high humidity can cause hyperthermia — over-heating as a result of your body's inability to effectively let out heat.
Is Japan a humid country? ›Eastern Japan has hot and humid summers and cold winters with very heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side and in mountainous areas. Western Japan has very hot and humid summers (with temperatures sometimes reaching 35 oC or above) and moderate cold winters. Okinawa and Amami have a subtropical oceanic climate.
Is USA more humid than UK? ›So I have decided to discuss the differences in the climate between the UK/BI and the Northeastern USA. So I do know that the NE USA has on average, colder and snowier winters than the UK, with hotter and more humid summers.
Is UK a humid country? ›The UK has a higher level of humidity than the European continent and “it is harder for the human body to keep cool as your sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly.”
Which country has lowest humidity? ›...
Other European locations with low humidity and excellent weather include:
- Vienna, Austria.
- Prague, Czech Republic.
- Marrakesh, Morocco.
- Athens, Greece.
- Cairo, Egypt.
The world's lowest recorded relative humidity value occurred at Coober Pedy in the South Australia desert when the temperature was 93 degrees and the dew point was minus 21 degrees producing a relative humidity of 1 percent.
How do people live in a humid country? ›...
Check out these tips for living in a humid climate.
- Keep Your Windows Open (sparingly) ...
- Brush Up on Your Gardening Skills. ...
- Flooring Options. ...
- Don't Dry Your Laundry. ...
- Invest in a Dehumidifier.
What city has the worst humidity? ›
New Orleans has the highest relative humidity among big US cities, with an average of nearly 86 percent. The Louisiana city is followed closely by second-ranked Jacksonville, Florida.
Does anywhere have 100 humidity? ›Surprisingly, yes, the condition is known as supersaturation. At any given temperature and air pressure, a specific maximum amount of water vapor in the air will produce a relative humidity (RH) of 100 percent.
Where is there no humidity? ›What state has the lowest humidity? Nevada has the lowest humidity. It's no coincidence the state is known for its desert and arid climate. With average relative humidity sitting at 38.3%, Nevada has the lowest relative humidity (when comparing states) in the country.
What is the best humid? ›The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity, according to the Mayo Clinic. This means that the air holds between 30-50% of the maximum amount of moisture it can contain.
Why is England so humid? ›Because it has an oceanic climate. It's surrounded by sea. Lots of sea = lots of humidity and precipitation. On the flip side, we (usually) avoid extremes of temperature, both high and low.
Is 0% humidity possible? ›The concept of zero percent relative humidity — air completely devoid of water vapor — is intriguing, but given Earth's climate and weather conditions, it's an impossibility. Water vapor is always present in the air, even if only in trace amounts.
Is 70% humidity a lot? ›The Health and Safety Executive recommends that relative humidity indoors should be maintained at 40-70%, while other experts recommend that the range should be 30-60%. Most people find 30-60% most comfortable and this is the level that Airthings recommends.
What states have no humidity? ›- Nevada - 38.30%
- Arizona - 38.50%
- New Mexico - 45.90%
- Utah - 51.70%
- Colorado - 54.10%
- Wyoming - 57.10%
- Montana - 60.40%
- California - 61.00%
London is humid because it has a temperate oceanic environment, also called a maritime climate. The on-shore flow from the Atlantic ocean acts as a conveyor belt transporting moisture from the Atlantic, (and at times the Celtic Sea) to London.
Is London humid or dry? ›London, in the south-east of the UK, is a region characterised by a warm and dry climate in the summer and a cold and dry climate in the winter. Cumbria, in the mountainous north-west of England, has generally cooler temperatures and more rainfall throughout the year.
Is London always humid? ›
London features a humid temperate oceanic climate (Cfb). This gives the city cool winters, warm to hot summers with precipitation fairly evenly distributed all year round.