The Best US Cities for Running Weather (and What to Wear Each Season)
You know the run we mean. You step outside, the air is cool and dry, and your legs feel like they could go all morning. Then there are the other days, when the air is so thick that an easy 5 miles feels like a tempo workout.
Weather shapes how hard a run feels, how well you recover and whether you get out the door at all. So which US cities get the most of the best running weather? Goldilocks Map ran the numbers, and their ranking of the best US cities for running weather holds a few surprises. Here's what it found, plus exactly what to wear running so every season feels like a good one.
The 10 best US cities for running weather
| Rank | City | Running days per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tacoma, WA | 186 |
| 2 | Seattle, WA | 179 |
| 3 | Portland, OR | 161 |
| 4 | Vancouver, WA (tie) | 158 |
| 4 | Eugene, OR (tie) | 158 |
| 4 | Salem, OR (tie) | 158 |
| 7 | San Francisco, CA | 140 |
| 8 | Colorado Springs, CO | 138 |
| 9 | Reno, NV | 135 |
| 10 | Denver / Aurora, CO | 131 |
Tacoma takes the crown with 186 running days a year. That's more than half the calendar spent in ideal running conditions.
What counts as ideal running weather?
Goldilocks Map counts a "running day" as any day with a high between 45 and 65°F and air that's dry rather than muggy. That's the sweet spot for most runners: cool enough that you don't overheat, warm enough that you're not bundled up.
The counts come from 1991 to 2020 climate normals and are checked against NOAA weather stations, with a margin of about plus or minus 10 days a year. So treat cities a few days apart as basically tied. Curious about your own city? Explore the interactive running weather map.
3 takeaways from the running weather rankings
1. The Pacific Northwest owns the top of the list
The top six spots all belong to Washington and Oregon: Tacoma, Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, Eugene and Salem. If you've ever wondered why the region is full of dedicated runners, here's part of the answer. Day after day, the temperature lands right in the running sweet spot.
2. Dry air matters as much as temperature
Look at the mountain West. Colorado Springs, Reno, Denver, Albuquerque (121 running days), Salt Lake City (116) and Boise (115) have zero muggy days. When a day falls in the right range, you never have to fight sticky air.
Now compare Virginia Beach. It gets 128 running days a year, which sounds great, but it also has 34 muggy days. Humidity is what turns a comfortable pace into a grind, so temperature alone never tells the whole story.
3. You don't need a perfect city, just a smart calendar
Big East Coast cities hold their own: Washington, DC has 119 running days and New York City has 111. And here's a fun one. Anchorage has 116 running days with just 1 muggy day, beating New York.
Wherever you live, timing helps. October is a peak month for running weather in much of the country, which makes it the perfect time to chase a PR, sign up for a fall race or simply add a few extra miles.
What to wear running in every season
Even the best running city has cold mornings and warm afternoons. Here's how to dress so you're comfortable from the first step to the cooldown.
What to wear running in spring
Spring mornings can start chilly and warm up fast. Choose pieces that pair with a light layer and still feel great once you've warmed up.
- A skort with built-in shorts. Easy coverage, room to move and pockets for your keys. Try the Athletic Skort with Built-In Shorts and Pockets.
- A breathable sports bra. An open back helps you stay cool as the sun comes out. Try the Strappy Open-Back Sports Bra.
- A lightweight cap. Keeps drizzle and early sun off your face, and it dries fast. Try the Lightweight Running Hat, or read why runners swear by a hat.
Shop the look: skorts and running hats.
What to wear running in summer
Summer is when humidity hits hardest. Run early or late, keep your kit minimal and protect yourself from the sun.
- Lightweight split running shorts. Less fabric, more airflow and a cut that moves with you. Try the Cheeky Flyaway Split Running Shorts.
- A sports bra you can run in on its own. Supportive enough to skip the tank on hot days. Try the Push-Up Halter Sports Bra.
- Polarized running sunglasses. UV400 lenses cut glare so you're not squinting through the miles. Try the X365 Ice Blue Polarized Running Sunglasses.
Shop the look: women's running shorts and sports bras.
What to wear running in fall
Fall brings some of the best running of the year, especially in October. Mornings are crisp, so start with a layer you can tie around your waist once you warm up.
- Shorts that stay put. A sculpting fit with a criss-cross waistband that won't ride up. Try the Sculpting Workout Shorts 5 Inch.
- A soft cropped hoodie. Warm for the first mile, with thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place. Try the LoverFleece Cropped Hoodie.
- Sunglasses for low autumn sun. Polarized lenses help when the sun sits low on your route. Try the X365 Revo Silver Polarized Running Sunglasses.
Shop the look: cropped hoodies and running sunglasses.
What to wear running in winter
Winter running is about coverage and keeping your essentials close. Dress for the second mile, not the first: you'll warm up faster than you think. For a degree-by-degree breakdown, see our guide to what to wear running at every temperature.
- High-rise leggings. Full coverage, a sculpting fit and a waistband that stays in place. Try the Sculpting High-Rise Leggings.
- A small crossbody sling bag. Carry your phone, keys and gloves without anything bouncing. Try the LuxeGo Small Crossbody Sling Bag.
- Sunglasses for winter glare. Bright winter days can be harsh on your eyes, so keep a pair handy. Try the Blackout Square Running Sunglasses.
Shop the look: running leggings with pockets.
Running weather FAQ
Which US city has the best running weather?
Tacoma, Washington, with 186 running days a year, followed by Seattle (179) and Portland (161), based on Goldilocks Map's ranking.
What is the ideal running temperature?
Goldilocks Map uses daily highs of 45 to 65°F with dry, non-muggy air as its running weather sweet spot.
What is the best month for running?
October is one of the best months for running weather across much of the US, so it's a smart time to plan a goal race or a big training block.
Does humidity really matter for running?
Yes. Virginia Beach gets 128 running days a year but also 34 muggy days, while mountain West cities like Denver and Reno have none.
Make every season your best running season
Whether you live in Tacoma or Tampa, you can't pick your weather, but you can pick what you wear. Dress for the conditions, plan your big runs around peak months like October, and the miles take care of themselves.
Ready to build your running wardrobe? Shop Runner's Athletics, browse our gifts for runners for the runner on your list, and join Club 365 free to get 200 points the moment you sign up.
Data courtesy of Goldilocks Map. See the full best running weather ranking for more cities.
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