Evaporative coolers are ideal for hot, dry climates where humidity typically stays below 50%. They're most effective in arid and semi-arid regions.
Best regions for evaporative cooling in the US:
Excellent (humidity usually under 30%):
- Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff)
- Nevada (Las Vegas, Reno)
- New Mexico (Albuquerque, Santa Fe)
- Utah (Salt Lake City, St. George)
- Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction)
Good (humidity 30-45%):
- West Texas (El Paso, Midland)
- Southern California inland areas (Palm Springs, Riverside, Bakersfield)
- Idaho (Boise)
- Eastern Oregon and Washington
- Wyoming
Marginal (humidity 40-55%):
- Central California (Fresno, Sacramento)
- Parts of Montana
- Coastal California (can be too humid in summer)
Not recommended (humidity above 50%):
- Southeast US (Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, etc.)
- Gulf Coast
- Most of the Midwest during summer
- Pacific Northwest coast
- Hawaii
The US Department of Energy considers evaporative cooling appropriate for areas with average summer humidity below 60%. Check your local weather data for typical July/August humidity levels to determine if evaporative cooling is right for your location.
