Anyone looking to put down new roots must weigh multiple factors — an area’s cost of living, nearby loved ones, and the local education system, to name just a few. If you’re scouting out the best places to live with lupus, climate might rank high on your list of what matters most.

Some people who have lupus or other autoimmune diseases observe that certain weather conditions can have a big impact on how they feel. Environmental factors like sun exposure, barometric pressure, and temperature can aggravate symptoms and even trigger lupus flares.

Whether you’re considering a move or wondering why your flares seem to change with the weather, it’s helpful to understand the relationship between climate and lupus. We’ll discuss the best and worst places to live with lupus, including key insights from MyLupusTeam members.

Does Weather Affect Lupus?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “What is the best climate for people with lupus?” Weather alone doesn’t cause lupus. But certain weather conditions have been tied to lupus flares or worsening symptoms. For instance, changes in atmospheric conditions might trigger symptoms like rashes, inflammation, and joint pain.

Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a common trigger for lupus symptoms. UVA and UVB rays hitting your skin can cause problems like blisters, sunburn-like skin rashes, and swelling that resembles an allergic reaction. Sun exposure can also lead to other lupus symptoms, such as:

• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Flu-like symptoms

Many people with lupus have photosensitivity — they’re sensitive to UV rays from the sun or other light sources, like fluorescent lights. Photosensitivity can trigger an immune response that causes redness or discoloration and inflammation of exposed skin.

“I have photosensitivity, which means both synthetic light and ultraviolet light will cause rashes on my face and hands,” said a member of MyLupusTeam.

Heat Exposure

Many people living with lupus experience overheating. Also called hyperthermia, overheating occurs when your body either absorbs or generates more heat than it can get rid of, and your body temperature rises higher than normal. Overheating can cause the following symptoms:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Excessive sweating

“I spent Sunday sweating profusely,” said a MyLupusTeam member. “I just got out of the shower and had sweating attacks.”

Cold Temperatures

Cold weather can also affect lupus symptoms. Chilly temperatures can trigger painful flare-ups when blood vessels constrict to try to keep the body warm. One MyLupusTeam member said that they left Michigan because “the brutal cold” began to trigger lupus pain.

Some people with lupus may also have Raynaud’s disease. This condition causes narrowing of blood vessels and restricts blood flow, so less oxygen gets to parts of the body like the hands and feet. Symptoms from this condition may be constant, but they often arise in colder temperatures.

Higher Ozone Concentration

Elevated ozone levels may aggravate respiratory systems in people with certain types of lupus. Higher ozone concentrations occur with higher levels of air pollution, like that emitted from cars and power plants. A 2020 study revealed that increased levels of air pollutants could worsen systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptoms.

Higher ozone concentration may cause the following symptoms in people with lupus:

• Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Lack of energy
• Tiredness

High Humidity

Humidity (the amount of water vapor in the air) may also trigger lupus symptoms. Researchers have looked into the effects of humidity on people with conditions like SLE and arthritis, and some members of MyLupusTeam have noted that humidity bothers them. “I have found that humidity tends to make me more lethargic and drained,” one member said.

Barometric Pressure

Barometric or atmospheric pressure is the measurement of air pressure in the atmosphere. Weather conditions cause barometric pressure to fluctuate, and these changes can affect your body’s internal air pressure. You might experience increased symptoms of lupus, like swelling and joint pain.

The 5 Most Recommended Places To Live With Lupus

Many people living with lupus want to do all they can to reduce their risk of having a flare-up. If your location’s climate triggers or worsens your lupus symptoms, you might be considering a move. Given all the ways that weather can have an effect, where is the best place to live if you have lupus?

MyLupusTeam members have some answers to that question. Here are the states they most recommend for people living with lupus.

1. Washington

Washington state has a mild climate. Seasonal transitions, like from summer to winter, aren’t too harsh. Areas with mild, temperate climates are considered to have the best weather, with warm summers and cool to cold winters. Because it doesn’t have extreme weather conditions, Washington may be an excellent place for people with lupus to live.

“I have lived in Utah, and the winter and summers are awful for me,” said one MyLupusTeam member. “I lived in Arizona, and the heat was horrible for me. I am moving to Washington since I felt the best when I lived there.”

2. North Carolina

North Carolina has a more humid climate but doesn’t get too cold in the winter. The average annual temperatures in North Carolina range from 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the central region to 66 F in the east. If you’re not looking for extreme weather, North Carolina’s mix of temperatures might help with managing lupus flares.

“I live in Asheville, North Carolina, and find it to be better for me,” wrote one MyLupusTeam member. “The four seasons are delightful; never too hot or cold.”

3. Virginia

Virginia’s weather has been called the “Goldilocks climate” — it’s not too hot, and it’s not too cold. Located on the East Coast, the state is considered a humid, subtropical region, so humidity may be an issue for some people during summer. However, the humidity is lower in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountain areas, which may be more suitable for people with lupus.

A MyLupusTeam member said that Virginia’s weather “is pretty good for lupus patients.” In addition, they mentioned that Virginia has several resources for lupus care, “from rheumatologists to cardiologists.”

4. Florida

Although Florida is one of the hottest places on this list, some people with lupus find the state accommodates their health needs. Like Virginia, Florida has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. If the cold triggers your lupus symptoms and the sun and humidity don’t bother you, Florida could be a good option.

“I was born and raised in northeast Illinois along Lake Michigan, and we could get some brutal winter weather there,” said a MyLupusTeam member. “I moved and am now living in southwest Florida. The humid warmth should help with your pain. It did for me!”

5. Hawaii

If you’re living with lupus, you might consider relocating to Hawaii, where the temperatures are mild year-round. Hawaii stays tropically warm, with no drastic weather changes. As long as the state’s sunshine and humidity won’t trigger your symptoms, Hawaii might be among the best places to live with lupus.

“I moved to Hawaii from South Carolina,” stated a MyLupusTeam member. “My joints feel better, and my flares are less frequent and severe. There’s less stress too and better air quality (except when the volcano sends fog).”

Before packing your bags for this tropical paradise, you should understand the risks of volcanic smog (vog). Volcanoes in Hawaii release gasses that mix with the atmosphere. This can become a health hazard, especially if you have asthma, lung, or heart problems. The Hawaii State Department of Health monitors levels of vog and posts information for residents and visitors.

Finding the Best Climate for You

No two people with lupus are exactly the same. It’s important to keep in mind that these recommended locations are based on the personal experiences of MyLupusTeam members. There’s no scientific proof that one location is better than another for every lupus symptom. Although many people with lupus prefer moderate climates, some find dry climates are better than humid ones. Others may tolerate cold better than heat.

Environmental factors can be a big part of your decision on where to move. Taking your social support systems, culture, interests, and other quality-of-life considerations into account is important, too.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is a social network for people living with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 235,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their experiences with others who understand the challenges of living with lupus.

Is your lupus worse in summer or winter? In your opinion, what’s the best climate for people with lupus? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.