What makes water evaporate faster?

Water evaporates faster at higher temperatures, when its surface area increases and when exposed to moving air. The concentration of water and other substances in the surrounding air and air pressure also affect evaporation rate.

Raising the temperature of water increases the kinetic energy of surface molecules, hastening the rate of evaporation. A larger surface area boosts the number of surface molecules present, allowing more to escape as water vapor. When humidity is at 100 percent, the air is saturated and cannot accept more water vapor. Moving air channels saturated air away from the liquid, effectively lowering concentrations of water and other substances in the local air. In addition, high surface pressure impedes vapor escaping into the air.