As a broad country, the United States has a diverse topography, and climates. You may have heard of the USA as both the hottest and coldest place on earth. You can feel the heat waves in coastal cities, and also feel the cold in Alaska. But do you know what the hottest state in America is? And how hot can it be? In this blog, we will guide you to the hottest states in the US, including their average temperatures and highest recorded temperatures. Additionally, you’ll discover the hottest place in America. Let’s dive in!
What is the Hottest State in the US?
Florida is the hottest state in the USA, according to the data from NOAA. The average annual temperature in Florida can reach 72.9°F. Cities like Key West and Miami are the hottest cities in Florida, with average annual temperatures of 79.8°F and 79.1°F respectively. Despite the heat, many cities in Florida are sought-after travel destinations, attracting millions of tourist to come to spend a happy summer.
Top 10 Hottest States in America
Where is the hottest place in America? The hottest states in the US are those located in the western and central mainland, also those located in the subtropical and tropical location. Below are the warmest states in the US. You will know how hot these states can be through the information on their average temperature and highest recorded temperatures.
| States | Average Annual Temperature | Record High |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 72.9°F | 109°F |
| Louisiana | 69.3°F | 114°F |
| Texas | 68.6°F | 120°F |
| Hawaii | 66.7°F | 100°F |
| Mississippi | 66.4°F | 115°F |
| Georgia | 66.0°F | 112°F |
| Alabama | 65.5°F | 112°F |
| South Carolina | 64.8°F | 113°F |
| Arkansas | 63.3°F | 120°F |
| Oklahoma | 63.1°F | 120°F |
1. Florida (72.9°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 81.8°F
Record Highest Temperature: 109°F
Hottest County: Monroe County
Florida consistently ranks as the hottest state in America, with an average annual temperature of 72.9°F (22.38°C). Its position as the southernmost continental state makes the weather here special. You can expect a mild winter and a unbearable hot and humid summer in Florida. What really sets Florida apart is how the heat persists, Unlike other states, Florida stays relatively hot and muggy 24 hours a day. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 90°F, and often climb past 100°F. Jacksonville, Florida has a recorded highest temperature of 109°F (42.2°C) in 2021.
2. Louisiana (69.3°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 81.9°F
Record Highest Temperature: 114°F
Hottest County: Plaquemines Parish
Known as the “Bayou State”, Louisiana is one of the hottest states in the US, it has an average annual temperature hovering around 69.3°F. If you have plan to have a trip here, August is not recommend. August is the hottest moment in Louisiana, temperatures can reach 94°F. Due to its location at the Gulf of Mexico, weather in Louisiana are tends to be hot and humid, which can push the heat index up to 120°F (48.9°C). Shreveport, and New Orleans are the hottest cities when it’s summer.
3. Texas (68.6°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 82.3°F
Record Highest Temperature: 120°F
Hottest County: Hidalgo County & Starr County
Right next to Louisiana, Texas has an average annual temperature of 68.6°F. The weather in the eastern part of Texas tends to be more humid and with more precipitation, while in the western part, the weather tends to be more arid and hot. August is the hottest time, with temperatures ranging from 93°F to 100°F. Cities like Dallas and Houston stew in around 100°F, but the real infernos are down south, places like Brownsville, Rio Grande Village, Laredo, and El Paso are examples.
4. Hawaii (66.7°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 79.4°F
Record Highest Temperature: 100°F
Hottest County: Honolulu County
Located in the center of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is one of the US warmest states. If you’re a summer-lover, Hawaii is the perfect travel destination. You will experience summer enjoyment all year round, and with no winter in this tropical paradise. The weather in Hawaii is very consistent, with an average annual temperature of 66.7°F. September is the hottest month, with an average temperature of about 80°F, and February is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C). Kona on the Big Island, and Honolulu (O’ahu) are the hottest places.
5. Mississippi (66.4°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 80.2°F
Record Highest Temperature: 115°F
Hottest County: Jackson County
Mississippi is also one of the hottest states in the US, with an average annual temperature of 66.4°F. Like its neighbors in the southeast, Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate, characterised by temperate winters and unbearable summers. Jackson, and Holly Spring are the hottest places in Mississippi.
6. Georgia (66.0°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 79.4°F
Record Highest Temperature: 112°F
Hottest County: Camden County
With an statewide average annual temperature of 66°F, Georgia is another candidate for the hottest state in USA. Georgia has a subtropical climate. The temperature in summer in the southern region can reach 100°F. Camden, Louisville, and August, etc are among the hottest places in this state.
7. Alabama (65.5°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 79.3°F
Record Highest Temperature: 112°F
Hottest County: Mobile County
Alabama has a statewide average annual temperature of 65.5°F. Due to the Gulf of Mexico, the weather in Alabama can be hot and humid. There is also about 56 inches of precipitation annually. Mobile, Centreville, and Demopolis are the hottest places in Alabama.
8. South Carolina (64.8°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 79.4°F
Record Highest Temperature: 113°F
Hottest County: Beaufort County
As one of the hottest states in the US, South Carolina’s average annual temperature can reach 64.8°F. The geographical location makes the weather in this state subtropical. You can experience long and hot summers, and mild winters in its eastern and southern regions.
9. Arkansas (63.3°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 79.3°F
Record Highest Temperature: 120°F
Hottest County: Miller County
The average annual temperature in Arkansas is 63.3°F. The weather in Arkansas is a mix of humid subtropical and humid continental. The summer here is hot and humid, making it another candidate for the hottest state in the USA. Texarkana, and Miller are the hottest places in this state.
10. Oklahoma (63.1°F)
Average Summer Temperature: 80.3°F
Record Highest Temperature: 120°F
Hottest County: Bryan County and Love County
Oklahoma ranked 10th among the hottest states in the US. The average annual temperature can reach 63.1°F. Tipton, Alva, and Altus are hot places in Oklahoma.
Other US Warmest States
Except for the 10 hottest states in the US mentioned above, some other states have rather scorching weather. They didn’t appear in the top 10, but they still have comparatively high average temperatures, and shocking record highs.
| States | Average Annual Temperature | Record High |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 62.9°F | 128°F |
| North Carolina | 59.6°F | 110°F |
| California | 59.1°F | 134°F |
| Tennessee | 58.5°F | 113°F |
| Kentucky | 56.4°F | 114°F |
Hottest Place in America
The Death Valley, California is the hottest place in America, also in the whole world. The record high in Death Valley is a scorching 134°F, the world’s hottest record. Despite its heat, the Death Valley didn’t make California the hottest state in USA. Because the Mount Whitney makes some places cooler, especially when it’s winter. However, despite California didn’t make it the top 10 hottest states in the US, that doesn’t change the fact the Death Valley is the hottest place in the world.
Conclusion
What is the hottest state in USA? Many states in America have high temperature records. While chasing the summer joy, you should also guarantee personal safety. Despite our human body being resilient and adaptive to various environments, we should not risk our lives by exposing ourselves to extreme environments. Most importantly, always stay hydrated, never underestimate how quickly heat exhaustion can sneak up on you.
FAQs:
The top 10 hottest states in America are Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Oklahoma respectively. These states have a comparatively higher average annual temperatures than other places.
Florida is the hottest state according to the data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature of Florida is approximately 72.9°F.
Florida and Hawaii are states in America that are hot all year round. You can barely experience the cool or cold winter in these states.
Located further southern part of the mainland, Texas is a hotter state. Texas has an average of 81.3°F in summer.
States with the best weather usually are those with coastal cities. For example, California boasts a pleasant climate, with cities like San Diego, and Santa Barbara, these cities have warm weather between 60°F and 85°F. The sunny and humid climate also make them hot destinations for people from other states and countries.
Cities like Miami, Key West in Florida are the hottest cities in America. Other cities like Yuma, Las Vegas, etc are also hot cities. Death Valley, California, although is not a city, is the hottest place in the world.
These two places are both hot, but Phoenix may be hotter. Located further south than Las Vegas, and also located in the desert, the desert heat pushes the heat in Phoenix to another level. Phoenix has an average temperature of 106°F, a bit higher than 104°F in Las Vegas.
The hottest cities in America are those in the western and central states. The top 10 hottest cities are Death Valley (California, although it’s not a city, but people usually feel necessary to mention this place), Phoenix (Arizona), Yuma (Arizona), Las Vegas (Nevada), Lake Havasu City (Arizona), Laredo (Texas), EI Paso (Texas), Tucson (Arizona), Miami (Florida), Fresno (California) respectively. These cities have a scorching temperature when it’s summer.
