10 Hottest States In The United States

The United States, because of its expansive size and varied geographic features, experiences a wide range of climatic conditions. As a result, the country’s climate varies from one coast to another, with the northern regions having a humid continental climate and the southern regions having a humid subtropical climate. Nevertheless, the summer temperatures also vary from one US state to another. However, the summers are always the hottest months in the majority of these areas. It is to be noted that some of the hottest states in the US are located in the south-central and south-eastern portions of the country. The following article discusses the ten hottest states in the US based on their average annual temperatures.

1. Florida – 71.5°F

Florida has an average temperature of 71.5°F, making it the hottest state in the country. The state’s official nickname, the “Sunshine State,” aptly justifies the climate the state experiences. Florida has a tropical climate in the south and a humid subtropical climate in its central and northern regions. Situated in the country’s southeastern region, Florida experiences long, sweltering summers that are somewhat humid and rain nearly every day. A significant factor that influences the climate of this state is its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean currents. In Florida, the hot season lasts from December to March, with the hottest month being January and the average daily high temperatures ranging between 95°F to 90°F.

2. Hawaii – 70.2°F

Hawaii is mainly a tropical state, but because of its location and altitude, it experiences a wide variety of climatic conditions all year. With ten distinct climate zones spread throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii has the most climate zones of any state, including sea-level, desert, semi-arid, temperate, and alpine. The summer season lasts from June to October, with August being the hottest month, having an average daytime high temperature of 85°F and a nighttime temperature of 75°F. The only relief from such high summer temperatures is brought about by the thunderstorm activities during the afternoon and evening and cool sea breezes during the morning. Less rain begins to fall on the islands at the beginning of the "dry" season, which is usually April or May.

3. Louisiana – 67.2°F

Louisiana is known to experience a humid subtropical climate with hot, muggy summers and a lot of afternoon thunderstorms that deliver heavy, tropical downpours. The moist atmosphere of Louisiana traps the heat during the summer months, making it one of the hottest places in the country. The average high temperature is more than 90°F from June to September, while the average low temperature at night is around 70 °F. There are 3.8 months of the hot season, during which time the daily maximum temperature is usually above 78°F. In Louisiana, July is the year’s hottest month, with an average high of 87°F and a low of 69°F. However, due to the state’s low-lying topography and the influence of the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana receives steady rainfall throughout the year, with April to September being comparatively much wetter than the rest of the year.  

4. Texas – 65.8°F

Due to its huge size and location at the meeting point of several climate zones, Texas experiences varying climatic conditions. The western portions of the state have an arid climate, while the eastern side is mostly humid. Texas experiences extreme summer heat and humidity, particularly in the lowlands and near the Gulf Coast. With an average daily temperature of more than 88°F, the hot season lasts from June to September. August is the year’s hottest month, with highs on average of 95°F and lows of 76°F.

5. Georgia – 64.3°F

Located in the country's southeastern portion, a significant part of Georgia experiences a humid subtropical climate. As a result, winters are quite brief and pleasant, while summers are typically long and hot. The subtropical climate in parts of Georgia is influenced by several factors, including its elevation, latitudinal position, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. The summer daytime temperatures in the state can occasionally reach more than 95°F. With an average high temperature ranging between 88°F to 71°F, the hot season lasts for 3.8 months, and July is the year's hottest month. Summer thunderstorms are quite common during this time and provide about 4.5 inches to 5.5 inches of rainfall.

5. Mississippi – 64.3°F

Mississippi experiences a humid subtropical climate with lengthy, hot, and oppressive summers and brief, moderately cold winters. Despite the state's subtropical climate, seasonal temperature fluctuations occur, particularly in the summer. Thunderstorms are common during this period, especially in the southern part of the state. The hot season lasts for 4.0 months, with July being the hottest month, having an average temperature between 91°F and 73°F.

7. Alabama – 63.7°F

Alabama experiences a humid subtropical climate with scorching summers, mild winters, and ample precipitation throughout the year. The southern portions of the state tend to be warmer, being closer to the Gulf of Mexico than the northern portions, which are pretty cool due to their closeness to the Appalachian Mountains. The summer heat in the extreme southern parts of the state is slightly moderated by the winds that frequently blow inland for about 10 to 15 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The hot season in Alabama lasts from May to September, with the afternoon temperatures reaching very high during this period. July is the year’s hottest month and has an average temperature between 78°F and 63°F.

8. South Carolina – 63.4°F

South Carolina's humid subtropical climate results from several factors, including its average low elevation, closeness to the warm Gulf Stream current of the Atlantic, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The eastern and southern areas of the state mostly experience long, sweltering summers and pleasant winters. The summer season in South Carolina is hot and humid, lasting from May to September. July is the year's warmest month, having an average high temperature of 89°F and a low temperature of 76°F.

8. Arkansas – 61.1°F

Arkansas experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and dry, mild winters. Even though the Gulf of Mexico does not bound Arkansas, its weather is still significantly influenced by this warm, large water body. The hot season lasts for 4.0 months, with July being the hottest month, having an average high of 92°F and a low of 74°F. The northwestern portions of the state also experience high temperatures in summer and low temperatures during winter.

10. Arizona – 61.1°F

Arizona covers a huge area with varied topography. Because of this, Arizona features a wide range of localized climatic conditions. The lower elevations experience a desert climate, with sweltering, dry summers and mild winters. From June to September, the summertime temperatures range between 90°F and 120°F. Temperatures in the desert area often exceed 125°F. July is the year’s hottest month, having an average high temperature of 106°F and a low temperature of 85°F. The less developed desert areas that are situated at an elevation of more than 760m see significant diurnal temperature variations, which can be as large as 83°F during the summer months.

The pleasant warmth of the summer allows almost any vacation activity to be undertaken without interruption. Everything can be planned without worrying about the possibility of being hampered by bitter cold or snow. In several areas of America, June to August tend to be the hottest months, whereas December and January are often colder. So, one must take advantage of the US summers. 

Top 25 Hottest US States