10+ Hottest Cities in the US Ranked, Based on Temperature [UPDATED]

Where in the United States does it get the hottest? Based on average temperatures and summer highs, this blog will discover the top 10+ hottest cities in the US. Whether you're planning a trip or are simply inquisitive, these hot areas are worth knowing about.

A list of the hottest cities in the United States

Phoenix, Arizona

• Average high temperature: 93.7°F

• Average low temperature: 64°F

• Record highest temperature: 122°F

Phoenix is home to more than 1.6 million citizens, and its intense summer temperatures make it the hottest city in the US. 

The city's location in the rapidly warming Sonoran Desert, the extraordinary number of sunny days, and the urban heat island effect all contribute to its extreme heat. 

Extreme heat in Phoenix

Notably, 2023 saw daily July temperatures of 95.2°F, much higher than the 30-year average. 

Phoenix also broke the previous record of 76 days in 1993 with an unusual 100 days in a row with temperatures at or above 100°F. 

Additionally, there were 70 days with temperatures above 110°F due to this intense heat.

Las Vegas, Nevada - One of the Hottest Cities in the US

• Average high temperature: 90.8°F

• Average low temperature: 60°F

• Record highest temperature: 117°F

Although Las Vegas is a well-liked vacation spot in the southern US, travelers may want to schedule their visits to places with air conditioning in the summer.

The city experiences colder temperatures than Phoenix primarily due to its northern location. However, it continues getting quite hot and warming quickly, particularly at night. 

By 2050, an extra month of temperatures above 100°F is predicted each year.

Las Vegas is among the hottest cities in US

In 1947, Las Vegas recorded the most days with 100 degrees in a year. Much more recently, it reached a record high temperature of 117 degrees in 2021.

Yuma, Arizona

• Average high temperature: 89°F

• Average low temperature: 62°F

• Record highest temperature: 124°F

Yuma, in the Sonoran Desert's center, experiences higher temperatures and freezing lows, much like Phoenix.

The city is slightly more humid than other desert cities due to its close proximity to the tropical Gulf of California, which is only 90 miles away. This may worsen heat stress.

Yuma is one of the hottest big cities in the US

Yuma is among the hottest cities in the US, renowned for its agricultural production, particularly for lettuce and other summer crops. 

In fact, winters here are notoriously pleasant and sunny, and the harvest season is a cherished yearly event.

McAllen, Texas

• Average high temperature: 88.5°F

• Average low temperature: 65°F

• Record highest temperature: 111°F

The warmest summers in Texas are in McAllen.  Its southern latitude, closeness to the Chihuahuan Desert, and the warming effect of the Gulf of Mexico are the causes of its hot weather. 

However, due to its geography, humidity becomes a significant problem, exacerbating the effects of the already intense heat. 

McAllen has very hot summers

The city has warmed very fast, and 2023 was the second-hottest year on record.   The state frequently experiences continuous 100°F temperatures, with typical highs of 6–12°F above average.

Honolulu, Hawaii

• Average high temperature: 84°F

• Average low temperature: 71°F

• Record highest temperature: 95°F 

Honolulu is constantly hotter throughout the year, even though temperatures rarely rise beyond 100 degrees. 

It never cools off too considerably, even at night, because it has the highest average low temperature and one of the highest average high temperatures.

No 100-degree day has ever been recorded in Honolulu

Despite being one of the hottest cities in the US, Honolulu is well-known for its historical attractions, beaches, and nightlife. 

The ideal seasons to visit the city are usually spring and summer because there is a lot of sunshine and little rain during these seasons. 

Storms from the North Pacific can occasionally graze the city with rain and wind throughout the winter.

Riverside, California

• Average high temperature: 97°F

• Average low temperature: 42°F

• Record highest temperature: 118°F

Although Southern California's coastline regions benefit from the cool Pacific Ocean waters that help keep temperatures moderate, inland regions may see significantly warmer temperatures.

Summer in Riverside

From March to November, Riverside receives triple-digit temperatures, with an all-time high of 118 degrees.  

This is only a few degrees short of the record high in Phoenix and higher than the record high in Las Vegas.

San Antonio, Texas

• Average high temperature: 80°F

• Average low temperature: 59°F

• Record highest temperature: 111°F

What is the hottest city in the US? San Antonio is an honorable mention due to its hot summers.

Due to its low terrain, close proximity to the warm and humid Gulf Coast, and heat waves from Mexico, San Antonio experiences extreme heat. The urban heat island effect is also an important factor.

Summer in San Antonio

San Antonio established a record for 75 days in a single year in 2022, despite the fact that the average number of days in a summer that exceeds 100 is just 22.

Compared to thirty years ago, the frequency of 100-degree days has increased threefold.

Miami - Among the Hottest Cities in the US

• Average high temperature: 84°F

• Average low temperature: 71°F

• Record highest temperature: 96°F

In contrast to the southwestern US, southern Florida has lower summer temperatures.

Nevertheless, Miami's closeness to the tropics makes it feel quite hot, particularly for people not used to high humidity.

Miami is also one of the hottest cities in US

Like Honolulu, this city experiences highs and lows throughout the year. Besides, it doesn't have any days that are above 100. 

Miami's humid environment occasionally causes the heat index to reach 105 degrees throughout the summer, even though the city has only seen one triple-digit day on record.

Orlando, Florida

• Average high temperature: 82°F

• Average low temperature: 64°F

• Record highest temperature: 103°F

Orlando, one of Florida's most famous tourist destinations, is also one of its hottest cities.

In contrast to Miami, Orlando occasionally experiences temperatures above 100 degrees, with a record high of 103 degrees set in the city. 

Orlando is among the hottest cities in Florida

Since it seldom falls below 60 degrees from June to September, overnight temperatures are also often pleasant.

With midday highs in the 70s and midnight lows that seldom fall below 30, Orlando is likewise warm all winter.

Tampa, Florida

• Average high temperature: 83°F

• Average low temperature: 66°F

• Record highest temperature: 99°F

Because they are both coastal Florida cities, Tampa shares a quite similar climate to Miami.

The city doesn't cool off much at night and remains scorching throughout the summer. The average yearly temperature is further increased by mild winters. 

Tampa has high temperatures

Additionally, even though Tampa's record high temperature is 99 degrees, the humidity may still result in days that seem extremely warm. 

In fact, the heat index may make it "feel like" it's above 100 degrees on up to 73 days of the year.

Dallas, Texas

• Average high temperature: 78°F

• Average low temperature: 58°F

• Record highest temperature: 113°F

Dallas is close to Fort Worth and well-known for its superb barbecue, football, and cowboy culture.  The city is really hot as well. 

The southerly breezes from the Gulf of Mexico provide the heat, resulting in the humid, moist air that is characteristic of central and southern Texas. 

Dallas is on the list of the hottest cities in the US

Dallas's highest recorded temperature was 113 degrees in 1980. Recently, it had 71 days in 2021 with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in one year.

Furthermore, the city has colder winters with regular below-freezing temperatures, although the summers can be hotter than in San Antonio or Houston.

Houston - One of the Hottest Cities in the US

• Average high temperature: 84°F

• Average low temperature: 54°F

• Record highest temperature: 109°F

What's the hottest city in the US? Houston has a high ranking, especially when considering the effects of urban heat islands.

Tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico significantly affects the weather pattern in Houston and along the coast of Texas.

Another hottest city in US is Houston

Notably, the city is the wettest one in the county, with rain falling on average more than 100 days a year, thanks to the Gulf's moisture, which also contributes to thunderstorms and rain.

Conclusion

From year-round warmth to record-breaking summer heat, the hottest cities in the US each offer a unique climate experience. Whether it is Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami, or Honolulu, you should always stay informed when visiting or living in these sizzling cities!