The 10 Hottest States in the U.S.

Hot weather can be a nice change of pace from the gloom of winter, and is often welcomed in particularly cold and rainy parts of the country. Many people look forward to the warmth and sunshine all year and even migrate to find it. Too much heat, though, can be a problem. Unfortunately, temperatures just keep getting hotter. Both 2023 and 2024 were the hottest years in modern history, and 2025 just barely missed the mark. The heat is inescapable, too, as ocean temperatures (SSTs) also reached consecutive highs, only exacerbating the issue. So, as the climate warms and plays an increasingly large role in dictating where people live, we thought it would be helpful to break down the hottest states in the U.S. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or become one with the sun, this list is for you. The hottest states in the U.S. Texas, Louisiana, and Florida are the hottest states in the U.S., where average summer temperatures exceed 82°F and highs regularly surpass the century mark. Unsurprisingly, the hottest states are clustered in the Southern third of America, generally around the Gulf of Mexico. State Average summer temperature Average annual temperature Record highest temperat...