These U.S. Cities See Record-breaking Heat Every Year — and Their Summers Are Not for the Faint of Heart
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The warmest cities in the US, such as Miami, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, offer sunshine and mild temperatures even in the heart of winter. While much of the country shivers under snow and ice, these destinations boast average highs of 70°F or more, making them ideal for escaping the cold.
These places can be unbearably hot in summer, with temperature records being broken regularly. If you don’t want to stick to the pavement or fry an egg on your car’s hood, consider visiting these hot cities in the winter.
We compiled this list using Accuweather data on record high temperatures and average winter highs, making sure that each destination offers consistently warm weather. Whether you’re looking for tropical beaches, desert getaways, or lively city life, these 12 hottest cities in the US guarantee a sun-soaked escape.
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Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. It gets to over 100° F for over 100 days a year on average. Every year, it can reach an annual high temperature of 120° F.
You can fry an egg on the pavement with this kind of heat. When it gets this hot, locals do the only thing they can: crank up the AC.
However, staying inside isn’t what makes this city so fun. Even when the temperature is hot, you’ll find water parks such as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.
Read also: Best Places To Visit in Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is another city in Arizona that experiences intense heat for most of the year. It’s surrounded by desert wilderness and mountains that trap heat in the city.
Dust storms or haboobs race through the region, covering it in dust. You’ll experience 100° F temperatures throughout the summer. Even in winter, the temperature often stays above 70° F.
Occasionally, summer rainstorms can cool the city off. But most people sit in the air-conditioning or pass the time in a cool pool. You can also cool off in one of the city’s fantastic water parks, such as Cactus Springs.
Read also: Tropical Destinations on the West Coast
Miami, Florida
Miami is a major city on the south coast of Florida. It doesn’t get above 100° F like it does in the Southwest. However, because of its high humidity, you’ll feel every degree.
In the summer, it stays above 90° for most days. Even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 80° F. In winter, you’ll enjoy warm temperatures that barely drop below 70° F.
If you’re in Miami in the summer, jump in the ocean or enjoy the many pools. Or, cool off in style at the many water parks such as Tidal Cove Miami.
Read also: Things To Do in Key West Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may be known for its casinos and entertainment. But if you come during the peak of summer, you’ll remember it for its heat.
This desert city is located in the southern corner of Nevada, near California and Arizona. It experiences summer highs above 100° F for over 70 days a year.
When it’s this hot, locals and tourists flock to the pools. You can also drive to nearby Lake Mead to enjoy boating and a cool dip.
Read also: Things To Do in Las Vegas, Nevada
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a city of 1.5 million people in the south of Texas. It has a semi-dry climate, with long, brutal summers.
For over 90 days a year, the city’s thermometers go above 90° F. Even at night, you’ll have to sleep with air conditioning.
Fortunately, San Antonio is full of pools and places to cool off. You can also walk the shaded Riverwalk and enjoy cool breezes and cocktails by the water.
Read also: Unforgettable US Destinations
Riverside, California
Riverside is located an hour inland from Los Angeles. The city stays above 100° F for much of the summer. It has recorded triple digits every month except for December, January, and February.
Without the ocean breezes LA gets, you’ll have to rely on air-conditioned malls, pools, and nearby water parks. In the winter, the city is pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s.
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The all-time high for Riverside was 118° F, making it one of the hottest cities in the country. If you visit during the summer, keep your itinerary indoors.
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Read also: Tropical Destinations Close to Los Angeles
Houston, Texas
Houston rarely has temperatures below 90° during the summer. It’s far enough from the Gulf of Mexico to miss the cool sea breezes.
Throughout the year, it’s one of the most humid locations in the country. You’ll feel the sticky heat once you walk out of your door.
Fortunately, it’s one of the rainiest cities in the country, with over 100 rainy days a year. This makes it bearable in the summer until the brutal sun makes its appearance once again.
Read also: Rainiest Cities in the US
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is one of the US’ hottest cities. From May to October, the average high is above 90° with plenty of days in the triple digits. In 2024, it reached 124 in July!
Even in winter, you’ll enjoy sunny and warm days over 70° F. Spring and Fall are also sweltering and can reach triple digits.
Fortunately, the city has a huge concentration of luxurious pools and water parks. Check out Wet & Wild Palm Springs, one of the largest water parks in the country. You’ll cool off while breaking the sound barrier on one of the slides.
Read also: Tropical Destinations Close to California
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in inland Florida—yes, they decided to build a city inland in Florida. As you can imagine, it’s a bad place to be if you can’t stand the heat.
The city can stay above 90° F from May to November. In the winter, it barely cools off below 70° F during the day.
Fortunately, the city is the theme park capital of the world, with pater parks, pools, and air-conditioned theme parks everywhere. It’s also surrounded by lakes where you can take a dip, kayak, or paddle board.
Read also: Must Visit US Cities
Fresno, California
Fresno is located in California’s Central Valley. It’s an agricultural powerhouse, growing most produce in the US. It’s also incredibly hot.
During the summer, you can experience a month straight of triple-digit temperatures. If that’s not enough, the heat is trapped in the valley if there’s no wind.
On hot days, locals visit the malls or enjoy their pools. Air-conditioning bills are high, but nobody seems to care. If you want to get away from the indoors and enjoy the heat, check out the nearby water parks, such as Island Water Park.
Read also: Things To Do in San Francisco California
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the second largest city in Texas and also one of the hottest in the country. From June to September, high temperatures stay above 90° F.
During the winter, the temperatures can drop below freezing. However, you’ll usually enjoy mellow temperatures around 60° F on most days.
You can enjoy the city’s many air-conditioned malls and theme parks during the long summer. Most hotels have pools, and there are plenty of lakes surrounding the city.
Read also: Warm Destinations in September in the US
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu has nearly perfect weather year-round, but some of the winter temperatures are the warmest in the country. The city is located on the island of Oahu, which sits in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Throughout the year, the city stays between 70° and 90° F and seldom drops below or goes above those temperatures. This makes it the perfect place to escape the cold winter.
The city has some of the country’s best beaches, including Waikiki. You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or surf throughout the year. Even in January, all you’ll need is a bathing suit.
Read also: Things To Do in Honolulu, Hawaii
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