Here are the 10 warmest states, in descending order.
10. Arizona
- Average temperature in 2023: 60.7 F (15.9 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 59.3 F (15.2 C)
- Average summer temperature: 79.4 F (26.3 C)
The arid to semiarid Arizona can hit temperatures between 105 and 115 F (40.5 to 46.3 C) in the summer. Lake Havasu City, which reached 128 F (53.3 C) in 1994, is the hottest place in Arizona.
9. Oklahoma
- Average temperature in 2023: 61.8 F (15.6 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 59.6 F (15.3 C)
- Average summer temperature: 80.8 F (27.1 C)
Oklahoma is the ninth-hottest state. It has both semiarid and humid subtropical climates. The state experiences long, hot summers and mild winters.
8. Arkansas
- Average temperature in 2023: 62.9 F (17.2 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 60.4 F (15.8 C)
- Average summer temperature: 79.9 F (26.6 C)
With a humid subtropical climate, Arkansas has mild temperatures on average, but its summers still make it the eighth hottest state.
7. South Carolina
- Average temperature in 2023: 64.2 F (17.9 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 62.4 F (16.9 C)
- Average summer temperature: 78.7 F (25.9 C)
Though much of South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, which results in plenty of summer heat, parts of the state are not as tropical.
6. Alabama
- Average temperature in 2023: 65.4 F (18.6 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 63.1 F (17.3 C)
- Average summer temperature: 80 F (26.7 C)
Alabama is one of the warmest states. Huntsville, Alabama, for example, has hot and humid summers that regularly reach at least 90 F (32.2 C) with moderately cold winters.
5. Georgia
- Average temperature in 2023: 65.7 F (18.7 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 63.4 F (17.4 C)
- Average summer temperature: 79.7 F (26.5 C)
Similar to other states in the southeast, Georgia‘s weather has not changed dramatically in the last few decades. Currently, there are 15 to 30 days with high temperatures of 95 F (35.0 C) and above, but in the next 70 years that can increase to 45 to 75 days.
4. Mississippi
- Average temperature in 2023: 66.7 F (19.3 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 63.7 F (17.6 C)
- Average summer temperature: 82 F (27.8 C)
Mississippi‘s summer temperatures can reach more than 100 F (37.8 C). Since it’s in the humid subtropical region, the state has temperate winters.
3. Texas
- Average temperature in 2023: 68 F (20 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 64.6 F (18.1 C)
- Average summer temperature: 85.3 F (29.6 C)
Texas has several different climates due to its sheer size. But it is still one of the warmest states.
2. Louisiana
- Average temperature in 2023: 69.6 F (20.9 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 66.4 F (19.1 C)
- Average summer temperature: 84.9 F (29.4 C)
Louisiana‘s subtropical climate is partially a result of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The state has long, humid summers and short winters.
1. Florida
- Average temperature in 2023: 73.4 F (23 C)
- Average temperature 1901 to 2000: 70.2 F (21.2 C)
- Average summer temperature: 83.2 F (28.4 C)
Florida’s hot climate can make for a punishing summer. While other states are sunnier than the Sunshine State, Florida has warmer average annual temperatures.