Explore map showing Temperature in the United States, Temperature variations across the United States illustrate the diverse climatic regions of the country. For instance, the summer months can bring sweltering heat to the Southwest, with temperatures in places like Phoenix, Arizona, regularly surpassing 100°F. Conversely, the Northeast experiences a broad range of temperatures, with summer highs in New York City averaging around 85°F and winter lows often dipping below freezing. This variation is also seen in Alaska, where winter temperatures can plummet to -20°F in Fairbanks. These data points reflect the significant regional differences in temperature, making it essential for residents and visitors to prepare accordingly.
Explore USA temperature map showing temperature of different parts or regions of United States of America.
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Temperature in the United States
The United States, with its vast expanse and diverse geography, experiences a wide range of temperatures. From the frigid cold of Alaska to the scorching heat of the southwestern deserts, temperature variations significantly impact daily life, agriculture, and energy consumption.
Regional Temperature Variations
Northeast
This region experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Average winter temperatures can drop to 20°F (-6°C) in cities like Boston and New York, while summer temperatures often reach up to 85°F (29°C).
Midwest
Known for its extreme temperatures, the Midwest sees cold winters where temperatures can plummet to 0°F (-18°C) or lower, particularly in states like Minnesota and North Dakota. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently climbing to 90°F (32°C).
South
The southern states experience mild winters with average temperatures around 50°F (10°C) and very hot, humid summers with temperatures soaring above 95°F (35°C). States like Texas and Louisiana are known for their high summer heat and humidity levels.
West
The Western United States, particularly the coastal areas, generally enjoy temperate climates. California's coastal cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, have average summer temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C), while inland areas such as the Mojave Desert can exceed 100°F (38°C).
Pacific Northwest
This region experiences mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. In cities like Seattle and Portland, temperatures typically range from 35°F (1.7°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer.
Southwest
Known for its desert climate, the Southwest has mild winters and extremely hot summers. Phoenix, for instance, often sees summer temperatures well above 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures remain a moderate 60°F (15°C).
Record Temperatures
Hottest Temperature
Death Valley, California, holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in the United States at 134°F (57°C), measured on July 10, 1913.
Coldest Temperature
The coldest temperature recorded in the United States occurred in Prospect Creek, Alaska, where it reached -80°F (-62°C) on January 23, 1971.
Climate Change and Temperature Trends
Over the past century, average temperatures in the United States have risen by about 1.8°F (1°C), with notable regional differences. The effects of climate change have led to more intense heatwaves, longer summer seasons, and reduced cold seasons. For example, the number of days with temperatures above 100°F (38°C) has increased in many parts of the country, particularly in the Southwest.
Impacts on Agriculture and Energy
Temperature fluctuations have significant implications for agriculture and energy consumption. Warmer temperatures can extend growing seasons but also stress water resources and increase the prevalence of pests. Energy usage also spikes during extreme temperatures due to the increased demand for heating and cooling, affecting both energy supply and costs.
Monthwise Temperature in the United States
Month
Year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Record low °F (°C)
−80 (−62)
−80 (−62)
−75 (−59)
−68 (−56)
−50 (−46)
−25 (−32)
−11 (−24)
8 (−13)
−6 (−21)
−15 (−26)
−45 (−43)
−62 (−52)
−72 (−58)
Record high °F (°C)
134 (57)
101 (38)
104 (40)
108 (42)
118 (48)
124 (51)
129 (54)
134 (57)
130 (54)
126 (52)
117 (47)
105 (41)
100 (38)
Extreme Highs (Tempratures) in United States
Month
Temperature
Location
Date
January
101 °F (38.3 °C)
Buckeye, Maricopa, Arizona
January 23, 1897
February
104 °F (40.0 °C)
Fort Ringgold, Starr, Texas
February 26, 1902
March
108 °F (42.2 °C)
Rio Grande City, Starr, Texas and Falcon Dam, Texas
March 31, 1954 and March 27, 2020
April
118 °F (47.8 °C)
Volcano Springs, Imperial, California
April 25, 1898
May
122 °F (50.0 °C)
Furnace Creek, Inyo, California
May 1 and 30, 2000
June
129 °F (53.9 °C)
Furnace Creek, Inyo, California
June 30, 2013
July
134 °F (56.7 °C)
Furnace Creek, Inyo, California
July 10, 1913
August
130 °F (54.4 °C)
Furnace Creek, Inyo, California
August 16, 2020
September
126 °F (52.2 °C)
Mecca, Riverside, California
September 2, 1950
October
117 °F (47.2 °C)
Mecca, Riverside, California
October 5, 1917
November
105 °F (40.6 °C)
Craftonville, San Bernardino, California
November 12, 1906
December
100 °F (37.8 °C)
La Mesa, San Diego, California
December 8, 1938
Extreme Lows (Tempratures) in United States
Month
Temperature
Location
Date
January
−80 °F (−62 °C)
Prospect Creek, Yukon-Koyukuk, Alaska
January 23, 1971
February
−75 °F (−59 °C)
Tanacross, Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska
February 3, 1947
March
−68 °F (−56 °C)
Kobuk, Northwest Arctic, Alaska
March 1, 1971
April
−50 °F (−46 °C)
Umiat, North Slope, Alaska
April 5, 1995
May
−25 °F (−32 °C)
Chandalar Lake, Yukon-Koyukuk, Alaska
May 5, 1992
June
−11 °F (−24 °C)
Anaktuvuk Pass, North Slope, Alaska
June 28, 1971
July
8 °F (−13 °C)
Anaktuvuk Pass, North Slope, Alaska
July 20, 1967
August
−6 °F (−21 °C)
Snowshoe Lake, Valdez-Cordova, Alaska
August 15, 1997
September
−15 °F (−26 °C)
Big Piney, Sublette County, Wyoming
September 20, 1983
October
−35 °F (−37 °C)
Peter Sinks, Utah
October 30, 2019
November
−62 °F (−52 °C)
Prospect Creek, Yukon-Koyukuk, Alaska
November 30, 1970
December
−72 °F (−58 °C)
Chicken, Southeast Fairbanks, Alaska
December 31, 1999
Temprature Data for Contiguous United States Average (1991 - 2020 Normals)
