Highest Temperatures Ever Recorded in Hottest 10 states

Spanning over 3.8 million square miles, and stretching from the Arctic Circle nearly down to the Caribbean, the U.S. is one of the largest countries in the world. Partly owing to its size, it also has some of the greatest temperature variations of any country. 

The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F in California’s Death Valley. Other parts of the country, particularly in Alaska, routinely rank among the coldest places on the planet. On March 1, 2026, for example, temperatures across the U.S. ranged from a high of about 92°F in Phoenix, Arizona, down to -49°F in Fairbanks, Alaska – a difference of 141°F. Additionally, across the 50 states, average annual temperatures in the 20th century range from less than 40°F to over 70°F, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Even within a given state, temperatures can vary considerably throughout the year. Each state in the country has recorded temperatures of at least 100°F, and most have seen temperatures of -40°F or lower. 

The meteorological spring season began on March 1, and as temperatures are on the rise once again across the United States, we reviewed the highest temperatures ever recorded in the warmest parts of the country.

Using data from NOAA’s State Climate Extremes Committee program, Climate Crisis 247 identified the highest temperatures ever recorded in the 10 hottest U.S. states. All supplemental data are as reported by NOAA. States are ranked in order of their highest recorded temperature. 

Among the 10 states on this list, average annual temperatures from 1901 through 2000 range from about 59°F to over 70°F. For context, the 20th century average annual temperature across the Lower 48 was 52°F. All time, record-high temperatures in these places range from 109°F up to 128°F. 

10. Florida

• Record high temperature: 109°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: June 29, 1931 in Monticello, FL
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 70.1°F (18.1°F warmer than national average)

9. Alabama

• Record high temperature: 112°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: September 6, 1925 in Centerville, AL
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 63.1°F (11.1°F warmer than national average)

8. Georgia

• Record high temperature: 112°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: August 20, 1983 and July 24, 1952 in Greenville 2 NNW and Louisville, GA
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 63.4°F (11.4°F warmer than national average)

7. South Carolina

• Record high temperature: 113°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: June 29, 2012 in Columbia Univ of South Carolina, SC
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 62.4°F (10.4°F warmer than national average)

6. Louisiana

• Record high temperature: 114°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: August 10, 1936 in Plain Dealing 4W, LA
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 66.4°F (14.4°F warmer than national average)

5. Mississippi

• Record high temperature: 115°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: July 29, 1930 in Holly Springs 2N, MS
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 63.6°F (11.6°F warmer than national average)

4. Oklahoma

• Record high temperature: 120°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: July 18 – August 12, 1936 in Altus, Poteau, and Alva, OK
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 59.7°F (7.7°F warmer than national average)

3. Arkansas

• Record high temperature: 120°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: August 10, 1936 in Ozark, AR
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 60.4°F (8.4°F warmer than national average)

2. Texas

• Record high temperature: 120°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: June 28, 1994 and August 12, 1936 in Monahans and Seymour, TX
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 64.6°F (12.6°F warmer than national average)

1. Arizona

• Record high temperature: 128°F
• Date and location of record high temperature: June 29, 1994 in Lake Havasu City, AZ
• Average annual, statewide temperature, 1901-2000: 59.4°F (7.4°F warmer than national average)