The 10 Hottest Cities in the U.S., Ranked [2026]

Scientists estimate that the world will be 1.2 to 1.9 degrees Celsius warmer between 2025 and 2029 than it was on average between the years 1850 and 1900. Translation: heat is no longer just “nice weather” or “summer vibes”, it’s a real factor in where people choose to live, how comfortable they feel day to day, and what their monthly bills look like. 

We’ve gathered data to rank the 10 hottest cities in the U.S. by average summer temperature. Summer temperatures in these cities can range from 93.7 degrees to 77.0 degrees Fahrenheit, which can mean long stretches of peak heat during June, July, and August.## How Do You Determine Which Are the Hottest Cities in the U.S.?

How Do You Determine Which Are the Hottest Cities in the U.S.?

To find the hottest cities, we compared U.S. cities with a population of at least 100,000 and compared their average summer temperatures (June–August). We also included each city’s average annual temperature for context, but it didn’t affect the rankings. This approach keeps the focus on peak summer heat rather than year-round warmth.

Note: This ranking reflects temperature averages and doesn’t capture factors like humidity/heat index, nighttime lows, or how long extreme-heat streaks last. 

Average summer temperature is calculated using a city’s average daily low and high temperatures from June through August. We list average annual temperature as additional context so you can compare summer heat vs. year-round warmth, but the summer metric is what determines the ranking.

TL;DR: Phoenix and Yuma top the list, but every city here sees sustained summer heat. We ranked cities by average summer temperature (June–August), then included record highs + annual averages for context.

The 10 Hottest Cities in the U.S. by Average Summer Temperature

1. Phoenix, Arizona

• Average summer temperature: 93.7 F
• Average annual temperature: 75.4 F
• Highest temperature on record: 122 F in 1990

Phoenix tops this list, with long stretches of scorching summer days. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, the sun exposure is relentless, so apartment features like reliable A/C, good insulation, and avoiding west-facing heat-trap units matter fast. In 2024, Phoenix saw extreme heat, including 113 consecutive days over 100 F.

To combat extreme heat, the city launched initiatives like the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, the Plant a Tree program, the Urban Forest initiative, and the Sidewalk Shade Project to create more shade and help residents stay safe.

Note to renters: Prioritize central A/C (or a proven cooling setup), and sanity-check summer utility expectations before you sign.

2. Yuma, Arizona

• Average summer temperature: 92.8 F
• Average annual temperature: 75.9 F
• Highest temperature on record: 124 F in 1995

In the Sonoran Desert, Yuma ranks second on this list. While the city experiences classic desert weather patterns, characterized by higher daytime temperatures and lower overnight temperatures, it still has a lower daily average temperature. 

Yuma is a magnet for retirees and other residents who want to escape cold weather during the winter months, and its increased humidity makes things even hotter. The city attracts nearly 100,000 part-time residents in Yuma each winter. 

Note to renters: Desert heat plus added humidity means A/C quality matters, so ask what cooling system the unit uses and how well it holds temperature overnight.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

• Average summer temperature: 90.8 F
• Average annual temperature: 70.1 F
• Highest temperature on record: 120 F in 2024

Las Vegas residents are no strangers to intense summer heat. Nestled in the Mojave Desert, surrounded by a ring of tall mountains, it’s a little microcosm of weather. Temperatures in Las Vegas are a bit cooler than those in the hot cities in Arizona, mostly because it’s higher north. But the area has been warming at a rapid rate, particularly nighttime temperatures.

Like many other hot cities, Las Vegas is adopting a natural approach to combat the heat by planting trees to increase shade. The city lacks adequate shade, which makes it an urban heat island—an area that’s hotter than other neighborhoods. Studies suggest that these shady trees can help lower the temperature by around 10 degrees. 

Note to renters: Because nights are warming too, ask about insulation/windows and avoid heat-trap layouts (top-floor, west-facing) if you’re sensitive to overnight heat.

4. Laredo, Texas

• Average summer temperature: 88.2 F
• Average annual temperature: 75.6 F
• Highest temperature on record: 115 F in 1927

Laredo is slightly cooler than Las Vegas, with lower temperatures and lower humidity. But there are still plenty of high temperatures, especially during the summer months. Each year brings 234 days of sunshine, so summer heat isn’t occasional, it’s the baseline, with temperatures typically hovering around 95 F. In July, average highs reach about 99 F, while January sees a low of 45 F. 

While winters are much cooler with temperatures ranging anywhere from 40 F to 70 F, it’s still a destination for those escaping cold winter months. 

Note to renters: If summer highs regularly hover around the mid-90s, A/C and shade become dealbreakers, confirm both (unit cooling + sun exposure) upfront.

5. Tucson, Arizona

• Average summer temperature: 87.1 F
• Average annual temperature: 70.6 F
• Highest temperature on record: 117 F in 1990

With an ancient history spanning thousands of years, Tucson is renowned for its rich heritage and is known as the Old Pueblo. Also located in the Sonoran Desert, it gets hot, but it is usually cooler than Phoenix because it receives an extra few inches of rain. 

Last year, 2024, was a hot year for Tucson, with two record-breaking days, marked by temperatures of 111 F and 112 F. While summers are hot, with temperatures reaching up to 110 F, winters are typically mild, dropping as low as 40 F. The most comfortable months in the city usually see an average temperature between 75 and 85 F. 

Note to renters: Even if it runs cooler than Phoenix, summers still spike, double-check whether the unit has central A/C (vs. weaker setups) and how it performs on the hottest days.

6. McAllen, Texas

• Average summer temperature: 86.5 F
• Average annual temperature: 71.9 F
• Highest temperature on record: 111 F in 2024

As one of the hottest Texan cities, McAllen stands out for its hot summers. Located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley near the U.S.–Mexico border, the city can see extreme heat and humidity during peak summer.

The heat can really affect residents, as many homes aren’t built to withstand high temperatures. In July, temperatures can spike deep into the triple digits, and with high humidity, going outdoors can become dangerous.

Note to renters: Heat and humidity can be intense, so confirm A/C efficiency and ask about humidity control/ventilation (it can impact comfort and maintenance).

7. Brownsville, Texas

• Average summer temperature: 84.8 F
• Average annual temperature: 74.9 F
• Highest temperature on record: 106 F in 2023

Brownsville is situated at the tip of the continental U.S. and lies along the border between Mexico and the United States. The city is a stone's throw from Matamoros, a Mexican town across the border. 

In recent years, Brownsville has been experiencing record heat, with a particularly high temperature in 2023, and the trend continued in 2024. Summer temperatures typically reach around 96 F, and the city experiences an average of six months with comfortable temperatures, ranging from 70 F to 85 F. August is normally the hottest month, with an average high of 93 F. 

Note to renters: With recent record heat trends, prioritize a strong cooling setup and ask how the building handles sustained hot spells.

8. Dallas, Texas

• Average summer temperature: 84.5 F
• Average annual temperature: 67.5 F
• Highest temperature on record: 113 F in 1980

Dallas is a popular city renowned for its hot summers, cowboy culture, and barbecue. High temperatures in summer are par for the course, and there are 234 sunny days each year – so it’s worth prioritizing efficient A/C and good insulation, since July heat can get around 95 F and winter lows in January can dip to 36 F.

July has around 27 hot days, and August follows close behind with around 26 hot days. August is typically the hottest month of the year with an average high temperature of 96 F. 

Note to renters: Since it swings between very hot summers and cooler winters, look for good insulation plus efficient A/C (not just one or the other).

9. San Antonio, Texas

• Average summer temperature: 84.3 F
• Average annual temperature: 70.7 F
• Highest temperature on record: 111 F in 2000

San Antonio has a subtropical climate, and residents have to contend with hot summers, but can relax during the mild winters. The summer months can have highs that almost reach 100 F, with June averaging 92 F, July averaging 94 F, and August averaging 96 F. 

San Antonio, known as Alamo City, has an average of 220 sunny days per year, about 15 more than the U.S. average, so clear, hot stretches are common in summer. In the summer months, June has around 20 hot days, July has 26 hot days, and August has 28 hot days. 

Note to renters: With summer highs pushing toward 100°F, confirm A/C, airflow (ceiling fans), and whether the building/complex has shade where you’ll actually use it.

10. Riverside, California

• Average summer temperature: 77.0 F
• Average annual temperature: 66.6 F
• Highest temperature on record: 118 F in 2018

Riverside temperatures heat up in the summer, typically ranging between 80 F and 90 F. In August, the average high temperature is around 95.4 F. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as 42 F. August is typically the hottest month, with July close behind. 

With 277 days of sunshine, it’s above the average of 205 sunny days in the U.S. Summer months typically have hot days between June, July, and August, with another 20 hot days in July and August. 

Note to renters: Because summer days often sit in the 80–90s with hot peaks, check sun exposure (big windows) and make sure cooling is sized for the unit.

What This Means for Your Apartment Search

Many of the hottest cities in the U.S. cluster in the Southwest and the South, where desert and subtropical climates can make summer heat a very real part of daily life. The upside: a lot of these metros are also investing in cooling strategies, from adding shade to expanding tree cover, to help make the hottest months more livable.

If you’re thinking about moving somewhere warmer, treat heat like a core search requirement, not a “we’ll figure it out later” problem. Look beyond “has A/C” and check the details that shape comfort (and your electric bill), like insulation, window quality, airflow, and whether your unit turns into a west-facing solar oven at 6 p.m. When you’re ready to narrow it down, the Apartment List quiz can help match you with places that fit your priorities, and you can filter for essentials like air conditioning, ceiling fans, and pools. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What city in the U.S. has the hottest temperature?

In this ranking, Phoenix, Arizona comes out hottest based on average summer temperature (June–August). Keep in mind: “hottest temperature” can mean different things (average summer heat vs. single-day record highs).

Is Phoenix hotter than Vegas?

Yes. Phoenix (and Yuma) have higher average summer temperatures than Las Vegas based on the June–August averages used in this list.

What city has the most 100-degree days in the U.S.?

Phoenix is widely cited as having the most 100°F+ days. AccuWeather reports Phoenix has logged about 11,410 days at or above 100°F since the early 1900s.Counts can vary depending on the weather station and record period, but the takeaway is the same: Phoenix sees triple-digit heat far more frequently than most major U.S. cities.

Is Florida hot all year round?

Florida stays relatively warm year-round, especially compared to most of the U.S. Even in winter months like January, many areas still see mild lows and comfortable daytime highs.

Where in the U.S. is it warmest all year round?

Places that stay warm year-round are often in states like Florida and Arizona, depending on whether you mean humid warmth or dry heat.

What is the cheapest warm-weather state to live in?

Mississippi is often cited as the cheapest state to live in, BestPlaces estimates its overall cost of living is 21.3% lower than the U.S. average. (Exact percentages can vary by index and by city, but Mississippi consistently ranks among the most affordable.)