US Temperature Map

Designed to support educational and reference use, the US Temperature Map offers a clear view of geographic boundaries and important locations, beneficial for map study, planning work, and reference purposes. This US Temperature Map can be conveniently downloaded for offline use via the button below the map.

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About US Temperature Map

The above US temperature map shows the average annual temperature in different parts of the United States. The temperatures are presented in the form of a heat map where fluorescent green indicates 46.4°F and dark red indicates 96.8°F with seven different ranges in between. The temperatures of the different ranges are specified on the USA temperature map. The colors of the ranges are fluorescent green 46.4–53.6°F, dark green 53.6–60.8°F, light yellow 60.8–68.0°F, yellow 68.0–75.2°F, dark yellow 75.2–82.4°F, light red 82.4–89.6°F, and dark red 89.6–96.8°F. Temperatures for Alaska and Hawaii are shown as insets and have temperatures presented in the same manner as the conterminous U.S. map.

Temperature in the United States

The United States has one of the largest temperature ranges in the world because of its size, topography, and location. The United States is a large country that spans many latitudes and elevations, and temperatures vary greatly from one region to another and from one season to another. The country extends from the subarctic cold of Alaska to the tropical warmth of southern Florida and Hawaii and includes almost every major climate zone.

Average Temperatures by Region

During January which serves as the coldest month of the year the northern states of North Dakota Minnesota and Montana experience winter temperatures below 0°F. The regions receive prolonged periods of snow and experience cold wind temperatures. The southern states of Texas Louisiana and Florida experience mild winter conditions because their January temperatures reach between 50°F and 70°F. The summer months of July and August bring temperatures above 110°F to the southwestern and southern regions of the United States particularly in Arizona and Nevada.

Record Temperatures in the United States

The official highest temperature recorded in the United States reached 134°F (56.7°C) at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California on July 10, 1913. The temperature measurement at Furnace Creek remains the highest recorded Earth temperature. Prospect Creek in Alaska experienced the lowest temperature reading of -80°F (-62.2°C) during January 23, 1971. The nation demonstrates wide-ranging climatic variations through these extreme weather conditions.

Coastal vs. Inland Temperature Trends

The stabilizing effect of large water bodies makes coastal regions along the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans experience moderate temperatures. San Francisco and Seattle remain free from extreme heat or cold temperatures. The Midwest and Great Plains region shows more dramatic temperature variations between seasons. The temperature in Chicago varies from below 0°F during winter to above 90°F during summer.

Temperature and Elevation

The United States experiences temperature variations because of its geographical elevation. The Rocky Mountains together with the Sierra Nevada represent higher elevation areas which maintain cooler temperatures throughout the entire year. The cities of Denver in Colorado and Flagstaff in Arizona experience cold mornings and sudden weather shifts during all seasons including summer. The summer months bring intense heat to the low-lying desert regions of Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Seasonal Variations Across the States

The United States has its most pleasant weather during the spring and fall seasons which makes these times ideal for travel and outdoor activities. Summer heatwaves primarily affect the central and southern states while winter storms mainly hit the Northeast and Midwest which can cause problems with transportation and utilities. The state of California and Washington have microclimates because temperatures can change significantly over very short distances.

Impact of Climate Change on US Temperatures

The United States has experienced an increasing average temperature during the past several decades. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the contiguous U.S. has experienced a temperature rise of approximately 2°F since the late 19th century. The country is now experiencing warmer winters together with longer heatwaves and modified precipitation patterns. The warming rate in Alaska exceeds the national average by a factor of two which produces major changes to local ecosystems and weather systems.

FAQs about Temperatures in the United States

What is the record high temperature in the US?

The highest temperature on Earth ever recorded was 134°F (56.7°C) at Death Valley, California on July 10, 1913. This area is considered to be one of the hottest places on the Earth. Every year thousands of visitors travel to Death Valley to experience for themselves the extreme hot desert conditions that exist there.

What is the lowest temperature recorded on Earth in the United States?

The lowest temperature recorded in the USA was −79.8°F (−62.1°C) on January 23, 1971 in Prospect Creek, Alaska. This temperature was recorded in one of the coldest states in the country and as this state is located in the Arctic part of North America, it has a long period of night time during the winter months. In fact some parts of Alaska experience almost 24 hours of night. The northern part of Alaska is even inaccessible for most of the year.

Why does the U.S. use Fahrenheit instead of Celsius to report temperature?

There are many reasons that the U.S. still uses Fahrenheit in weather reports, in household thermostats, and in many other applications. One is that the Fahrenheit scale is so familiar to most Americans that they would find Celsius strange. Another is that the Fahrenheit scale has been the U.S. standard for so long that it would be very expensive to change to Celsius now. Scientists, engineers, and health care professionals in the U.S. often use Celsius in their work, but that is mostly because it is the more logical and consistent scale.

What is the average temperature in the United States?

The average temperature for the US varies by extreme ends of the country and by season. In the south of the US states like Florida and Texas have warm to hot temperatures all year round. The northern states of the US such as Minnesota and Alaska are cold and have long periods of winter. The average summer temperature is between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The average winter temperature is between below 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest parts of the country to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmest parts of the country.

Which state has the most extreme temperature changes?

Due to weather phenomena, such as Chinook winds, that affect temperature greatly, Montana is considered to be a state with some of the greatest fluctuation of temperature in the country. The temperature in Montana can fluctuate greatly within a 24-hour period of time, with some instances reporting a fluctuation of greater than 100 degrees in temperature within that period of time. This makes Montana one of the most fascinating states when it comes to studying meteorology.

Which are the hottest and coldest states in the United States?

Florida is the warmest state in the country in terms of average temperature throughout the year. It is followed by Hawaii. The coolest state is Alaska followed by Wisconsin. These states have Arctic and subarctic climates with long winters of extreme cold and darkness and brief cool summers.