There’s nothing quite like a bright, uplifting, and vitamin D-producing day. Although humans lack chlorophyll, these unimpeded photons still have a way of filling us with energy. It’s a nice break from spring. However, in parts of the country (particularly the southwest), these golden rays illuminate countryside and cities for long periods of time at once. Based on average monthly sunshine hours (2009-2021), these are the 15 sunniest cities in the United States.
El Paso, Texas
El Paso holds the golden crown of America’s sunniest city. texas, aptly nicknamed Sun City. With a staggering 358.81 hours of sunshine per month and a comfortable average temperature of 68.2°F, this city in El Paso County guarantees beautiful days at any point on the calendar. To lift those spirits and enjoy the fruit of Texas’ finest vineyards, head to the tip of the Lone Star State’s Western Wing.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City is as easy to name as Sun City. Las Vegas, NevadaHome to Clark County, the county receives 357.18 hours of light per month and averages a modest annual temperature of 66.4 degrees. The famous Vegas Strip offers endless mesmerizing shows and rolling dice, but if you want to soak up another one of this eclectic city’s (free) attractions, don’t spend all day indoors not.
henderson, nevada
southeast of Las Vegas, henderson, nevada Another beacon for Sunseekers. Like Vegas, Henderson is part of Clark County in the southeast corner of the Silver State. His second largest city in Nevada, the city is the second sunniest with 356.45 hours of blissful time in the month, but a very hot average temperature of 72.6 degrees.Henderson is a great starting point to visit hoover dam When lake meadtwo places well served by the presence of the sun.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson It is the second largest city in Grand Canyon State and the sunniest of the three cities that make this list. Located in Pima County (southern-south Arizona), the county receives 355.46 hours of sunshine in a typical month and has a mild average temperature of 72.5 degrees. Why not hop around a few patios in this UNESCO-listed city of gastronomy?
bakersfield, california
California has many entries in these hilarious rankings, earning it the very “Golden State” nickname. bakersfield Located in Kern County, about 112 miles north of Los Angeles (a common focus of the Nature Spotlight). This central California city receives 355.15 hours of sunshine per month, while averaging temperatures of 65 degrees (the lowest temperature on this list). If you love the sun but hate the heat, Bakersfield is for you.
Phoenix, Arizona
phoenix It has 354.53 hours of sunshine per month and an average temperature of 77.1 degrees (the highest on this list). Based in the Arizona capital, his 1.6 million people will have to adapt well to this exceptional exposure. Watching a Coyote National Hockey League game (with a cold drink in hand) can go a long way in the heat of summer.
Mesa, Arizona
mesa, Arizona, is just a hop-and-skip east from Phoenix. His 500,000 inhabitants of this original Maricopa County city enjoy 354.49 hours of sunshine per month and an average temperature of 76.8 degrees Celsius. sonoran desert landscape.
santa ana, california
California will rule from now on. Santa Ana, California receives approximately 352.12 hours of sun each month. The average temperature in this Orange County hotspot is also 67.8°F. There’s no better way to enjoy Apollo’s bounty than to hit the beaches along the San Pedro Strait or visit the zoo.
anaheim, california
Adding to the bright Southern California mixture is anaheim city, just 10 miles north of Santa Ana, still in Orange County. These sister cities actually share exactly the same specs. Anaheim has 352.12 hours of sunshine per month and an average temperature of 67.8 degrees. Sure, Orange County beaches are cool, but if you’re in Anaheim for a sunny day, why not check out one of the many outdoor theme parks?
long beach, california
long sandy beach Another super SoCal spot just off the San Pedro Strait. This city in Los Angeles County (just 20 miles south of downtown LA) has an average of 351.14 hours of sunshine per month. With an average year-round temperature of 67.9 degrees Fahrenheit, Long Beach is a great spot to spend time on the beach all year round.
Los Angeles, California
The City of Angels shines like a halo an average of 350.83 hours each month. On top of all the glitz and glamour, one star in particular stands out from the rest (literally). With an average annual temperature of 70.5 degrees he has a vibrant financial, commercial and cultural scene, and it’s no wonder there’s plenty of wilderness to enjoy the sunshine to the north. LA It is the second most populous city in the United States (after New York).
riverside, california
A little inland from this sunny SoCal cluster is Riverside in Riverside County. This Inland Empire City receives 350.69 hours of sunshine per month and runs along the coastline with a comfortable average temperature of 66.80 degrees. This blend creates the perfect atmosphere for California’s burgeoning citrus industry and the state’s first golf course.
fresno, california
With 350.56 hours of sunshine, the last city to break the 350 hour monthly barrier was Fresno, home of Fresno County.located in San Joaquin Valley Located in central California, the city takes full advantage of its abundant photons and favorable average temperature of 69.6 degrees, surrounded by rural farms. Almond, pistachio, tomato and peach fields are just outside the state’s most populous inland city.
San Diego, California
The second and final stop on this sunshine tour is, you guessed it, California. San Diego It is the seat of San Diego County on the east coast of San Diego Bay. mexican borderAmerica’s premier city benefits from 348.12 hours of sunshine per month, a consistent climate (an average temperature of 66.9°C and only 42 days of rain per year), long stretches of attractive beaches and pleasant Pacific breezes. to keep things in the Goldilocks Zone.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii It just appeared on this list. Classic connotations of this island state include always-clear skies lighting up golden seaside beaches.Honolulu capital Oahu, with 345.77 hours of sunshine per month and an average annual temperature of 76.5 degrees.Not a bad combination for surfing, snorkeling or walking the Malecon aloha To all the smiling locals (and lots of tourists).
The sunny Southwest should head where Americans are exposed to big fireballs in the sky. Our nearest star nourishes both body and soul, but don’t overdo it, of course. , sunscreen, and strategic sun protection go a long way in these shining cities.
The sunniest city in the United States
| Rank | city | state | Average monthly sunshine hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Paso | texas | 358.81 |
| 2 | Las Vegas | Nevada | 357.18 |
| 3 | henderson | Nevada | 356.45 |
| Four | Tucson | Arizona | 355.46 |
| Five | bakersfield | California | 355.15 |
| 6 | phoenix | Arizona | 354.53 |
| 7 | Mesa | Arizona | 354.49 |
| 8 | santa ana | California | 352.12 |
| 9 | Anaheim | California | 352.12 |
| Ten | long sandy beach | California | 351.14 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | California | 350.83 |
| 12 | Riverside | California | 350.69 |
| 13 | Fresno | California | 350.56 |
| 14 | San Diego | California | 348.12 |
| 15 | Honolulu | Hawaii | 345.77 |
| 16 | Irvine | California | 345.35 |
| 17 | Tampa | florida | 343.95 |
| 18 | Miami | florida | 343.57 |
| 19 | San Jose | California | 340.16 |
| 20 | Stockton | California | 340.12 |
| twenty one | San Francisco | California | 337.56 |
| twenty two | Auckland | California | 335.87 |
| twenty three | Orlando | florida | 333.09 |
| twenty four | sacramento | California | 332.96 |
| twenty five | jacksonville | florida | 326.73 |
| 26 | new orleans | Louisiana | 325.92 |
| 27 | oklahoma city | Oklahoma | 312.6 |
| 28 | Corpus Christi | texas | 311.82 |
| 29 | Raleigh | north carolina | 306.83 |
| 30 | houston | texas | 304.28 |
| 31 | Atlanta | Georgia | 303.29 |
| 32 | Fort Worth | texas | 302.82 |
| 33 | Charlotte | north carolina | 302.04 |
| 34 | Tulsa | Oklahoma | 301.37 |
| 35 | Dallas | texas | 300.39 |
| 36 | memphis | Tennessee | 294.39 |
| 37 | Arlington | Virginia | 293.93 |
| 38 | Austin | texas | 290.44 |
| 39 | San Antonio | texas | 289.34 |
| 40 | nashville | Tennessee | 287.68 |
| 41 | Ventura | California | 263.91 |
