Average Temperature by State: A Complete Guide

How We Calculate State Averages

State average temperatures are calculated from 30 years of daily high and low temperature readings (1994-2023) collected at representative weather stations across each state. We use population-weighted averages to reflect where most residents actually live.

Warmest States by Average Annual Temperature

The warmest states in the continental US are concentrated in the South and Southwest:

• Florida - 70.7°F average annual temperature
• Hawaii - 70.0°F (tropical climate, consistent year-round)
• Louisiana - 66.4°F
• Texas - 65.8°F (varies widely by region)
• Georgia - 63.5°F

Coldest States by Average Annual Temperature

The coldest states are in the northern Rockies and upper Midwest:

• Alaska - 26.6°F (far outlier due to subarctic climate)
• Montana - 44.4°F
• Wyoming - 42.3°F
• North Dakota - 42.0°F
• Minnesota - 41.2°F

Most Moderate States

If you're looking for mild temperatures year-round without extreme heat or cold, these states rank highest for comfort:

• California (coastal) - 60-65°F year-round in cities like San Diego and San Francisco
• Oregon (coast) - Mild, consistent temperatures with ocean influence
• Washington (Puget Sound) - Rarely freezing, rarely above 90°F

Seasonal Temperature Swings

Some states experience extreme temperature variation between summer and winter. North Dakota, for example, can swing from -30°F in January to 100°F+ in July - a range of 130 degrees. Coastal states like California and Oregon see much smaller seasonal swings due to the ocean's moderating effect.

Using Historical Temperature Data

Understanding average temperatures is just the beginning. For planning purposes - whether you're gardening, planning a move, or scheduling an outdoor event - monthly averages and extreme records matter more than annual figures. Use our state and city pages to explore detailed month-by-month climate data.