Weather United States

Coldest States in the US 2026

Florida Flag Florida
72.6
Warmest State The state with the highest average annual temperature.
Alaska Flag Alaska
26.6
Coldest State The state with the lowest average annual temperature.

Average Temperature (°F)

30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0

States Ranked by Average Temperature

Key Findings

What Is the Coldest State in the US?

  • Alaska is the coldest state in the US with an average temperature of 26.6. The three coldest states are North Dakota (42.3), Ohio (42.3), and Alaska (26.6).

  • The coldest states are concentrated in the northern United States, where higher latitudes and continental climates produce long, harsh winters with heavy snowfall.

Coldest States in the US

  • The coldest states in the US are located primarily in the Upper Midwest, Northern Plains, and New England, where proximity to Canada and distance from the equator drive average temperatures well below the national average.

  • Winter temperatures in the coldest states can drop to -30°F or lower, with annual snowfall ranging from 50 to over 200 inches depending on elevation and geography.

Warmest States in the US

  • Florida is the warmest state with an average temperature of 72.6. The three warmest states are Florida (72.6), Georgia (72.6), and Louisiana (68.9).

  • The warmest states are located in the southern United States, where lower latitudes, Gulf Coast proximity, and tropical or subtropical climates keep average temperatures significantly higher year-round.

States Ranked by Average Temperature

State Comparison

Average temperatures vary dramatically across the United States, from subarctic conditions in Alaska to tropical climates in Hawaii and Florida. The difference between the coldest and warmest states spans more than 40°F, reflecting the country's wide range of latitudes, elevations, and climate zones.

Definitions & Methodology

How Is Average State Temperature Calculated? Average state temperatures are calculated from historical weather data across all monitoring stations in each state, accounting for seasonal variation throughout the year. These figures represent long-term annual averages, not current or real-time temperatures.
What Factors Affect State Temperatures? A state's average temperature is influenced by its latitude (distance from the equator), elevation, proximity to large bodies of water, and prevailing weather patterns. Northern states experience colder averages due to longer winters, while southern and coastal states benefit from warmer climates year-round.
Last Updated: June 16, 2026