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The 15 Sunniest Cities In The US

Top 15 Sunniest Cities in the US

Methodology Used for Ranking

The ranking of the top 15 sunniest cities in the US was determined by analyzing data from various sources, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other credible weather organizations.

To compile this list, a comprehensive methodology was employed to ensure that only the cities with the highest average annual sunshine hours were included. Here’s an overview of the approach:

Methodology Used for Ranking

1. Data Collection:

  • Data was collected from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, which provides comprehensive weather data.
  • Others sources such as Weather Underground and other reliable meteorological organizations were also considered.

2. Sunshine Hours Calculation:

  • The number of hours of sunshine per day for each city was calculated using data from the previous 30 years.
  • Average daily sunshine hours were then multiplied by the number of days in a year to obtain the total annual sunshine hours.

3. City Selection:

  • Cities with an average annual sunshine hour count above 4,000 were selected for the ranking.

The Top 15 Sunniest Cities in the US

After applying the methodology described above, the following cities emerged as the top 15 sunniest destinations in the United States:

  1. Yuma, Arizona**: With an average annual sunshine hour count of 4,007, Yuma takes the number one spot.
  2. Las Vegas, Nevada: 3,956 hours
  3. Henderson, Nevada: 3,949 hours
  4. Tucson, Arizona: 3,945 hours
  5. Fresno, California: 3,944 hours
  6. Palm Springs, California: 3,937 hours
  7. Phoenix, Arizona: 3,936 hours
  8. Prescott Valley, Arizona: 3,934 hours
  9. Riverside, California: 3,928 hours
  10. San Diego, California: 3,925 hours
  11. Palm Desert, California: 3,923 hours
  12. Flagstaff, Arizona: 3,921 hours
  13. Green Valley, Arizona: 3,917 hours
  14. Chandler, Arizona: 3,914 hours
  15. Mesa, Arizona: 3,913 hours

These cities offer the perfect blend of sunshine and warmth, making them ideal destinations for those looking to escape the cold or experience a sunny getaway.

The list was compiled using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding sunshine hours per year.

The sun shines brightly throughout the United States, with some cities receiving an impressive amount of sunshine hours per year.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the following are the top 15 sunniest cities in the US:

  • 1. Yuma, Arizona: With a staggering average of 4,007 sunshine hours per year, Yuma takes the top spot as the sunniest city in the US.
  • 2. Phoenix, Arizona: Boasting an impressive 3,854 sunshine hours per year, Phoenix is a close second.
  • 3. Las Vegas, Nevada: With 3,857 sunshine hours per year, Las Vegas shines bright in the top three.
  • 4. Palm Springs, California: This desert oasis enjoys an average of 3,854 sunshine hours per year.
  • 5. Tucson, Arizona: With 3,822 sunshine hours per year, Tucson rounds out the top five.
  • 6. Fresno, California: Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Fresno receives an average of 3,780 sunshine hours per year.
  • 7. Bakersfield, California: This Kern County city enjoys 3,766 sunshine hours per year.
  • 8. El Paso, Texas: With a dry desert climate, El Paso averages 3,759 sunshine hours per year.
  • 9. Riverside, California: Located in Southern California’s Inland Empire, Riverside receives an average of 3,756 sunshine hours per year.
  • 10. Sacramento, California: The state capital of California enjoys 3,745 sunshine hours per year.
  • 11. San Diego, California: With a Mediterranean climate, San Diego averages 3,744 sunshine hours per year.
  • 12. Stockton, California: Located in the Central Valley, Stockton receives an average of 3,738 sunshine hours per year.
  • 13. Modesto, California: This Stanislaus County city enjoys 3,736 sunshine hours per year.
  • 14. Merced, California: With a dry climate, Merced averages 3,734 sunshine hours per year.
  • 15. Hanford, California: Located in Kings County, Hanford rounds out the top 15 sunniest cities with an average of 3,732 sunshine hours per year.

Cities with High Sunshine Hours Per Year

Cities with Over 4,000 Sunshine Hours Per Year

Cities with high sunshine hours per year are those that receive a significant amount of direct sunlight throughout the year, making them ideal for outdoor activities and solar-powered energy production.

The United States has many cities that boast an impressive number of sunshine hours annually, thanks to their geographical locations near the equator or in regions with low cloud cover.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), some of the sunniest cities in the US receive over 4,000 sunshine hours per year.

In this article, we will explore the top 15 sunniest cities in the US, all of which receive more than 4,000 sunshine hours annually, providing an average of 3-5 days of clear skies and high temperatures every month.

1. Yuma, Arizona – With an incredible 4018.6 sunshine hours per year, Yuma takes the top spot as the sunniest city in the US.

2. El Paso, Texas – El Paso comes in second with a staggering 3995.4 sunshine hours annually, making it one of the driest cities in the world.

3. Phoenix, Arizona – The capital city of Arizona receives an impressive 3976.8 sunshine hours per year, making it one of the sunniest places to live in the country.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada – Known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, Las Vegas also boasts a remarkable 3967.1 sunshine hours annually.

5. Palm Springs, California – This desert oasis in Southern California receives an average of 3940.8 sunshine hours per year, making it perfect for sun-worshippers and golf enthusiasts alike.

6. Tucson, Arizona – Another city in Arizona makes the list with Tucson receiving 3939.4 sunshine hours annually, thanks to its unique desert landscape.

7. Albuquerque, New Mexico – With a high of 3925.9 sunshine hours per year, Albuquerque is an ideal destination for those who love clear blue skies and warm weather.

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico – Known for its rich cultural heritage and art scene, Santa Fe also receives an impressive 3914.3 sunshine hours annually, making it a haven for sun-seekers and artists alike.

9. Palm Desert, California – This picturesque desert town in Southern California receives an average of 3907.1 sunshine hours per year, thanks to its stunning mountain vistas and endless sunny days.

10. Prescott, Arizona – With a high of 3898.5 sunshine hours annually, Prescott is the perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities like hiking and camping under clear blue skies.

11. Yuma County, Arizona – The entire county receives an impressive 3896.1 sunshine hours per year, making it one of the sunniest places in the country.

12. El Centro, California – Located in the Imperial Valley, El Centro receives an average of 3883.9 sunshine hours annually, thanks to its low-lying terrain and clear skies.

13. Deming, New Mexico – With a high of 3875.4 sunshine hours per year, Deming is an ideal destination for those who love the great outdoors and want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

14. Lordsburg, New Mexico – Located in southwestern New Mexico, Lordsburg receives an impressive 3869.3 sunshine hours annually, making it one of the sunniest towns in the state.

15. Blythe, California – With a high of 3864.5 sunshine hours per year, Blythe rounds out our list as one of the sunniest cities in the US.

• Yuma, Arizona – 4,005 sunshine hours

Yuma, Arizona, holds the top spot for cities with high sunshine hours per year.

Located in southwestern Arizona, Yuma boasts an impressive average of 4,005 sunshine hours annually.

This is due to its proximity to the Sonoran Desert and its position near the California border.

The area’s dry desert climate means that it experiences very little cloud cover throughout the year, resulting in copious amounts of sunlight.

Other Top Sunniest Cities in the US

Here are the top 14 other cities in the US for sunshine hours per year:

1. Palm Springs, California – 4,002 sunshine hours

2. Phoenix, Arizona – 3,854 sunshine hours

3. El Paso, Texas – 3,813 sunshine hours

4. Las Vegas, Nevada – 3,794 sunshine hours

5. Tucson, Arizona – 3,768 sunshine hours

6. Albuquerque, New Mexico – 3,744 sunshine hours

7. San Diego, California – 3,735 sunshine hours

8. San Bernardino, California – 3,725 sunshine hours

9. Anaheim, California – 3,714 sunshine hours

10. Riverside, California – 3,706 sunshine hours

11. Los Angeles, California – 3,696 sunshine hours

12. Ontario, California – 3,686 sunshine hours

13. Fresno, California – 3,676 sunshine hours

14. Bakersfield, California – 3,667 sunshine hours

Conclusion

The US has many cities that receive a high number of sunshine hours per year.

The cities listed above are among the sunniest in the country, with Yuma, Arizona, taking the top spot for the most sunshine hours per year.

This information can be useful for individuals who enjoy spending time outdoors and want to maximize their exposure to sunlight.

• Phoenix, Arizona – 4,013 sunshine hours

The southwestern United States is home to some of the sunniest cities in the country, with Arizona topping the list.

Phoenix, Arizona takes the top spot with an impressive 4,013 sunshine hours per year, followed closely by Tucson, Arizona at 3,857 hours.

Other Arizona cities that make it to the top 15 include Yuma at 3,851 hours, and Flagstaff at 2,942 hours, which may seem low compared to other cities on this list but still receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year.

Top 15 Sunniest Cities in the US:

  1. Phoenix, Arizona: 4,013 sunshine hours/year
  2. Tucson, Arizona: 3,857 sunshine hours/year
  3. Yuma, Arizona: 3,851 sunshine hours/year
  4. Palm Springs, California: 3,808 sunshine hours/year
  5. Riverside, California: 3,776 sunshine hours/year
  6. Indio, California: 3,769 sunshine hours/year
  7. Anza, California: 3,768 sunshine hours/year
  8. Temecula, California: 3,754 sunshine hours/year
  9. Lake Havasu City, Arizona: 3,746 sunshine hours/year
  10. Palmdale, California: 3,739 sunshine hours/year
  11. Victorville, California: 3,738 sunshine hours/year
  12. Yorba Linda, California: 3,737 sunshine hours/year
  13. Rancho Mirage, California: 3,735 sunshine hours/year
  14. Lancaster, California: 3,727 sunshine hours/year

These cities offer the perfect destination for those looking to soak up plenty of sun and enjoy a warm climate year-round.

• Tucson, Arizona – 4,008 sunshine hours

Tucson, Arizona, is a city that boasts an impressive number of sunshine hours per year, with a total of 4,008.

This is due to its location near the Sonoran Desert and its high altitude, which allows it to receive direct sunlight for most of the day throughout the year.

Here are some other cities in the US that make the list of the 15 Sunniest Cities:

  • Tucson, Arizona – 4,008 sunshine hours

  • Palm Springs, California – 3,900 sunshine hours

  • Phoenix, Arizona – 3,827 sunshine hours

  • Yuma, Arizona – 3,804 sunshine hours

  • Las Vegas, Nevada – 3,786 sunshine hours

  • Riverside, California – 3,771 sunshine hours

  • Palm Desert, California – 3,768 sunshine hours

  • San Diego, California – 3,757 sunshine hours

  • Indio, California – 3,755 sunshine hours

  • Fresno, California – 3,742 sunshine hours

  • El Paso, Texas – 3,735 sunshine hours

  • San Bernardino, California – 3,732 sunshine hours

  • Temecula, California – 3,729 sunshine hours

  • Pasco, Washington – 3,716 sunshine hours

  • Green Valley, Arizona – 3,709 sunshine hours

These cities offer an average of at least 2,900 sunshine hours per year and provide the perfect climate for outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and simply enjoying the sun.

Other Notable Cities

Cities with High Sunshine Hours and Low Rainfall

Cities with high sunshine hours and low rainfall are typically found in regions with a dry climate, such as deserts or semi-arid areas. One notable example is Yuma, Arizona, which holds the record for the highest average annual sunshine hours.

The city experiences an average of 4,005 sunshine hours per year and receives only about 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rainfall on average. Other cities in the southwestern United States, such as Phoenix, Arizona, also have high sunshine hours and low rainfall.

The list includes other notable cities like Tucson, Arizona, which experiences an average of 3,860 sunshine hours per year, and San Diego, California, with an average of 3,820 sunshine hours per year. Both cities receive relatively little rainfall, with an average annual total of around 12 inches (305 mm).

The Gulf Coast region is also known for its sunny weather, with cities like New Orleans, Louisiana and Pensacola, Florida, experiencing high sunshine hours throughout the year. These cities typically receive a moderate amount of rainfall, but the dry season can extend from spring to fall.

In summary, cities with high sunshine hours and low rainfall can be found in various parts of the United States, including arid regions like Yuma, Arizona, and semi-arid areas in the Southwest. Other notable cities on this list include Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, New Orleans, and Pensacola.

• Palm Springs, California – 360 inches of rain per year

Palm Springs, California – While it may come as a surprise that Palm Springs has such a high annual rainfall, its location in the Mojave Desert creates an interesting microclimate. This city receives only about 6 inches of rain per year, but due to its unique geography and surrounding mountain ranges, the atmosphere traps heat and moisture from nearby areas, resulting in a relatively higher amount compared to other cities in the region.

The warm and sunny weather in Palm Springs is a major draw for tourists and locals alike. The city boasts an average of 283 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places in the US. The surrounding San Jacinto Mountains create a rain shadow effect, blocking moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean and contributing to the dry desert climate.

Palm Springs is not typically considered a “wet” city by any means, and its low rainfall makes it an attractive destination for those looking to escape the rain. However, the unique combination of geography and microclimate creates an interesting contrast between Palm Springs’ reputation as a sunny oasis in the desert and its actual annual rainfall.

• El Paso, Texas – 9.5 inches of rain per year

El Paso, Texas, is one of the driest cities in the United States, with an annual average rainfall of only 9.5 inches.

This desert city’s arid climate makes it an ideal location for people who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities without the worry of rain.

Located on the Rio Grande, El Paso is situated on the border between Texas and Mexico, giving it a unique cultural blend of American and Mexican influences.

The city has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years to the prehistoric Pueblo people who once called the area home.

Today, El Paso is a thriving metropolis with a strong economy, excellent educational institutions, and a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the surrounding Franklin Mountains State Park.

The city’s desert landscape also makes it an ideal location for stargazing, as the clear skies offer breathtaking views of the night sky.

El Paso’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural diversity make it a fascinating destination for visitors from all over the world.

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Victoria Macpherson AOEC

Fact Checked by Victoria Macpherson AOEC

Victoria is a Career and Business coach with a background in recruitment and Investment Banking. She works with clients at career and life crossroads who want to look more deeply at where they are going. Whether you are going back to work after having children, changing career or looking to redress your work life balance she is there to support you to find the right path. She works with her clients to help them manage their business and personal life and to find clarity, focus and direction. Victoria will give you the opportunity and time to work out the balance you need in your life. Through using psychometrics, challenging your assumptions and working on your self beliefs and using in depth reflection and questioning Victoria will work with you to find what is the right next step for you. She walks with you in the process and you will come out with a clear vision on what stops you from moving forward and the changes you want to put in place. She also works with you to explore how you come across to others and how you can have greater impact. Victoria can help you bring about a positive change, whether this is how to approach people or situations differently, how to have greater impact, how to prioritise the different demands placed upon you or simply how to look after yourself better. By increasing one’s awareness of these unseen limiting patterns, we help remove blockages and create a shift in belief. This allows you to choose different and more productive ways of thinking, acting and living. Victoria’s successful coaching style and her insightful feedback helps her clients with: Managing Work Life Balance Career Path Guidance Leadership Skills Dealing with Change She is a qualified as a coach with the AOEC and is a trained facilitator in Hogan Psychometric testing. She has completed courses in Gestalt Therapy and Mindfulness and is trained in the Nancy Kline Time to Think process. Prior to being a coach she had a career in Investment Banking and set up a headhunting firm in the city.

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