The United States is a land of remarkable geographical diversity. From the sun-baked deserts of the Southwest to the frozen tundras of Alaska, the country experiences some of the most dramatic temperature extremes on Earth. What are the highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded in the United States? Let’s find out.
Highest and Lowest Temperatures Ever Recorded in the United States
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the following are the officially verified temperature extremes recorded in the United States.
| Record | Temperature | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest temperature | 134°F (56.7°C) | Greenland Ranch (now Furnace Creek), Death Valley, California | July 10, 1913 |
| Lowest temperature | -80°F (-62.2°C) | Prospect Creek, Alaska | January 23, 1971 |
| Lowest temperature (Contiguous US) | -70°F (-56.7°C) | Rogers Pass, Montana | January 20, 1954 |
What is the Highest Recorded Temperature in the United States?
The official record for the highest temperature ever recorded in the United States and the entire world is a scorching 134°F (56.7°C). This extreme temperature was recorded at Greenland Ranch (now Furnace Creek) in Death Valley, California, on 10 July 1913.
Death Valley is a long, narrow basin that lies below sea level and is surrounded by steep mountain ranges. These mountains trap hot, dry air within the valley, creating a natural oven effect in which heat builds up and intensifies. Combined with clear skies, intense solar radiation, and extremely dry conditions, this unique geography makes Death Valley one of the hottest places on Earth.
​What is the Lowest Recorded Temperature in the United States?
The absolute lowest temperature ever officially recorded in the United States is -80°F (-62.2°C). This bone-chilling temperature was registered on January 23, 1971, at Prospect Creek, Alaska.
In the contiguous United States, the lowest temperature ever recorded was at Rogers Pass in Montana. On January 20, 1954, the temperature there fell to -70°F (-56.7°C).
(Also read: Hottest and coldest recorded temperatures on Earth)
​Why Does the US Have Such Extreme Temperatures?
The massive gap between the highest and lowest temperatures in the US is entirely due to the country’s unique geography. The US spans multiple climate zones. Alaska sits right up against the Arctic Circle, receiving very little sunlight in the winter, which allows extreme cold to build up. On the other hand, the Southwestern United States features deep, low-elevation desert basins surrounded by mountains, creating the perfect environment for extreme heatwaves.