Best Weather By State

Last updated May 23, 2025

Number of Sunny Days
Top
Last
Number of Sunny DaysQuestion Mark
1ArizonaArizona193
2New MexicoNew Mexico167
3NevadaNevada158
4CaliforniaCalifornia146
5OklahomaOklahoma139
6ColoradoColorado136
7TexasTexas135
8KansasKansas128
9UtahUtah125
10ArkansasArkansas123
11IdahoIdaho120
12NebraskaNebraska117
13MissouriMissouri115
13South CarolinaSouth Carolina115
15WyomingWyoming114
16GeorgiaGeorgia112
17MississippiMississippi111
18North CarolinaNorth Carolina109
19MarylandMaryland105
19IowaIowa105
21South DakotaSouth Dakota104
22TennesseeTennessee102
23MaineMaine101
23FloridaFlorida101
23LouisianaLouisiana101
26VirginiaVirginia100
27AlabamaAlabama99
28MassachusettsMassachusetts98
28Rhode IslandRhode Island98
30DelawareDelaware97
31MinnesotaMinnesota95
31IllinoisIllinois95
33New JerseyNew Jersey94
34North DakotaNorth Dakota93
34KentuckyKentucky93
36HawaiiHawaii90
36New HampshireNew Hampshire90
38WisconsinWisconsin89
39IndianaIndiana88
40PennsylvaniaPennsylvania87
41MontanaMontana82
41ConnecticutConnecticut82
43OhioOhio72
44MichiganMichigan71
45OregonOregon68
46New YorkNew York63
47AlaskaAlaska61
48West VirginiaWest Virginia60
49WashingtonWashington58
49VermontVermont58

Rays of Sunshine: The Best Weather by State

For many of us, the landscape of daily life is greatly influenced by the weather. Whether we're planning a picnic, bundling up for a winter walk, or considering a move to a new state, weather plays an essential role. The United States, with its varied geographical layout and expansive territory, experiences a wide range of weather patterns. For individuals who have a proclivity for abundant sunlight, certain states offer a more desirable climate. Our list rankings are based on this sunny day metric, showcasing which states bask in the most sunlight. Key findings:

  • Arizona, known for its desert climate, tops the list with an astounding 193 sunny days per year.
  • The Southwestern states - including New Mexico, Nevada, and California - consistently rank high for sunniness, with 167, 158, and 146 sunny days, respectively. These states offer a warm, dry climate and plenty of sunny days.
  • However, the distribution of sunny states is not confined to the Southwestern region. Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas from the South and Midwest also rank within the top ten states for sunshine.
  • At the other end of the spectrum, Vermont has the fewest sunny days, with an average of 58 per year. The Northeastern states, including New York, Oregon, and West Virginia, have fewer sunny days overall.
  • Lastly, whether you desire a balanced four-season climate or a constant summer-like atmosphere, states such as California and Florida host wonderful beach cities that offer an ample sunny climate throughout the year.

10 States with the Best Weather

Topping our list is Arizona, with an outstanding average of 193 sunny days annually. Second on the list is New Mexico, with a yearly average of 167 sunny days. The "Silver State" of Nevada follows closely, basking in the sun for 158 days per year. In the renowned "Golden State", California, you can expect to enjoy 146 sunny days annually. Mid-western state Oklahoma brings in 139 sunny days, followed by the mountainous Colorado, lit with sun for 136 days out of the year. At the heart of the South, Texas characterized by its variable climate, enjoys 135 sunny days per year. Kansas in the Midwest, stands eighth with an average of 128 sunny days, while Utah enjoys 125, despite having a largely desert terrain. Rounding out our top ten is Arkansas with an annual average of 123 sunny days.

10 States with Best Weather (Based on Sunny Days):

  1. Arizona - 193
  2. New Mexico - 167
  3. Nevada - 158
  4. California - 146
  5. Oklahoma - 139
  6. Colorado - 136
  7. Texas - 135
  8. Kansas - 128
  9. Utah - 125
  10. Arkansas - 123
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