Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Sun-chasers, beach lovers, and mild-climate fans—this one’s for you. We ranked the top 30 US states with the best weather, using climate data like average temperatures, sunshine, humidity, and precipitation. Whether you're planning a relaxing road trip or just want to escape extreme weather, these states offer some of the most comfortable and enjoyable climates around. Let’s count down the sunny, breezy, and beautiful states you’ll want to visit next...#1 may surprise you.
#30 – Delaware
Delaware has mild summers, crisp autumns, and very manageable winters. Temperatures average in the 50s and 60s for much of the year. Spring and early fall are the best times to visit, with blooming gardens and beach-friendly weather on the coast.
Tim Kiser (User:Malepheasant), Wikimedia Commons
#29 – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a classic four-season climate with colorful fall foliage and comfortable summers. The western side gets more snow, while the east stays mild. Plan a visit in September or early October for the prettiest weather and landscapes.
Governor Tom Wolf from Harrisburg, PA, Wikimedia Commons
#28 – Maryland
Maryland gets a nice balance of sunshine and rain, with warm summers and short winters. It’s especially pleasant around Annapolis and the Eastern Shore in late spring or early fall, when humidity dips and breezes pick up from the bay.
City of Rockville, Wikimedia Commons
#27 – Illinois
While winters in Illinois can be chilly, the rest of the year is ideal for outdoor festivals and lakefront lounging. Summer averages around the high 70s. The best time to go? May to October—Chicago especially shines in those months.
Muleskinner, Wikimedia Commons
#26 – Kentucky
Kentucky offers warm but not oppressive summers and gentle winters. Spring is perfect for horse lovers and bluegrass vibes. April through June brings low humidity, sunny skies, and the full bloom of bourbon country.
#25 – New Jersey
New Jersey surprises with its breezy coastal climate, especially down by Cape May. Summers are sunny but rarely scorching, and fall brings some of the Northeast’s best leaf-peeping. Early fall is your sweet spot.
King of Hearts, Wikimedia Commons
#24 – Indiana
Indiana’s weather hits a nice middle ground. While winters can get snowy, the rest of the year offers plenty of sunshine and 70-degree days. Late spring through early fall is best for exploring farms, parks, and festivals.
#23 – Georgia
Georgia gets a lot of sunshine—especially in places like Savannah and the Golden Isles. While summers get hot and humid, spring and fall offer ideal temperatures for outdoor markets, historic tours, and patio brunching.
Will Thomas, Wikimedia Commons
#22 – Tennessee
Tennessee is known for its pleasant spring and long, golden fall. Nashville gets around 200 sunny days per year. Avoid midsummer humidity and aim for April to May or September to November for the most enjoyable weather.
WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons
#21 – North Carolina
This state blends warm Atlantic breezes with moderate mountain air. The coast stays warm, while the mountains are cool and breezy. Best time to go? May or October—perfect for beach trips or leaf-chasing hikes.
Harrison Keely, Wikimedia Commons
#20 – Oregon
Oregon is famous for rain, but the Willamette Valley and eastern parts have amazing summer weather—think warm, dry, and sunny. July through September are ideal for hiking, wineries, and capturing that golden PNW glow.
Sheila Sund from Salem, United States, Wikimedia Commons
#19 – Washington
Like Oregon, Washington shines in the summer. The western coast gets drizzly in winter, but summers are gloriously clear and in the 70s. Visit between June and September for the best views of Mount Rainier and sparkling Seattle days.
Lyn Topinka (USGS), Wikimedia Commons
#18 – Virginia
Virginia has mild winters, pleasant springs, and colorful autumns. Coastal regions like Virginia Beach stay temperate year-round. The best time to visit? April through June and September through early November for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Jason Pratt (FishSpeaker), Wikimedia Commons
#17 – Arkansas
Arkansas offers surprisingly pleasant spring and fall seasons with little rainfall. Summers are warm but manageable, and the Ozarks are gorgeous year-round. Try visiting in April or October for top-tier hiking weather.
#16 – Missouri
Missouri has hot summers and chilly winters, but the in-between months are magic. St. Louis and the Ozarks enjoy sunny springs and crisp autumns. Plan your trip for late April to early June or September to October.
#15 – Nevada
Nevada has dry, sunny weather nearly all year—especially in Las Vegas and Reno. Summers are hot but not humid. Visit in spring or fall when temps are in the 70s and 80s, and the skies stay clear for desert sunsets.
#14 – South Carolina
Warm ocean air keeps winters mild, and spring and fall are especially pretty. Charleston has about 215 sunny days a year. March to May and September to early November are great for beach days and strolls under Spanish moss.
Chris Pruitt, Wikimedia Commons
#13 – Alabama
Alabama boasts sunny skies and mild winters, especially in the southern part of the state. While summers can be humid, April to May and October are fantastic for hitting Gulf Shores or hiking the Appalachians.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
#12 – Florida
Florida has beach weather nearly all year long. Winter is especially pleasant with warm, dry days and average temps in the 70s. Visit between November and April for perfect sunshine without the sticky heat.
AndrewAvitus, Wikimedia Commons
#11 – Oklahoma
Oklahoma has long springs and falls, and winters are shorter than you’d expect. Tulsa and OKC get over 230 sunny days per year. Head there in April or October when it’s bright, dry, and just warm enough.
Nils Huenerfuerst, Wikimedia Commons
#10 – Texas
Texas is big, and so is its weather variety. Austin, San Antonio, and the Hill Country enjoy long springs and golden autumns. Winters are mild, and bluebonnet season (March-April) is the sweet spot for photographers and travelers alike.
#9 – New Mexico
New Mexico is famously dry with blue skies year-round. Santa Fe and Albuquerque have four seasons but with plenty of sun. September and October offer perfect travel temps and fall festivals under crisp skies.
Rennett Stowe from USA, Wikimedia Commons
#8 – Hawaii
Hawaii has near-perfect weather 365 days a year—balmy breezes, sunshine, and tropical vibes. Highs average in the 80s, and even the rain feels good. Go anytime, but April, May, September, and October bring the best deals and weather mix.
Caracas1830, Wikimedia Commons
#7 – California
California has it all—desert sun, coastal breeze, and Sierra snow. Coastal cities like San Diego and Santa Barbara are nearly always in the 70s and sunny. Spring and fall bring the most consistent weather statewide.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tomcio77/, Wikimedia Commons
#6 – Arizona
Yes, it’s hot in the summer—but Arizona’s fall, winter, and spring are spectacular. Phoenix and Sedona boast sunshine, dry air, and cool nights. Visit between October and April for dreamy desert hikes and patio dining.
#5 – Colorado
Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine a year, even in winter. Summers are warm and dry, and mountain towns stay breezy. July through September is great for hiking, biking, and sipping a beer in high-altitude sunshine.
Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons
#4 – Utah
Utah’s high desert climate means cool nights and sunny days. It’s a goldmine for hikers, skiers, and campers. Spring and fall are prime travel seasons with bright skies and perfect temps to explore the national parks.
Ron Reiring, Wikimedia Commons
#3 – North Dakota
North Dakota? Yep! Summers are cool and dry with long sunny days. Fall is short but stunning, and winters—while cold—come with clear skies. Aim for June to August for perfect weather and open skies.
Ron Reiring, Wikimedia Commons
#2 – Montana
Montana’s weather is underrated. Big Sky Country brings warm, dry summers and crisp autumns with mountain views. Days are long and golden in July and August—ideal for nature lovers and stargazers.
Jim from Lexington, KY, USA, Wikimedia Commons
#1 – Alaska
Surprise! Alaska earns the top spot for its stunning summer weather. July and August offer sunshine, long daylight hours, and temps in the 60s and 70s. You’ll get blue skies, glaciers, and maybe even the northern lights if you stay late.
Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons
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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4
