Join us as we shine a light on the top 48 cities where the sun rarely takes a day off.
Introduction
We all know Sunlight can improve the weather and brighten the environment. But even more than that, it can brighten your day and mood. Thus, if you want to move to a new city, it’s understandable why you’d want to find a sunny city.
The sunniest cities in the USA allow you to enjoy brightness at the highest possible intensity for longer hours and days of the year. Therefore, this article highlights the top 48 sunniest cities in the US.
Overview of Criteria for Selection
To compile our radiant roster, we’ve relied on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), focusing on two key metrics: the annual percentage of average possible sunshine and longevity of data collection.
This gives us a clear picture of how sunny these cities are and the consistency of their weather patterns over time.
List of Top 48 Sunniest Cities
Below is a table showing the top 48 sunniest cities in the USA, their location, and average days of sunshine.
| S/N | Name of City/State | Average days of sunshine | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Petersburg, Florida | 361 | Located in the Pinellas peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. |
| 2 | Palm Spring, California | 350 | Sits in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, bordered by mountain ranges. |
| 3 | Yuma, Arizona | 310 | Located in the Sonoran Desert near the California and Mexico borders. |
| 4 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | 310 | Located near the Organ Mountains, south of New Mexico. |
| 5 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | 310 | Located in north-central New Mexico, with the Sandia Manzano Mountains to its east. |
| 6 | El Centro, California | 304 | Located in the Imperial Valley, Southeastern California. |
| 7 | Phoenix, Arizona | 299 | Located in south-central Arizona. |
| 8 | El Paso, Texas | 297 | Stands on the Rio Grande, bordering Mexico. |
| 9 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 294 | The Seat of Clark County is located in southeastern Nevada. |
| 10 | Tucson, Arizona | 286 | Lies along the Santa Cruz River on the hilly plain of the Sonoran Desert. |
| 11 | Los Angeles, California | 284 | Located in the South California basin adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. |
| 12 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | 283 | Located in the center of the rocky mountains of northern New Mexico. |
| 13 | Roswell, New Mexico | 279 | Sits on the High Great Plains of Southeastern New Mexico. |
| 14 | Bakersfield, California | 272 | Located in the San Joaquin Valley in California. |
| 15 | Fresno, California | 271 | Located in California’s Central Valley. |
| 16 | Fort Myers, Florida | 271 | Found in Lee County in Southwestern Florida. |
| 17 | Honolulu, Hawaii | 271 | Lies along the Southeast coast of Oahu Island. |
| 18 | Sacramento, California | 269 | Located at the Sacramento and American Rivers confluence in the Northern California Sacramento Valley. |
| 19 | Flagstaff, Arizona | 266 | Located in north-central Arizona near the Grand Canyon National Park. |
| 20 | San Diego, California | 266 | Lies on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico-U.S. border. |
| 21 | Lubbock, Texas | 264 | Located in Northwestern Texas, south of Amarillo. |
| 22 | Amarillo, Texas | 259 | Located close to the center of the Texas Panhandle. |
| 23 | Pueblo, Colorado | 258 | Situated at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek, south of Denver. |
| 24 | San Antonio, Texas | 250 | Located in south-central Texas at the headwaters of the San Antonio River. |
| 25 | San Angelo, Texas | 250 | Seated in the Concho Valley in west Texas. |
| 26 | Reno, Nevada | 252 | Located near Lake Tahoe in western Nevada bordering California. |
| 27 | Grand Junction, Colorado | 250 | Sits between Salt Lake and Denver in western Colorado. |
| 28 | Redding, California | 249 | Lies along the Sacramento River on the South of California’s northern border with Oregon. |
| 29 | Miami, Florida | 248 | Located in southeastern Miami at the mouth of the Miami River. |
| 30 | Tampa, Florida | 246 | Lies along the Gulf Coast in west-central Florida. |
| 31 | Denver, Colorado | 245 | Sits in the South Platter River Valley on the western edge of the Great Plains. |
| 32 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | 236 | Located in Crow Creek in southeastern Wyoming. |
| 33 | Orlando, Florida | 233 | Located in Orange County in Central Florida. |
| 34 | Tallahassee, Florida | 233 | Located in Leon County in the northern panhandle region. |
| 35 | Charleston, South Carolina | 230 | Situated close to the center of South Carolina’s coast. |
| 36 | Austin, Texas | 228 | Located along the Colorado River in central Texas. |
| 37 | Pensacola, Florida | 224 | Lies in Pensacola Bay in Escambia County, northwestern Florida. |
| 38 | Brownsville, Texas | 223 | Situated near the Mexican border and the Gulf of Mexico. |
| 39 | Corpus Christi, Texas | 223 | Lies along the Gulf Coast in South Texas. |
| 40 | Salt Lake City, Utah | 222 | Located on the Jordan River at the southeastern end of the Great Salt Lake. |
| 41 | Jacksonville, Florida | 221 | Lies along the Atlantic coast of northern Florida. |
| 42 | Laredo, Texas | 220 | Located on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border. |
| 43 | Mobile, Alabama | 220 | Lies on Mobile Bay in southwestern Alabama. |
| 44 | Biloxi, Mississippi | 219 | Located in Harrison County, on the Gulf Coast of southern Mississippi. |
| 45 | Savannah, Georgia | 216 | Situated on the southeast coast of the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 46 | New Orleans, Louisiana | 216 | Located in southeast Louisiana at the mouth of the great Mississippi. |
| 47 | Raleigh, North Carolina | 213 | Located in Wake County, northeast of Charlotte. |
| 48 | Chattanooga, Tennessee | 207 | Lies along the Tennessee River, bordering Georgia to the south. |
5 Health Benefits of Sunny Climates
Residents enjoy more than clear, blue skies in the top 10 sunniest cities across the USA. Blessed with abundant sunshine, these areas offer significant health benefits closely tied to their sunny disposition. Here’s a look at how residing in sunnier regions can positively impact health:
Vitamin D Boost: The ample sunshine in these cities aids in the natural production of Vitamin D, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy bones and a robust immune system.
Improved Mood and Mental Health: High levels of sunshine can enhance mood and focus by increasing serotonin levels. This is particularly beneficial for those combating mood disorders related to changes in season.
Regulated Sleep Cycles: Regular exposure to natural sunlight helps to maintain the body’s circadian rhythms, leading to improved sleep patterns and overall better sleep quality.
Eye Health: Appropriate exposure to sunlight plays a crucial role in eye health, especially in developing proper vision in children and young adults.
Skin Health Benefits: While it’s important to balance sun exposure to mitigate skin damage risks, moderate sunlight can positively affect various skin conditions. Controlled sun exposure in these regions can benefit skin health under proper precautions.
Living in the sunniest parts of the USA offers more than just aesthetic pleasure; it presents an opportunity for a healthier lifestyle, provided sun exposure is approached responsibly.
Embracing these health advantages, along with protective measures like sunscreen and protective clothing, can make life in these sunny locales both enjoyable and beneficial for well-being.
Are the Sunniest Cities in the USA Also the Hottest?
It’s a common assumption that the sunniest places are also the hottest, but that’s not always the case. While many of the sunniest cities in the USA, like Phoenix and Las Vegas, are indeed associated with high temperatures, particularly in the summer months, it’s not a direct correlation. Sunshine percentages are about the duration of daylight hours that are not obscured by cloud cover, not necessarily the heat index.
For instance, cities like Denver and Reno boast a high number of sunny days but have moderate temperatures due to their higher altitudes and mountainous locations. Thus, while there is often a relationship between sunny days and higher temperatures, geographical factors and seasonal variations play significant roles in the overall climate of these radiant locales.
Mercury Auto Transport Services
As you consider moving to these sun-kissed cities, Mercury Auto Transport is the beacon you need for a hassle-free relocation. Our vehicle transport services are tailored for long-distance moves, ensuring that your journey to the sun is as smooth as the skies you’re heading towards. Click here for more information.
Conclusion
The allure of America’s sunniest cities goes beyond just clear skies. These are places of vibrant living, outdoor adventures, and healthful benefits that only a sunny climate can provide. If you’re ready to bask in more than just the glow of a new home, let Mercury Auto Transport light the way. Your sunny new life is just a drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunniest Cities in the USA
What is the sunniest state in America?
Arizona is often considered the sunniest state in America, with Yuma, Tucson, and Phoenix regularly topping the charts for the highest number of sunny days per year. The state’s desert climate contributes to its clear skies and abundant sunshine.
Where in the US gets the most sun in winter?
In the United States, the Southwest generally receives the most sun during the winter months. States like Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern California, particularly the desert regions, tend to have the sunniest winters with mild temperatures and clear skies.
Is Los Angeles famous for its sunny weather?
Yes, Los Angeles is famous for its sunny weather, with an average of 284 sunny days per year. The city’s Mediterranean climate results in mild, moderately wet winters and hot, sunny summers, making it a popular destination for those seeking year-round warm weather.
Is it sunny all year-round in California?
California is known for its sunny weather, but the degree of sunshine varies throughout the state. Southern California, especially, enjoys sunny days for most of the year, while Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, may experience more fog and overcast conditions, especially during the summer.
What types of outdoor activities are most popular in the sunniest cities?
In the sunniest cities, outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, golfing, and water sports like surfing and sailing are extremely popular. The consistent sunny weather allows residents and visitors to enjoy these activities year-round, contributing to a vibrant outdoor culture.
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