Do you long for a dose of vitamin D? Has it been a while since you last saw the sun? Whether you live in a city with a colder climate or simply can’t get enough sun, you should consider moving to or visiting a sunny place for a short vacation. In this guide, I will walk you through the best 11 sunniest cities in the US
News flash! Although Florida is referred to as the “Sunniest State,” it isn’t the sunniest city. So, where are the best sunniest cities in the United States? Join me in this article!
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Best sunniest cities in the US
Table of Contents
1. Yuma Arizona state
Topping my list of the best sunniest cities in the US is Yuma, Arizona. Yuma has an average of 320 bright days every year and is the world’s sunniest spot, according to the International Meteorological Organization!
It receives 11 hours of sunlight in the winter and 13 hours in the summer. To put it another way, Yuma has 4,015 hours of daylight every year. It receives approximately 3 inches of rain each year, making rain on any particular day exceedingly rare. Every year, the city receives 31.6 days of rain, totaling 2.8 inches of precipitation. Yuma has the most reported mean sunlight of any city on Earth, with the sun shining on the city for 90% of the daylight hours.
2. Phoenix Arizona State
It’s no surprise that Arizona has the two sunniest cities in the country as it is the sunniest state in the US. Phoenix has 300 sunny days per annum. It is the most populous city in the American state of Arizona, with 1,608,139 residents as of 2020.
Phoenix has a hot desert climate with long, scorching summers and mild winters, with 3,872 hours of sunshine each year. The city is situated in one of the world’s sunniest regions, with sun exposure comparable to that of the Desert. The climate of Arizona, which is located in the southwest, is not uniform and varies substantially within the state due to its vast territory and diverse elevation.
3. El Paso
Next on my list is El Paso. El Paso is the only Texas city on this list that enjoys a lot of sunshine, with 297 bright days on average every year. Because of its proximity to the Mexican border, which is less than 10 miles away, the city has a strong Mexican influence, from the food to the cultural sites. You should consider this city if you are a vacation to the US soon!
El Paso has a climate that is halfway between cold and hot deserts, with scorching summers with low humidity and cool to moderate dry winters. The city receives 83 percent of its daylight hours, earning it the nickname “The Sun City” from the National Weather Service.
4. Las Vegas
Las Vegas, also known as Sin City has an average of 294 sunny days per year. This Nevada city is known for its nightlife, unique buffets at themed hotels, live entertainment, and casino culture.
You get to enjoy yourself to the fullest without worrying about unexpected rainfall. I particularly enjoy strolling along the iconic Las Vegas Strip, marveling at the dazzling lights and extravagant attractions. There is an endless array of entertainment options, from world-class shows to thrilling casino games. This ensures there’s never a dull moment in Sin City!
According to data collected in 1938, Las Vegas receives little less than 4.2 inches of rain per year on average. Summer temperatures in Las Vegas average 102 degrees Fahrenheit and regularly reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
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5. Tucson Arizona
The fifth on my list is Tucson Arizona! Tucson is one of the sunniest cities in the United States, with an annual average of 286 sunny days. It is the capital of Pima County in Arizona, and it is home to the University of Arizona.
Tucson has a hot and arid climate with two distinct seasons: a sweltering summer and a mild winter. But here’s the thing, the sun is strong in Tucson at certain times of the year, and you need to use Sunblock to avoid getting sunburns.
6. Fresno California
Fresno, California is sixth on the list of the sunniest cities in the US, with an annual average of 271 sunny days. The summers in Fresno are hot, dry, and clear, while the winters are cool, damp, and partly cloudy. Fresno is a big city in the San Joaquin Valley of California.
It has a population of 542,107 people and a land area of 112 square miles (290 km2), making it the fifth-most populous city in California. If you have some free time, there is much to keep you busy in this metropolis. From pottery and painting classes to museums and hikes, you will enjoy yourself to the fullest in this state.
7. Sacramento
It may not be at the top of most California sunny cities, but its history and sunny location are incentive enough to see it. Sacramento is the county seat of Sacramento County and the state capital of California.
The city has a subtropical climate, with hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with intermittent rain. Sacramento is known as the United States “Farm-to-Fork” Capital because it ships food all over the country and boasts 40 local farmers’ markets brimming with fresh veggies. The city is well-known for a variety of things, including delicious meals and locally farmed products.
8. Pueblo Colorado
Pueblo may be smaller than the other cities on this list, but it gets plenty of sunlight. It has an average of 259 sunny days each year. The City of Pueblo is a home rule municipality in Pueblo County, Colorado, and serves as the county seat as well as the country’s most populous metropolis.
Pueblo has a steppe climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, with average highs of 90°F (32°C) or higher on 66.7 days and 100°F (38°C) or above on 10.2 days.
9. Reno
Reno is known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” and it has 252 days of sunshine every year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the US. Because of its proximity to Lake Tahoe, it is also a popular tourist attraction. I particularly enjoyed the Lake Tahoe view when I visited there. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities in and around Lake Tahoe, it will cost you just a few dollars.
You can participate in other activities like hiking, boating, and sunbathing in the summer, or skiing in the winter. Despite its closeness to Las Vegas, the country’s purported gambling capital, Reno has its own casino culture.
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10. Redding
The city of Redding in California is tenth on this list, with an average of 249 sunny days per year. Shasta County’s county seat is Redding, which is located along the Sacramento River. According to the 2022 census, the city has a population of 95,542 people. It also has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and chilly, wet winters.
Redding serves as a regional hub for education, shopping, employment opportunities, private business development, professional services, medical facilities, and government. Redding has an 88 percent chance of sunlight, making it a wonderful place to visit.
11. Roswell, Mexico
Aliens might be Roswell’s claim to fame, but sunshine is its draw. The city has sunshine on more than 280 days of the year. Yet, that is not the only incentive to relocate to Roswell. The cost of living in the city is 18% lower than the national average. Searching for a job? Manufacturing, agriculture, and aviation refurbishment are all available in this city.
