If you are looking for a quick getaway or a place to settle down, finding the best weather in the US may be a key component of your search.
An area known for its mild climate and high # of sunny days (per year) isn’t just a snowbird’s paradise; it’s an opportunity to kick that seasonal depression to the curb and increase your daily activity levels. Take it from us; it’s a lot easier to convince yourself to get up off the couch and get your daily dose of fresh air when it isn’t snowing, hailing, or hovering below 0 degrees.
So, without further ado, here are the top 8 places with the best weather in the US. (It may not surprise you that three of them are in California).
#1: San Diego, California
Average Temperature High: 70°F
Average Temperature Low: 60°F
Record Highs/Record Lows: 111°F / 25°F
Average Rent Cost: $2,500/month
Average Home Price: $900,000
Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: La Jolla, Del Mar, Pacific Beach, North Park, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, Coronado, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Encinitas
San Diego, California, has an annual average temperature in the 60°F to 70°F range. With its proximity to the beach and destinations like Embarcadero–which has more than 50 shops and restaurants–San Diego offers a little bit of everything.
In addition to the mild temperatures from May through November, you’ll also enjoy clear skies in the greater San Diego area. While the warmer season (July to October) only lasts around four months, rest assured that even during the cool season, when average lows dip to around 51°F in December, the water temperature does not change much, with 69°F being the average.
Locals say September is the best month of the year and February the worst (at least from a weather standpoint).
#2: Santa Barbara, California
- Average Temperature High: 75°F
- Average Temperature Low: 45°F
- Record Highs/Record Lows: 104°F / 20°F
- Average Rent Cost: $2,800/month
- Average Home Price: $1,200,000
- Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: Riviera, East Beach, Downtown, Mesa, West Beach, Upper State, San Roque, Hope Ranch, Montecito, Mission Canyon
If you travel a little further up the California coast, you’ll find Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara has warm summers with average highs in the mid-70s and mild winters where temperatures don’t often fall below 45°F. Because the Pacific Ocean regulates temperatures in Northern California, you can count on good weather virtually all year long.
Santa Barbara’s wet winters tend to last from late November to late March. This period is followed by a predominantly dry season from late March to mid-November. Some people refer to Santa Barbara as having more of a Mediterranean climate.
People living in Santa Barbara enjoy hiking through the Santa Ynez Mountains, wine tasting, or a sunset sail off the coast.
#3: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Average Temperature High: 85°F
- Average Temperature Low: 75°F
- Record Highs/Record Lows: 95°F / 53°F
- Average Rent Cost: $2,200/month
- Average Home Price: $900,000
- Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako, Diamond Head, Kahala, Manoa, Makiki, Hawaii Kai, Ewa Beach, Kailua
Honolulu, Hawaii, is a city known for its tropical climate. Here, you’ll find that the average temperature hovers between 75°F and 85°F. December is the wettest month and has a rainfall of 2.85 inches. But fear not, in Honolulu, the summers are dry, and the winter showers are relatively brief.
Residents and visitors enjoy surfing, hiking, and exercising outdoors.
#4: Charleston, South Carolina
- Average Temperature High: 90°F
- Average Temperature Low: 60°F
- Record Highs/Record Lows: 104°F / 10°F
- Average Rent Cost: $1,700/month
- Average Home Price: $400,000
- Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Daniel Island, James Island, North Charleston, Sullivan’s Island
Take a trip to the other side of the country, and you’ll find Charleson, South Carolina. Charleston has a subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from around 60°F to 90°F. It is a charming city with cobblestone streets, friendly neighbors, a lot of history, great low-country cuisine, and plenty of sunny days year-round.
One thing to keep in mind: Charleson does have a diverse climate. Winters are considerably cooler than summers, where high temperatures will make you wonder how early settlers made it without air conditioning! Although Charleston has had a handful of snow storms, freezing temperatures are rare. Overall, this is a pleasant climate with very little risk of extreme weather conditions.
#5: Austin, Texas
- Average Temperature High: 90°F
- Average Temperature Low: 60°F
- Record Highs/Record Lows: 112°F / -2°F
- Average Rent Cost: $1,800/month
- Average Home Price: $500,000
- Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: Downtown, Zilker, South Congress, Hyde Park, Mueller, Westlake Hills, Tarrytown, Barton Hills, East Austin, Cherrywood
Austin’s climate is characterized by hot summers and sunny weather, with average temperatures ranging into the 90s°F. Luckily, these summers are followed up with mild winters that level out around 60°F.
Austin has nearly 300 days of sunshine annually–which means that residents can enjoy cycling along Lady Bird Lake or hiking in the Hill Country over 82% of the year. As a recognized cycling-friendly city, Austin’s climate supports a host of bike-related events each year. Overall, Austin is a popular destination if you want abundant sunshine, warm summer temperatures, and minimal rainfall.
#6: Denver, Colorado
- Average Temperature High: 88°F
- Average Temperature Low: 55°F
- Record Highs/Record Lows: 105°F / -29°F
- Average Rent Cost: $1,900/month
- Average Home Price: $600,000
- Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, Highlands, Washington Park, RiNo, Sloan’s Lake, Stapleton, Park Hill, LoDo, Hilltop
While thoughts of Denver’s snow-capped mountains may leave you wondering how the Mile High City made it on this list, some people have the wrong impression about Denver’s climate. Denver is known for its low humidity, 300 days of sunshine, and warm summers. Sure, you can expect a handful of beautiful snowstorms in the winter, but the other 300 days of the year, you’ll be able to hike, take bike rides, and picnic in the city’s many parks and nearby national parks.
While Denver’s summers are hot and dry, they are balanced by the cool, crisp air that accompanies the winter snowfall. People in Denver enjoy outdoor activities year-round, making it the ideal city for those who prioritize leading a healthy lifestyle.
#7: Portland, Oregon
- Average Temperature High: 80°F
- Average Temperature Low: 45°F
- Record Highs/Record Lows: 107°F / -3°F
- Average Rent Cost: $1,700/month
- Average Home Price: $500,000
- Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: Pearl District, Nob Hill, Alberta Arts District, Sellwood-Moreland, Hawthorne District, Goose Hollow, Lloyd District, Irvington
Portland, Oregon, has temperate weather, but do note that Portland experiences four distinct seasons. While the winter is cool with wet conditions and the occasional snowfall, the summer is warm and dry with plenty of sunshine.
Portland is known for its low humidity, which makes it enjoyable to go outside and enjoy the Willamette River or visit a public garden or wildlife preserve. Expect a little rain in Portland, but its overall temperate weather should be just the vote of confidence you need to make Portland, Oregon, your new home.
#8: San Francisco, California
- Average Temperature High: 70°F
- Average Temperature Low: 60°F
- Record Highs/Record Lows: 106°F / 27°F
- Average Rent Cost: $3,500/month
- Average Home Price: $1,400,000
- Highest-Rated Neighborhoods: Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, Mission District, SoMa, Noe Valley, Haight-Ashbury, Marina District, North Beach, Castro, Potrero Hill
Finally, if warm weather and a pleasant sunny climate are your thing (and who doesn’t fall into this group?), you may want to consider the San Francisco Bay area. Aside from its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, people know San Francisco for its temperatures that hover between 60°F and 70°F year-round.
San Francisco’s weather is further defined by its famous fog. The city has a diverse topography, from the hills of Twin Peaks to the flatlands of the Mission. This results in various microclimates within a relatively small geographic area.
Summary
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Which U.S. City Has the Best Year-Round Weather?
San Diego, California, is often cited as having the best year-round weather. With a consistently mild temperature and mostly sunny skies, it’s a great spot to move if you can afford it.
What U.S. State Has the Best Year-Round Weather?
No surprise, California steals the crown in the best year-round weather category, particularly along its coastal regions like San Diego and Santa Barbara.
Where Is It 70 Degrees All Year Round?
Hilo, Hawaii, has an average temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round — which is great weather for moving and unpacking!
Where in the US Is It 65 Degrees Year-Round?
Santa Barbara, California, enjoys an average annual temperature of close to 65 degrees.
