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10 Sunniest Cities in the United States

If you’re looking for a place where sunny days are the norm rather than the exception, the United States has plenty of options to offer. 

From Arizona’s scorching deserts to California’s warm coastlines, these cities boast remarkable numbers of sunny days throughout the year. 

Let’s explore the 10 sunniest cities in the United States, where blue skies and bright sunshine are part of everyday life.

1. Yuma, Arizona 

yuma arizona
Photo by Clay Elliot on Unsplash

Yuma takes the crown as the sunniest city, not just in the United States but in the world

With over 4,000 hours of sunlight annually and more than 13 hours of sunshine daily during summer, this sun city truly lives up to its reputation. 

The sunny weather comes with intense heat, particularly during July and August, when temperatures regularly reach 110 degrees. But despite the heat, Yuma offers plenty of outdoor activities, from Colorado River rafting to exploring the Imperial Sand Dunes. 

The city is also an agricultural powerhouse, producing 90% of the winter lettuce for the U.S. and Canada.

Read Next: Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States

2. Phoenix, Arizona

phoenix
Image by Chris Tingom on Unsplash

Arizona’s capital city comes in second place. The abundant days of sunshine brings considerable heat, with over 100 days of triple-digit temperatures annually. 

In 2024, Phoenix broke records with 113 days above 100°F and 70 days above 110°F. Despite the intense heat, the city continues to grow, attracting new residents with its stunning desert landscapes and diverse attractions. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Papago Park or tackle Piestewa Peak, while sports fans can enjoy professional hockey, football, basketball, and baseball games.

Read Next: The Most Beautiful Towns in the United States

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

things to do in vegas besides gamble
©TheBoutiqueAdventurer

Las Vegas combines entertainment with abundant sunshine in the Mojave Desert. The city experiences plenty of sun, wind, and minimal rainfall throughout the year. 

Beyond the famous casinos and hotels, Las Vegas offers numerous outdoor activities, including mountain biking, ziplining, and rock climbing. 

For those seeking relaxation, the city provides various spas, golf courses, museums, and parks to enjoy the sunny weather. 

Be sure to check out my guide on the best things to do in Las Vegas during the month of December. 

4. Fresno, California

fresno-ca
PC: Pixabay

Located in California’s Central Valley, Fresno balances sunny days with unique weather patterns. While spring and summer bring consistent sunshine, fall and winter mornings often feature thick tule fog. 

The city’s location provides easy access to three national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. 

Fresno’s agricultural heritage influences its local cuisine, making it a food lover’s paradise with fresh, local produce available year-round.

Read Next: The Most Beautiful Cities in the United States

5. Tucson, Arizona

st augustine church tucson
PC: TheBoutiqueAdventurer

One of the best places to live in Arizona, Tucson offers a slightly milder climate than Phoenix thanks to its elevation. 

The city combines sunny weather with rich cultural experiences, hosting events like the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and El Tour de Tucson bike race. 

Nature enthusiasts can explore Saguaro National Park or Catalina State Park, while the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum showcases the region’s unique desert ecosystem.

Read Next: Where to Watch the Sunset in Sedona

6. El Paso, Texas

el paso texas
Source: Canva by DenisTangneyJr from Getty Images Signature

Situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, El Paso enjoys year-round sunshine with an interesting weather twist: summers bring monsoon rains. The city’s location on the Mexican border creates a unique bilingual and binational atmosphere. 

Residents can enjoy various activities, from touring local vineyards to visiting water parks. The nearby White Sands National Park and historic 17th-century Spanish missions add to the city’s appeal.

Tax is a land of diverse landscapes and iconic monuments, so you may want to check out my guide on the 15 most beautiful places in Texas you must visit. 

7. Bakersfield, California 

bakersfield-ca
PC: Pixabay

Just an hour from Los Angeles, Bakersfield combines agricultural heritage with urban amenities. The city experiences hot summers and mild winters with light fog. 

Beyond its agricultural roots, Bakersfield is known for its oil and natural gas industries. 

The city offers various attractions, including the Kern County Museum, Bakersfield Museum of Art, and a unique country music scene known as the Bakersfield Sound.

Read Next: The Most Dangerous Cities in the United States

8. Sacramento, California 

Sacramento
PC: Sepavone

California’s capital city enjoys plenty of sunshine, particularly during summer months. While fall and winter bring fog and rain, the city makes the most of its sunny days with free summer concerts and outdoor activities. 

Residents can explore Folsom Lake, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, or enjoy the California State Fair. The American River Parkway provides a perfect setting for sunny day activities.

Read Next: How to Spend a day in Yosemite

9. Los Angeles, California

los angeles
Source: Canva by by chonesstock

The entertainment capital of the world benefits from a sunny, mild climate year-round. With some of the calmest winds nationally (around 1.9 mph) and temperatures that vary from coast to inland, Los Angeles offers something for everyone.

From sunrise views at Griffith Park to beach days in Venice, the city’s outdoor attractions take full advantage of the sunny weather.

Read Next: Most Famous Landmarks in California

10. Stockton, California 

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PC: Pixabay

Rounding out the top 10, Stockton combines sunny weather with convenient access to both Sacramento and the coast. The city experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters with some rain. 

The California Delta flows through Stockton, while the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains provide additional outdoor recreation opportunities. 

Local attractions include the Haggin Museum and various downtown walking areas.

Read Next: Best Things to do in Palm Springs

Wrapping Up

Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles
PC: miroslav_1/depositphotos

These 10 sunny cities showcase the diverse environments where sunshine dominates the forecast. From Yuma’s world-record-setting sunny days to Stockton’s balanced climate, each city offers its own unique blend of weather and lifestyle. 

While the abundant sunshine often comes with high temperatures, especially in desert locations, it also enables year-round outdoor activities and vibrant community life. 

Whether you’re drawn to Arizona’s desert landscapes, California’s varied terrain, or Nevada’s entertainment scene, these sunny destinations provide countless opportunities to enjoy blue skies and bright days throughout the year.

Also Read: Love in the Air: The 27 Most Romantic Cities in the United States

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