California’s beauty is unmatched, especially during the summer months when the skies are bright blue and sunny and the palm trees are a little more vibrant green. With interior valleys and desert regions, California surely does have temperate weather.
If you are planning your getaway during the peak summer months, when you want to plan things strategically, being aware of the hottest cities in California is vital. The last thing you want is to melt down during your getaway.
To help you plan your itinerary, we have compiled a list of the 15 hottest cities in California, which include more than Hollywood and Malibu.
1. Death Valley (Furnace Creek)
- Average Temperature: 77.5°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Average highs 116°F to 120°F)
Starting strong with a place called “Furnace Creek,” Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth—134°F. So, it is undoubtedly one of the hottest cities in California, where the average temperature often exceeds 120°F. Despite the hot climate, the city is quite popular among adventure enthusiasts for trekking and exploration. You can explore the Badwater Basin, the colorful rocks of Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie Point, and Furnace Creek Visitor Center to immerse yourself in the place’s geology and wildlife.
2. Palm Springs
- Average Temperature: 76.1°F annually
- Hottest Months: July to September (Highs above 108°F)
A popular desert resort city, Palm Springs is also known for its blistering heat and luxurious appeal. The city is located in the iconic “Coachella Valley” and during the summer months, during Coachella, the temperatures sometimes exceed 110°F. However, during the cooler months, it becomes a haven for adventure enthusiasts. There are a lot of sights to explore and places to visit, including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons, and the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, where you will find numerous celebrity plaques too.
3. El Centro
- Average Temperature: 73.1°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs around 107°F)
Located quite close to the Mexico border, near Imperial Valley, El Centro is also one of the hottest cities in California. The summer heat here is intense, with highs frequently reaching the 105–110°F range. Despite the surrounding landscape being arid, the agricultural output is quite impressive due to the irrigation from the Colorado River. You can visit the Imperial Sand Dunes, a popular spot for off-roading and sandboarding. The nearby Salton Sea offers surreal scenery, ghostly shorelines, and birdwatching opportunities. Imperial Valley Mall is also an excellent place to shop.
4. Needles
- Average Temperature: 75.2°F annually
- Hottest Months: July to September (Highs around 110°F)
Needles is a relatively small and remote city located along the Colorado River in San Bernardino County. During the summer months, the temperature often hits 115°F or more. The town lies on the edge of the Mojave Desert, and its dry climate offers almost year-round sunshine. Despite its scorching climate, Needles is rich in Route 66 nostalgia. You can explore the diners and shops while you’re there. Also, if you are in the mood for water activities and adventure, you can go for boating, fishing, and cooling off in the Colorado River. Consider visiting the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge to explore the wetland and desert wildlife.
5. Brawley
- Average Temperature: 72.8°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs around 106°F)
Another popular city in Imperial County that has record-high temperatures is Brawley. The summers are often prickly and extreme, with temperatures usually exceeding 105°F. The city is heavily dependent on agriculture to run its economy. Despite the intense heat, Brawley hosts the annual Cattle Call Rodeo, a significant event in the region. Some nearby attractions you can consider visiting are the Salton Sea, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, and the downtown area to explore the small shops and cafes.
6. Thermal
- Average Temperature: 74.7°F annually
- Hottest Months: July to September (Highs above 108°F)
Living up to its name, Thermal is another one of California’s hottest cities, located near Coachella and Indio. During the summers, the temperature often soars past 110°F. Thermal is not as urbanized as the nearby cities, so if you are looking to explore the rural and remote life with vast agricultural lands, this is it. Beyond exploring the small city, you can also visit the Coachella Valley Preserve, Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, and Thermal Club while you are there.
7. Indio
- Average Temperature: 75.4°F annually
- Hottest Months: June to August (Highs around 106°F)
If you know of the iconic Coachella Music Festival, Indio is the quaint city where it’s held. It is a desert city that bakes under the Californian sun. The temperature during summer can spike above 105°F, but winter brings perfect weather. One of the most iconic destinations to visit in the city is Shields Date Garden, where you can learn more about the locally grown dates. Also, the Coachella Valley History Museum gives you insights into the agricultural life there. For adventure, hike the Ladder Canyon and Box Canyon Road trails.
8. Blythe
- Average Temperature: 74.2°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs around 108°F)
Blythe is another desert city in California, located near the California-Arizona border. Its summers are brutally hot, with highs consistently above 105°F. However, the brutal summer doesn’t stop the city from experiencing a sea of adventure and outdoor enthusiasts indulging in a variety of activities around. You can learn about the city’s roots at Palo Verde Historical Museum or indulge in boating, jet skiing, and camping at Colorado River Recreation Area.
9. Calexico
- Average Temperature: 73.8°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs around 105°F)
Situated along the U.S.-Mexico border, Calexico is another California city known for its extensive summer heat, often above 105°F. Calexico is a fusion of American and Mexican cultures, evident in its architecture, food, and festivals. There are a lot of fantastic food options to try. But, for exploration, head to the Gran Plaza Outlets to shop to your heart’s content. You can also visit Rockwood Plaza Park to find some respite amidst nature, away from the scorching heat.
10. Cathedral City
- Average Temperature: 74.6°F annually
- Hottest Months: July to August (Highs above 107°F)
Another popular city in the Coachella Valley is Cathedral City, which is also brutal to explore during the peak summers. The daytime high temperature often reaches above 105°F, sometimes higher. One of the most iconic landmarks to visit in the city is the Fountain of Life, which features a striking fountain and a public space to relax in. Also, there are many outdoor activities to choose from, including exploring golf courses and visiting the natural attractions in Coachella Valley.
11. Bakersfield
- Average Temperature: 70.1°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs up to 100°F)
Bakersfield is located in California’s Central Valley, where the summer temperatures usually hover around in triple digits. The dry heat and air pollution in the city often make things worse. Not just for agriculture, the city is also known as an energy hub. From witnessing the native wildlife in California Living Museum to visiting the Buck Owens Crystal Palace if you are a music fan, there are a lot of things to explore and see while there. Also, you can visit the Kern River Parkway Trail to explore the riverbanks.
12. Barstow
- Average Temperature: 70.4°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs around 104°F)
Barstow is another desert city in California, more precisely located in Mojave. It is a key stop along the Route 66 trail known for hot summers and arid weather. You can start your exploration by visiting the Route 66 Mother Road Museum to learn more about America’s highway past. However, the most iconic experience comes from visiting the Calico Ghost Town, where you get to witness old history come to life. To escape the heat, consider visiting the Barstow Outlet Mall.
13. Riverside
- Average Temperature: 67.5°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs around 100°F)
Another one of the hottest cities in California that deserves to be talked about is Riverside. It is part of the Inland Empire and has experienced a lot of urbanization but with excessive heat too. If you are an architecture enthusiast, your first stop has to be the iconic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. To bask in the beauty and peace of nature, head to the Riverside Botanic Gardens. Also, visiting the Mount Rubidoux Park is a must if you want to get a panoramic view of the entire city from the top. It is also a popular hiking spot.
14. Fresno
- Average Temperature: 66.3°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs up to 100°F)
Located in the Central Valley in California, Fresno is yet another one of the hottest cities in the state. It experiences intense summers, and since it is an agricultural basin, it further adds to the smog and heat buildup. A unique spot to visit is the Forestiere Underground Gardens, where you get to witness a unique subterranean home built to escape the heat. For adventure and nature walks, head to Woodward Park. To explore the local wildlife, Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Shinzen Japanese Garden are popular family-friendly destinations.
15. Red Bluff
- Average Temperature: 65.4°F annually
- Hottest Months: July & August (Highs around 100°F)
Red Bluff is located in the Sacramento Valley in California and witnesses intense summer months, despite being farther north. The heat here is dry and persistent in July and August. The city is known for the Red Bluff Round-Up, one of the largest rodeos in the West. Water lovers can enjoy boating and kayaking in the Sacramento River Bend Area. To immerse yourself in the Victorian history of the city, consider visiting the Kelly Griggs House Museum.
Final Words
California is a blend of every adventurous experience you can dream of as a traveller. Hollywood, Malibu, bustling cities, deserts, and wildlife exploration opportunities exist. However, the only way to make the most of your California trip is to have a well-planned itinerary that bypasses the heavy and scorching heat of the summer months and the cities that experience the brunt of the heat. We have sorted out a few for you to consider.
