California and Alaska Hold Records for the Hottest and Coldest Temperatures in U.S. History

What We’re Showing

This graphic shows the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in the U.S. Data was sourced from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

See the data tab for temperatures in Celsius.

Key Takeaways

• The verified recorded high temperature in Death Valley, California, reached 134.4°F (56.9°C) on July 10, 1913.
• January 23, 1971, marked the coldest day in American history, with thermometers reaching -80°F (-62.2°C) at Alaska's Prospect Creek Camp.

Fact: Approximately 1,220 people are killed by extreme heat every year in the U.S.