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Statewide weather rankings · 2025 data

Best Weather by State
in the U.S.

A statewide look at where weather most often feels just right, based on Perfect Weather Index scores derived from National Weather Service forecast data.

View the Map ↓ Best Weather by Month
50
States Compared
2025
Forecast-Based Data
1–10
Weather Score
Annual
Statewide Ranking
// Annual State Ranking

Which States Have the Best Overall Weather?

Weather varies widely across the United States, influenced by geography, season, elevation, humidity, storm tracks, and regional weather patterns. This page compares states using statewide Perfect Weather Index scores that account for temperature, sunshine, humidity, precipitation, and wind.

Annual Perfect Weather Index Ranking by State
Higher rank = more favorable statewide weather
Map of the United States showing each state’s average annual Perfect Weather Index rank based on 2025 forecast-based conditions.
What this page shows

These rankings highlight which states had the best overall weather patterns in 2025 based on forecast-derived Perfect Weather Index scores. They are not climate normals, relocation guarantees, or official forecasts.

// Method

How State Rankings Are Calculated

The ranking is designed for broad comparison. It summarizes many local forecast points into a statewide score, so states with diverse terrain may include both excellent and poor weather areas at the same time.

📍Grid-Based ScoringDaily Perfect Weather Index scores are calculated for individual forecast grid areas.
🧮Statewide AverageScores are summarized across each state to produce a broad statewide comparison.
🌤️Weather QualityHigher values indicate more frequent favorable conditions, not perfect weather every day.
⚠️Not Extreme EventsRankings reflect overall forecast-based conditions, not storm records or climate extremes.
Perfect Weather Days by Grid Cell
Shows geographic variation within states
United States grid map showing the number of Perfect Weather Index 10 days per year for each geographic cell.
// Consistent Winners

States With the Most Consistently Favorable Weather

Based on statewide average weather scores, these states tend to rank well across multiple seasons.

  1. California
  2. Arizona
  3. New Mexico
  4. Nevada
  5. Utah

The Southwest often performs well because of abundant sunshine and generally lower humidity, even though extreme summer heat can occur. Because rankings are statewide averages, higher-elevation and coastal regions can help balance hotter seasonal periods.

// Seasonal Patterns

Best Weather Shifts Throughout the Year

Rather than one state dominating every month, the best weather shifts by season. Some states rank highly during part of the year and lower during another.

Winter

  • Arizona
  • Southern California
  • Texas
  • New Mexico

Spring

  • California
  • North Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Arkansas

Summer

  • Colorado
  • Washington
  • Maine
  • Montana

Fall

  • New Mexico
  • California
  • North Carolina
  • Virginia
❄️Northern Plains & Upper MidwestCan have excellent summers, but much lower scores during harsh winter periods.
🌲Pacific NorthwestRainy and snowy cool-season weather contrasts with excellent summer conditions.
🌿SoutheastSpring and fall can be excellent, while humidity lowers summer scores.
// Geography

How Geography Shapes State Weather Rankings

State rankings are strongly influenced by regional geography. Large states especially can include multiple weather regimes at the same time.

🌎LatitudeControls seasonal temperature range and the timing of favorable weather windows.
⛰️ElevationModerates heat, supports cooler nights, and creates strong local differences.
🌊Marine InfluenceOceans and large lakes can reduce temperature extremes and alter cloud and humidity patterns.
💧Humidity PatternsMoisture often matters as much as temperature when judging how favorable the weather feels.
// Data Note

Important Data Note

State rankings are derived from forecast-based weather data and reflect relative patterns observed during 2025. Weather varies year to year, and results should not be interpreted as official climate normals or used for safety-critical decisions without consulting official forecasts.

Best use of this page

Use these rankings for broad comparison, trip inspiration, seasonal context, and understanding geographic patterns. For day-to-day planning, use the current 7-day forecast pages and official local forecasts.

// Explore Further

Explore More Weather Rankings

These pages provide more detailed views of how favorable weather changes by time period and location.

Best Weather by MonthSee where weather tends to rank best by month. Best Weather This WeekCurrent 7-day rankings and forecast highlights. 7-Day Weather MapsDaily map views showing how the best weather shifts. National Park WeatherExplore weather rankings for major U.S. national parks.

Weather Rankings Are Most Useful When They Show Patterns.

State rankings provide the broad view. Weekly, monthly, and activity-specific forecasts show how those patterns change when timing and purpose matter.

See This Week's Best Weather →