Best Weather by State in the U.S.

Based on Perfect Weather Index scores derived from National Weather Service forecast data (2025).

• Daily Perfect Weather Index scores are calculated for each location (2.5 km grid squares).
• A total score is calculated for each grid square.
• Scores are averaged across each state to produce a statewide rank
• Higher values indicate more frequent pleasant conditions, not perfect weather every day
• Rankings reflect overall comfort, not extreme events or records

This approach allows meaningful comparisons while accounting for each state’s geographic diversity.

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

• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• Utah

The Southwest consistently performs well due to abundant sunshine and generally low humidity, even though extreme heat can occur during summer months. Because these rankings are calculated as statewide averages, higher-elevation and coastal regions help balance periods of intense heat, resulting in strong overall performance across the year.

Some states rank highly during part of the year but poorly during others. This seasonal variability is an important part of understanding weather comfort.

Examples include:

• Northern Plains & Upper Midwest – very comfortable summers, harsh winters
• Pacific Northwest – rainy/snowy winters, but excellent summers.
• Southeast – pleasant spring and fall, humid summers

Strong seasonal swings don’t imply “bad” weather—only greater variability across the year.

Rather than a single winner, perfect weather shifts throughout the year:

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

These seasonal shifts explain why no single state dominates year-round.

State rankings are strongly influenced by:

• Latitude – controls seasonal temperature range
• Elevation – moderates heat and supports cooler nights
• Proximity to oceans/lakes – marine influence reduces extremes
• Humidity patterns – moisture often matters more than temperature

States with diverse terrain may contain both high- and low-comfort areas simultaneously, which is why statewide averages are most useful for broad comparisons.

State rankings are derived from forecast-based weather data and reflect relative comfort patterns observed during 2025. Weather conditions vary year to year and results should not be interpreted as climate normals or used for decision-making without consulting official forecasts.

• Best Weather by Month
• Best Weather This Week
• 7-Day Weather Maps

These pages provide more detailed views of how comfort changes over time.