The United States is home to a surprisingly diverse set of climates. From the mountains to the desert to the coast, each part of America comes with its own unique climate zone. Some of those climates are quite lovely, but some of them tend to be…well, hot as heck.

If you’re looking to warm your bones, this list of the hottest cities in the US will make sure that they’re well-roasted. Or, if you’ve been dealing with the heat your whole life and want to get out of it, these are the cities you should avoid (hint: stay out of Texas).

Read on to learn where the mercury rises the highest!

1. Phoenix, Arizona

Ah, Phoenix. If you move here, you’ll get to enjoy temperatures above 90 degrees for almost half the year. Despite the fact that living in Phoenix is like living in an oven, it is one of the most populous cities in the country.

If you can deal with the heat, you’ll be rewarded with views of spectacular desert landscapes. Head outside the main city and find your zen in Sedona, then head north to take in the Grand Canyon. And if you miss the snow, you can head up to Flagstaff to cool off.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Viva Las Vegas! It’s home to casinos galore, luxury shopping, over the top buffets, and Wayne Newton. It also has an average high of 104 degrees in the summer and over 130 days per year reach temperatures of 90+ degrees.

One of the best parts of Vegas is, of course, the air conditioning! There’s endless entertainment, but it’s all to be had inside where you’re not likely to suffer heatstroke.

Electric bills for residents of Las Vegas are steep. The average cost to cool a 1,000 square foot home is $180 per month. If you’re planning on moving to Sin City, check out this post to learn how to reduce your cooling costs.

3. Brownsville, Texas

Where in the world is Brownsville, Texas, you ask? It’s on the southernmost tip of Texas between the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico.

Because of its southern location and proximity to the Gulf, Brownsville’s climate is described as semi-tropical. That means it is warm and humid year-round. The average temperature throughout the year is 74 degrees with 75 percent humidity.

Summers in Brownsville are another thing entirely. Expect temperatures well above 90 degrees and lots of oppressive humidity. Good thing you can cool off in the Gulf!

4. San Antonio, Texas

Do you remember the Alamo? San Antonio does. Located almost two hours southwest of Austin, San Antonio has over 115 days over 90 degrees per year and an average summer high of 97 degrees.

If you can overlook the heat, you’ll also be treated to the historic Alamo (we know, it’s smaller than you thought it’d be). Once you get your fill of Texas history, stroll along the riverwalk to check out the shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to try some barbacoa!

5. Austin, Texas

Texas’ capitol city, Austin, is also one of its hottest cities. Located right in the center of Texas, Austin is no stranger to hot weather. During the summer, the temperature regularly tops out in the upper 90s to lower 100s.

Beat the heat by visiting one of Austin’s many fantastic BBQ joints or local breweries. If you want to get outside, take a trip down to the Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels to spend your day lazing away in an inner tube on a lazy river.

Austin is also a great place to catch up and coming musical acts during the South by Southwest film and music festival. Don’t forget to check out a movie at one of the many Alamo Drafthouse theaters.

6. Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi is one of Texas’ best beach cities! Good thing, too, because Corpus Christi is also one of Texas’ warmest cities. Expect summer temperatures well above 90 degrees and plenty of humidity from the Gulf of Mexico.

In exchange, you’ll be able to relax on the shores of Padre Island and watch sea turtles return to the gulf. Corpus Christi is also home to the Texas State Aquarium which boasts numerous dolphins, fish, and other sea life. If you’re a history buff, you can check out the USS Lexington, which was an aircraft carrier during World War II.

7. Bakersfield, California

When you picture California, you probably picture palm trees, miles upon miles of gorgeous shoreline, and lovely weather year-round. Most of the California you see in movies and TV is coastal, but Bakersfield? Bakersfield definitely not.

Bakersfield is located 115 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the Tulare Basin desert. The average high throughout the year is 76 degrees, but expect temperatures to be above 90 degrees from June to September. It’s true what they say, it’s hot as H-E-double hockey sticks in Bakersfield.

8. Houston, Texas

It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity! You’ve heard this said before, but Houston’s hot and muggy weather demonstrates why, even though it doesn’t reach Phoenix’s highs, it can feel just as hot.

The average high is 95 degrees in the summer months, and expect high humidity, too. If you brave that weather, you’ll get to enjoy Texas’ most diverse city. Taste test your way through all of the city’s cuisines — from Persian to Mexican to Ethiopian.

Ready to Move to One of the Hottest Cities in the US?

There’s a lot of heat to be had in the southern portion of the United States. If you can handle the heat, you’ll also benefit with a lower cost of living across the board. Just make sure your air conditioning is up to the task!

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