Weather can make or break a vacation. After all, it’s more fun to experience a new city on a sunny stroll than through a rain-covered taxi window. To find destinations likely to have idyllic blue skies, we collected weather data for major U.S. cities from the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information to identify places with the mildest temperatures (between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and sunniest days. Cities with the most days of cloud cover and hottest temperature extremes didn’t make the cut. When it comes to climate, these 10 U.S. destinations with the best weather always fit the bill.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii’s capital ranks as one of the happiest cities in the U.S. — thanks in no small part to its beautiful year-round weather. Rich in cultural heritage, natural wonders, and sunshine, Honolulu has consistently mild temperatures, making it a favorite for outdoor adventures. The city’s average highs hover in the 80s throughout the year, and lows rarely drop below the mid-60s. And although the rainy season runs from October through April, enjoying a sunny day at world-famous Waikiki Beach or during a hike to Diamond Head — the 762-foot-tall volcanic crater that looms over the coast — is possible throughout the year.
9. Charlotte, North Carolina
Catch a ball game or NASCAR race under blue skies in the Queen City, one of the mildest cities in the South. With its far inland location at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlotte is protected from hurricanes that often threaten the Carolina shores. Boasting pleasant seasonal changes and lows that stay above freezing, it’s one of the best major cities for enjoying the outdoors all year long. Head to the nearby 1,300-acre U.S. National Whitewater Center to experience one of Charlotte’s most popular outdoor adventures.
8. Riverside, California
Riverside’s mild weather made it the birthplace of California’s citrus industry, but the city’s climate isn’t just great for fruits — Riverside residents enjoy year-round activities in the SoCal sun. Situated between Los Angeles and Palm Springs in the Inland Empire region, Riverside boasts family-friendly amusement parks, scenic hiking trails, and the California Citrus State Historic Park. The city does have some of the hottest summers on the list, with highs averaging in the 90s, but winters are some of the most pleasant, with lows in the 40s and highs in the upper 60s.
7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
It’s almost always a good day to walk down Virginia Beach’s famous boardwalk, where you’ll find shops, vendors, live entertainment, special events, and a statue of Neptune standing watch over the popular tourist area. This quintessential beach town is the only spot on the Atlantic Coast to join the list of U.S. cities with the best weather. Although it experiences more temperature fluctuations than other cities, Virginia Beach’s average lows stay above freezing during winter, and summertime highs average in the upper 80s. Moderate precipitation and cloud cover make it a comfortable year-round destination for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping, and swimming at Virginia Beach’s many beaches and state parks.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
Whether you’re wandering through Centennial Olympic Park or heading to Zoo Atlanta, chances are it’s a beautiful day in Georgia’s capital city. According to NOAA’s data, Atlanta has the mildest climate of any major city in the eastern U.S., with over one-third of the year (141 days) ranging between a comfortable 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. From exploring nearby hiking and biking trails to catching a Braves game on a warm summer evening, you’ll likely have the perfect weather for your outdoor activities in Atlanta.
5. San Jose, California
Silicon Valley’s largest city is no stranger to picturesque weather. Wintertime lows rarely fall below the 40s, and summertime highs stay in the mid-80s. Known for its cultural diversity, San Jose is home to year-round outdoor festivals celebrating food, music, art, and more — all under nearly constant sunny skies. The city’s Mediterranean climate provides perfect growing locations for vineyards, making San Jose a prime destination for winery tours in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Clara Valley.
4. San Francisco, California
Whether taking a boat to Alcatraz Island or viewing the Golden Gate Bridge, you will likely have comfortable weather in San Francisco. This arts and culture hub in the Bay Area experiences some of the mildest temperatures in the country, consistently hovering between the 40s and 70s. Golden Gate Park is among the best places to take in the beautiful weather, with walking trails, botanical gardens, sports fields, and playgrounds for little ones. San Francisco was also named the best U.S. city for dogs in 2024, as 100% of residents have access to a park within 10 minutes of their home.
3. Sacramento, California
California’s capital city has the fewest cloudy days on this list, boasting 3,608 hours of sunlight annually, which amounts to about 78% of daylight hours. This underrated capital city holds a historic gold rush past that is revealed in the Old Sacramento neighborhood, where visitors can explore the scenic waterfront along the Sacramento River. Home to family parks, a zoo, live music venues, and seasonal festivals such as the annual California State Fair, Sacramento has no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy under sunny skies.
2. San Diego, California
California’s southernmost city boasts the mildest temperatures in the U.S., with 319 days a year falling between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Like Sacramento, San Diego is also one of the sunniest cities in the country, boasting 3,055 hours of sun annually. Known for its beautiful sunsets, upscale seaside hotels, surfing beaches, sporting events, and city parks, San Diego has just about every outdoor activity that a city dweller could hope for. Adventure seekers need only look to the ocean for activities, from whale-watching cruises to kayaking with sea lions, all under typically clear skies.
1. Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, visitors can experience the glitz and glam of the Hollywood lights accompanied by warm, mild evenings and splendidly sunny days. L.A. takes the top spot on the list of U.S. cities with the best weather by having slightly more days of sunshine than its southern neighbor San Diego. With wintertime lows in the 50s and summer highs in the upper 70s, L.A. is the ideal place for al fresco dining, shopping, beachgoing, sports, hiking, and many other outdoor adventures.
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