July 2026 was the hottest month on record in the contiguous U.S.

July 2026 was the warmest month on record for the contiguous United States, according to the latest U.S. climate data.

The average temperature across the lower 48 states was 24.9 C, which was 1.8 C above the 20th-century average. It was slightly warmer than the previous records set in July 1936 and July 2012.

Warm temperatures were widespread, with every state recording above-average temperatures. Thirteen states ranked among their five warmest Julys on record.

Wyoming recorded its warmest July and warmest month ever, with temperatures averaging 3.5 C above normal.

Overnight temperatures were particularly notable. Average minimum temperatures reached 17.9 C, making July the warmest month on record for overnight lows and surpassing the previous record set in July 2022 by 0.4 C.

Average daytime highs reached 31.9 C, ranking July as the sixth-warmest month on record for average high temperatures.

Alaska experienced a much different pattern. Its average July temperature was 11.0 C, ranking in the coolest third of its historical record and making it the state's coolest July since 2008.

Hawai'i averaged 20.8 C, slightly above its long-term average. Overnight temperatures were generally above average, while daytime temperatures were near or below average.

The July data covers the period from 1895 to the present for the contiguous United States.