Earth hosts a variety of extreme temperatures, from the frigid Arctic to the blazing Sahara. But where exactly is the hottest place on our planet?
Here, we present the top 10 hottest locations in the world, based on their highest recorded temperatures.
Although these places may not always stay as hot as their records indicate, these extreme temperatures hint at a consistently high level of heat. If you plan to visit any of these destinations, make sure to bring ample water and a hat.
1. Furnace Creek, Death Valley (USA): 56.7°C (134°F)
The hottest place on Earth is Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California (USA), where a temperature of 56.7°C (134°F) was recorded on July 10, 1913. During the summer, Death Valley averages daily highs of 45°C (113°F).
This figure only represents the air temperature, with surface temperatures being significantly higher. On July 15, 1972, a ground temperature of 93.9°C (201°F) was recorded in Death Valley, nearing the boiling point of water.
Although other higher temperatures have been reported over the years, they have not been verified. One such contender for the title of the hottest place on Earth was recorded in present-day Libya in 1922, at 58°C (136°F).
However, in 2012, the World Meteorological Organization determined that this reading was inaccurately recorded, with an error margin of about seven degrees Celsius.
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2. Kebili (Tunisia): 55°C (131°F)
The highest temperature ever recorded in Africa occurred in Kebili, Tunisia, on July 7, 1931, reaching a scorching 55°C (131°F). This temperature is the second-highest ever documented on Earth.
In addition to its record-breaking heat, Kebili is renowned for its ancient history, being one of the earliest inhabited areas in Tunisia. Evidence of human habitation dates back to around 200,000 years ago during the early Paleolithic era, with ancient stone tools discovered near the city.
3. Ahvaz (Iran): 54°C (129.2°F)
On June 29, 2017, between 4:51 PM and 5:00 PM local time, Ahvaz, Iran recorded a continent-high temperature of 54°C (129.2°F). Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, has an approximate population of 1.3 million and its history stretches back to the Achaemenid era. The city is renowned for its nine bridges, especially the Black Bridge and the White Bridge.
Kebili, Tunisia holds the record for an even higher temperature of 55°C (131°F).
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4. Tirat Tsvi (Israel): 54°C (129°F)
On June 21, 1942, Tirat Tsvi in Israel recorded a scorching temperature of 54°C (129°F). The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) classifies Israel as part of Europe, making this the highest temperature officially recorded on the continent, depending on the geographical classification of the country.
Tirat Tsvi, situated near the Israel-Jordan border and just west of the Jordan River, had a population of 975 as of 2021.
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5. Mitribah (Kuwait): 53.9°C (129°F)
The fifth-highest temperature officially recorded and verified by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was observed at the Mitribah weather station in Kuwait, reaching an astounding 53.9°C (129°F). This extreme heat was documented on July 21, 2016, marking it as the hottest confirmed temperature in Asia. At that time, it also held the title for the hottest officially recognized temperature in 76 years.
6. Basra (Iraq): 53.9°C (129°F)
The Middle East is known for its scorching heat, with temperatures often soaring above 50 degrees Celsius. Basra, Iraq, experienced one such extreme, hitting a high of 53.9°C (129°F) on July 22, 2016.
This temperature mirrors the heat recorded in Kuwait a day earlier (details to follow).
Home to approximately 1.5 million residents, Basra is situated on the Shatt al-Arab River in the Arabian Peninsula.
7. Turbat (Pakistan): 53.7°C (128.7°F)
Ranking seventh-hottest on our list is the scorching 53.7°C (128.7°F) recorded in Turbat, Pakistan on May 28, 2017.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) verified that the 53.7°C recorded in Turbat was the fourth-highest temperature ever documented at that time.
Turbat, located in the southwestern Balochistan region of Pakistan along the Kech River, is recognized as one of the hottest cities in Asia.
8. Al Jazeera Border Gate (UAE): 52.1°C (125.8°F)
In July 2002, a scorching temperature of 52.1°C (125.8°F) was recorded at the Al Jazeera Border Gate in the UAE. The region came close to matching this extreme heat in July 2013, when temperatures soared to 51.2°C.
These sweltering temperatures typically persist for just about 15 minutes, but anything exceeding 50°C is nearly unbearable. For perspective, the UK experienced a record high of 40.3°C in Coningsby in July 2022, making the UAE’s temperature over 10°C higher.
9. Mexicali (Mexico): 52°C (125.6°F)
On July 28, 1995, the Mexicali Valley in Mexico experienced a scorching temperature of 52°C (125.6°F), marking it as the ninth-hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth. Conversely, the valley has also seen a frigid low of -7.0ºC (19.4°F). Situated in the northern part of Baja California, this region is renowned for its intense heat, earning the nickname ‘The City that Captured the Sun’. The area boasts one of Mexico’s most extreme climates, with average high temperatures in July reaching 42.2ºC (108°F) and average highs in January around 21.1ºC (70°F).
10. Jeddah (Saudi Arabia): 52°C (125.6°F)
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on June 22, 2010, temperatures soared to a scorching 52°C (125.6°F), marking a record high for the area. This surpassed the previous high of 51°C recorded just days earlier in nearby Al-Asha.
Situated in western Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is an ancient port city serving as the main entry point to Mecca, with a population exceeding 4.6 million people.