There are many different ways to measure weather. One of the most curious methods is by measuring the highest temperature recorded and ignoring averages. If you use this method to rank US states from hottest to coldest California is number one with a recorded high of 135°F (58.8°C). Arizona and Nevada follow close behind with records of 128°F and 125°F respectively. After the top three, things get much less predictable. North Dakota (5th) has been hotter than Texas (7th) and Minnesota (21st) has been hotter than Florida (40th). So what state is at the bottom? Amazingly, Alaska and Hawaii are tied for the lowest recorded high, as neither state has ever been warmer than 100°F.