The hottest cities in the world, the 2025 ranking

What are the hottest cities in the world? The question is more pertinent than ever. The world will have to learn to live with heat waves, according to the United Nations Weather and Climate Agency. According to the World Meteorological Organization, such intense heat spells could occur more frequently and with greater intensity in the future due to human-induced climate change.

Clare Nullis, a spokesperson for the WMO, stated that July is traditionally the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, but at the same time, it is an exceptional event, though not unprecedented, to have extreme heat episodes so early in the summer. High temperatures have now even become "silent killers," causing deaths among people unaccustomed to such stifling heat.

However, a cross-referencing of meteorological studies and analyses for 2024 reveals that the hottest cities in the world are not European. Where are they? The ranking, with the warning that Europe could soon enter the top ten.

The 10 hottest cities in the world

A preface to the research methodology behind the ranking. The data comes from various sources, including climate reports, temperature records, and weather station data. Sources include reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and NASA. The data is cross-referenced with recent climate studies and reports. The ranking is the result of a focus on cities with consistently high average temperatures and those that have experienced significant heatwaves. This involved analyzing daily maximum temperatures and long-term averages to fully understand heat trends.

1. Doha, Qatar
This wealthy Gulf state is home to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers and the highest temperatures. Doha experiences scorching temperatures year-round, with an average of 41°C (106°F).

The city’s location in the Middle East and its desert climate contribute to the extreme heat. Residents rely heavily on air conditioning to cope with the scorching temperatures. This has significantly exacerbated the heat-induced water shortages.

2. Ahvaz, Iran
Temperatures in Ahvaz are significantly higher than the global average, often exceeding 50°C (122°F), while the global average hovers around 15°C (59°F). The city’s average temperature is 41°C (106°F).

The "urban heat island" effect exacerbates Ahvaz’s already intense heat. Furthermore, the city’s geographic location, close to marshland, contributes to discomfort, increasing humidity levels and amplifying feelings of heat stress among residents.

The oil industry’s activities exacerbate the urban heat island effects, making summers unbearable. Municipal officials struggle to keep electricity grids functioning during periods of peak demand, frequently causing blackouts.

3. Kuwait City, Kuwait
Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait, is one of the hottest cities in the world, with an average temperature of 45°C (114°F). Kuwait’s oil industry also contributes to its high temperatures, due to industrial heat emissions.

In summer, temperatures in the city often exceed 50°C, making the surrounding environment challenging for its residents.

Historic heat waves, such as the one in 2016, have caused temperatures to rise to nearly 54°C, highlighting the urgent need for effective heat management strategies.

4. Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, is at risk of becoming uninhabitable for humans within the next 20 to 40 years if significant action is not taken.

The city has an average temperature of 106°F (41°C). The temperature difference can be 10–15°F (-12.22°C) and 10–15°F (-9.44°C) greater in the city center than in the suburbs. In 2023, the city broke records with 54 days with temperatures above 110°F (43.3°C), including 31 consecutive days reaching that threshold. Heat-related mortality in Arizona was four times higher in 2019 than in 2004.

The city recorded seven times the number of heat-related deaths compared to other states in the 12th Federal Reserve District. The city aims to have 25% tree cover by 2030, up from 11–12%. By 2050, the city is projected to experience an average of approximately 47 days per year with temperatures above 43°C (109°F), up from 7 days in 1990.

5. Delhi, India
Delhi, India’s vibrant capital, is no stranger to extreme temperatures. With an average high of 40°C (104°F) and record highs of 49.9°C (121.8°F), the city faces significant challenges in managing its infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of its residents.

Historically, the city has experienced a sharp increase in heatwave days, from 49 in 2018 to 90 in 2019, and even more in subsequent years. This trend is consistent with broader climate change models, which have made India’s heatwaves 1.5°C hotter than the strongest ever observed.

In May 2024, Delhi experienced record electricity demand, resulting in rolling blackouts and significant disruptions to daily life.

To address these challenges, innovative strategies must be implemented and investments in resilient infrastructure, such as renewable energy, thermal blankets, and water management strategies, must be invested to ensure a sustainable future.

6. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
This Southeast Asian city has an average temperature of 38°C (100°F), one of the hottest in Asia. Its tropical rainforest climate contributes to high humidity levels, making the heat even more oppressive.

The heat has a negative impact on public health, increasing cases of heat-related illnesses. Given the severity of the impact, the city must improve water management systems and promote public awareness of heat safety.

7. Manama, Bahrain
Manama’s average temperature is 37°C (99°F), making it one of the hottest cities in the world. The city’s coastal location and desert climate result in high temperatures and humidity, exacerbating the heat and compromising residents’ quality of life.

Historical data shows that temperatures can rise dramatically. However, implementing and increasing vegetation cover can help reduce the heat. Furthermore, the creation of public cooling centers and the promotion of energy-efficient building projects can offer relief during hot periods.

8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
In Abu Dhabi, the average temperature is 36°C (97°F). The capital of the United Arab Emirates is exposed to extremely high temperatures, especially during the summer months, when temperatures often exceed 45°C.

The city’s rapid urbanization and desert environment contribute to the intense heat. The government is investing in large-scale solar parks and encouraging the use of heat pumps in residential and commercial buildings. These measures aim to reduce energy consumption and provide a sustainable cooling solution.

9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Known for its hot climate, Dubai has an average temperature of 36°C (97°F). The extreme heat has a significant impact on the city’s infrastructure and lifestyle.

Similar to Abu Dhabi, Dubai has high energy and water demands. The heat also negatively impacts tourism and outdoor events.

10. Sana’a, Yemen
Sana’a has an average temperature of 36°C (97°F). The city’s high altitude offers some relief from the heat, but the climate is still stifling. This makes it one of the hottest locations in the region.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Le città più calde del mondo, la classifica 2025