The Hottest Place on Earth: Death Valley Hit 134°F

Death Valley holds the world record for the hottest air temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth at 134°F (56.7°C) on July 10, 1913. This scorching California desert regularly experiences summer temperatures exceeding 120°F, with the ground surface reaching a blistering 201°F hot enough to cause severe burns instantly.

The Day Death Valley Hit 134 Degrees

On July 10, 1913, a weather observer at Furnace Creek in Death Valley recorded an air temperature of 134°F in the shade. This measurement occurred during an extreme heat wave that baked the southwestern United States. The temperature remains the highest reliably recorded air temperature in world history. While some dispute the 1913 reading's accuracy due to old equipment, most meteorologists accept it as the official record.

Why Death Valley Gets So Incredibly Hot

Death Valley sits 282 feet below sea level at its lowest point, making it the lowest elevation in North America. Hot air sinks into the valley and gets trapped by surrounding mountains that block cooling winds. The valley floor absorbs intense sunlight and radiates heat back into the air throughout the day. This creates an oven effect where temperatures climb higher and higher with nowhere for the heat to escape.

Modern Heat Records Continue

Death Valley nearly broke its own record in August 2020 when thermometers hit 130°F (54.4°C). This marked the hottest temperature reliably recorded anywhere on Earth in over 100 years. Multiple years in the 2010s and 2020s saw temperatures reach 129°F. Climate scientists note that Death Valley's extreme heat is getting more frequent and intense as global temperatures rise.

Ground Temperatures That Melt Shoes

While air temperature measurements happen in the shade, the ground surface in Death Valley reaches far hotter extremes. Scientists have measured ground temperatures of 201°F using infrared thermometers. At these temperatures, unprotected skin burns instantly and shoe rubber begins to melt. Park rangers warn visitors never to touch rocks or walk barefoot on pavement during summer.

Surviving the Extreme Heat

Despite the brutal temperatures, Death Valley is home to wildlife and occasional human visitors. Animals like desert bighorn sheep and roadrunners survive by staying inactive during peak heat and emerging at dawn or dusk. Park visitors are warned to drink a gallon of water per hour in summer, stay in air conditioned vehicles, and avoid hiking during daylight. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can occur in minutes.

Other Extreme Heat Locations

Death Valley faces competition for the hottest place title. Mitribah, Kuwait recorded 129.2°F in 2016, and Turbat, Pakistan hit 128.7°F in 2017. However, many meteorologists question readings from some international weather stations. Death Valley's 1913 record of 134°F remains officially recognized by the World Meteorological Organization as the highest temperature ever recorded.