Some places on our planet experience the skin-tingling warmth of our solar star, others its fiery flames. From bustling cities to unforgiving desert landscapes, these intensely hot landscapes test the limits of human endurance.
1. Death Valley, California
During summer, the temperature in Death Valley soars above 133°F (56°C). It holds the record for being the hottest place on the planet. Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson went on a road trip through Death Valley, and they estimated you wouldn’t survive past the 14-hour mark without water.
2. Dasht-e Lut, Iran
Dasht-e Lut is a vast desert in southeastern Iran, one of the hottest and driest places. The average temperature is 118 °F (48°C) in summer and could rise to a blistering 159°F (70.7°C). The heat of Dasht-e Lut overshadows the lure of its vast salt flats and towering dunes, which could have made for a tourist paradise.
3. Kebili, Tunisia
One of the oldest oases in Tunisia and North Africa, Kebili is considered the hottest place in Africa. In 1931, Kebili reached a temperature of 131°F (55°C) but has continued to average a little above 104°F (40°C) in the years after.
4. Turbat, Pakistan
While Pakistan may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a vacation, its extreme temperatures make it an even less appealing destination. In Turbat, despite its proximity to the Kech River, temperatures can soar to a sweltering 127°F (53°C). Sadly, the river takes nothing away from the heat as it stays hot all year round.
5. Mitribah, Kuwait
Kuwait is so hot that temperatures in the northern city of Mitribah can reach a scorching 122°F (50°C). The World Meteorological Organization certifies Mitribah as among the hottest spots on Earth.
6. Aziziyah, Libya
Aziziyah is a significant trade route, but the scorching heat doesn’t make travel easy in the region. Temperatures reached a towering high of 136°F (58°C) on September 13, 1922, but pegs at 118F (48°C) on average. Even if you love to lounge in the sun or tan in the heat, the intensity of Aziziyah doesn’t offer much respite.
7. Bandar-e Mahshahr, Khuzestan, Iran
Bandar-e Mahshahr is notorious for its hot air. While the records are sketchy, it’s believed to have one of the highest heat indexes ever recorded, with air temperature reaching a staggering 158°F (70°C). In Bandar-e Mahshahr, breathable, cool air is not free.
8. Dallol, Ethiopia
Dallol in northern Ethiopia is famous for being one of the hottest inhabited places on Earth. Surrounded by scorching hot springs and salt lakes, Dallol reaches a 93°F (34°C) temperature reading on a casual summer day. Even an ardent sun lover might feel uncomfortable at those high temperatures.
9. Wadi Halfa, Sudan
Wadi Halfa is located along the Nile River, and despite its proximity to the earth’s longest water body, it often gets sizzling hot. Tourists are advised to come with protective sunglasses, ice packs, and coolant when visiting Wadi Halfa.
10. Ouargla, Algeria
Temperatures in Ouargla hit a record high of 124° (51.3°C) in 2018, placing it side by side with the hottest places on the planet that year. Summer can be dry and windy, but it gets tolerable in winter. Tourists who want to see the Ouargla landscape’s captivating awe can schedule a winter tour when the heat is not threatening.
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