Did you know that some places on Earth get so hot that local wildlife has evolved specifically to survive the extreme conditions? In these regions, extreme heat isn’t just a summer event—it’s a constant presence.
Measuring heat in these locations can be done in various ways, but one of the most reliable methods is through the mean surface air temperature. This measure averages daily highs and lows over time, providing a consistent way to compare the relentless heat across different regions. Let’s explore the 10 hottest countries on Earth, based on their average annual temperature, and how they are coping with climate change.
- Burkina Faso (84.7°F / 29.3°C)
Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African country, holds the title of the world’s hottest country. Its climate transitions from a Sahelian semiarid region in the north to a more humid tropical savanna in the south. During the hot season, from March to May, temperatures can soar above 104°F (40°C).
Climate Change Impact: The country is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing irregular rainfall, droughts, and floods. Efforts to combat these challenges include large-scale reforestation projects, sustainable agriculture, and investments in renewable energy.
- Mali (84.6°F / 29.2°C)
Mali, another West African nation, experiences extreme heat, particularly in its northern desert regions. The hot season, from April to June, sees temperatures frequently surpassing 113°F (45°C), making life and agriculture incredibly challenging.
Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures exacerbate droughts, desertification, and water scarcity, posing serious risks to food security. Mali is focusing on sustainable land management, water conservation, and community resilience programs to mitigate these effects.
- Senegal (84.0°F / 28.9°C)
Situated at the westernmost point of Africa, Senegal’s climate varies between arid desert in the north and a more humid coastline in the south. Its dry season (November to May) is characterized by the hot and dusty harmattan winds.
Climate Change Impact: Senegal faces higher temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities and biodiversity. The country is actively involved in the Great Green Wall initiative to combat desertification.
- Mauritania (83.9°F / 28.8°C)
Mauritania’s vast desert interior sees extreme heat, with seasonal harmattan winds providing only a fleeting relief. Coastal areas receive some cooling from the Atlantic Ocean, but the country’s overall climate remains overwhelmingly hot.
Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures and increasing desertification pose significant threats. Mauritania is adopting measures such as reforestation and renewable energy projects to counter these effects.
- Tuvalu (83.5°F / 28.6°C)
A small island nation in the Pacific, Tuvalu’s tropical climate keeps temperatures warm but stable, thanks to oceanic breezes. However, it faces a high risk from rising sea levels.
Climate Change Impact: Tuvalu is one of the first countries to see each new day due to its position near the international date line. Unfortunately, it is also at the frontline of climate change, with rising waters threatening its very existence.
- Djibouti (83.3°F / 28.5°C)
Located in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti’s climate is predominantly arid, with desert regions experiencing scorching temperatures that can exceed 122°F (50°C) in summer.
Climate Change Impact: The extreme heat and water scarcity make sustainability a challenge. Djibouti relies heavily on imported food and water, making climate adaptation efforts crucial for survival.
- The Gambia (83.1°F / 28.4°C)
The Gambia’s tropical climate brings a hot dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. Coastal regions experience more stable temperatures due to oceanic breezes.
Climate Change Impact: Climate change has led to unpredictable rainfall patterns, affecting agriculture and biodiversity. Efforts in sustainable farming and water conservation are key to maintaining food security.
- Maldives (82.6°F / 28.1°C)
The Maldives’ tropical monsoon climate keeps temperatures consistently warm throughout the year. However, its low-lying islands are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and severe weather events.
Climate Change Impact: Former President Mohamed Nasheed famously held an underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 to highlight the urgent threat of climate change. The Maldives continues to push for global carbon emission reductions and sustainable environmental policies.
- Benin (82.4°F / 28°C)
Benin’s climate ranges from humid in the south to arid in the north. Coastal regions enjoy more moderate temperatures due to sea breezes, while inland areas experience extreme heat.
Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are affecting agriculture and water availability. Climate adaptation measures are critical to maintaining the country’s food supply and ecosystem balance.
- Palau (82.2°F / 27.9°C)
Located in the western Pacific, Palau experiences consistently warm temperatures with high humidity. The country’s tropical rainforest climate also brings significant annual rainfall.
Climate Change Impact: Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and coral bleaching threaten Palau’s marine biodiversity and economy. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the country’s delicate ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
The world’s hottest countries are facing extreme heat that is only being intensified by climate change. Many of these nations are already implementing strategies to combat rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and environmental degradation. From the Great Green Wall in Africa to innovative climate awareness campaigns like Tuvalu’s underwater cabinet meeting, these countries are working tirelessly to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
As global temperatures continue to rise, these hot nations serve as a warning—and an inspiration—for the rest of the world to take urgent climate action.
