The 10 hottest places in the world that you can visit

For those who love the heat, visiting the world's hottest places offers a unique adventure. In this article, we'll discuss the locations with the hottest temperatures ever recorded, with additional details on what activities they offer and how you can visit.

Bear in mind that visiting very hot destinations can be challenging. The harsh conditions can pose multiple health risks, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death. If you decide to visit one of these locations, it's essential that you bring plenty of water and that you're in good physical health.

1. Death Valley, USA

🔥Highest recorded temperature 56.7°C (134.1°F) on July 10th 1913🔥

If its ominous name wasn't enough of a hint, Death Valley offers extremely demanding temperatures. It's so warm there that it's officially the hottest place on Earth.  

Death Valley is an area in the Mojave Desert of eastern California. During the day, it becomes staggeringly hot thanks to its high surrounding mountains, dry, clear air, and low elevation, which all trap the sun's heat.

The hottest part of Death Valley is Furnace Creek. Despite the boiling conditions, which make being outside for even a few minutes a challenge, people are able to live in Death Valley. In 2023, there were roughly 102 people residing in Furnace Creek.

Things you can do in Death Valley:

• Hikes the desert peaks
• Nature and wildlife tours
• Stargazing
• Challenge yourself to the world's hottest destination
  
  

To visit Death Valley, you'll arrive at Furnace Creek Airport (DTH). Popular airlines flying to DTH include United Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada ✈️

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2. Kebili, Tunisia

🔥Highest recorded temperature 55°C (131°F) on July 7th 1931🔥

Just behind Death Valley is Kebili, in the North African country of Tunisia. Located within the vast Sahara Desert, Kebili experiences some of the hottest temperatures on Earth.

Kebili gets so warm because it doesn't experience much rainfall. With hot and dry conditions nearly all year round, there isn't enough moisture in the air to absorb the sun's heat.

Kebili has quite a large population, considering it's the second hottest place on Earth and the warmest in Africa. In 2014, its population was around 156,961! Tourism is on the rise in Kebili, with more people each year wanting to challenge themselves to the extreme weather conditions, so you'll be able to find plenty of hotels to stay at.

Things you can do in Kebili:

• Visit the Sahara Desert
• Camel rides
• Camping
  
  

The nearest airport to Kebili is Tozeur-Nefta International Airport (TOE), which is about a 90-minute drive away. Popular airlines flying to TOE include Tunisair, Ryanair and Transavia France✈️

❗The FCDO advises against travel to certain parts of Tunisia, but does not mention Kebili❗

3. Ahvaz, Iran

🔥Highest recorded temperature 54°C (129.2°F) on June 29th 2017🔥

The city of Ahvaz in Iran made it to the top three relatively recently after experiencing a scorching hot summer in 2017.

Ahvaz is the world's hottest city. This is due to its subtropical desert climate and proximity to the Persian Gulf.

Ahvaz has a population of around 1.5 million. So many people are able to live in the city by staying hydrated, having air conditioning in their houses, wearing light coloured clothes and staying in shady areas.

Things you can do in Ahvaz:

• Walk across its many bridges
• Eat ice cream
• Challenge yourself to the world's hottest city
  
  

Ahvaz International, otherwise known as Qasem Soleimani (AWZ), is the airport serving Ahvaz. Popular airlines flying to AWZ include Iran Air, ATA Airlines and Mahan Air✈️

❗The FCDO advises against travel to all of Iran❗

4. Tirat Zvi, Israel

🔥Highest recorded temperature 54°C (129°F) on June 21st 1942🔥

Slightly west of the Israel-Jordan border is the religious kibbutz of Tirat Zvi. A kibbutz is a communal settlement, specifically in Israel, that tends to have a large agricultural focus.

In such hot conditions, certain produce cannot survive while others thrive. Tirat Zvi mainly grows Date Palms, which require very hot temperatures to flower and produce dates.

Tirat Zvi was once a very isolated settlement however it now has a growing population and currently has around 1,021 residents.

Things you can do in Tirat Zvi:

• Visit the agricultural fields
• Try the dates
  

The closest major airport to Tirat Zvi is Haifa (HFA), which is around 1 hour and a half away regardless of whether you drive or take public transport. Popular airlines flying to HFA include El Al Israel, Israir, and Eurowings Europe✈️

❗The FCDO advises against travel to certain parts of Israel, but does not mention Tirat Zvi❗

5. Mitribah & Al-Jahra, Kuwait

🔥Highest recorded temperature 53.9°C (129°F) on July 21st 2016🔥

Mitribah is another location that had its highest temperature relatively recently. It's a weather station in Kuwait rather than a residential area. Its precise whereabouts are somewhat ambiguous, making it a challenging location to visit.

If you want a more reliable way of experiencing Kuwait's blazing heat, your best bet is Al-Jahra. This city in the centre of Kuwait regularly experiences highs of around 50°C.

Al-Jahra is a popular city in Kuwait with a population of around 491,392 people.

Things you can do in Al-Jahra:

• Visit farms
• Visit museums
  

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) serves Al-Jahra, which is just a 35-minute drive from the city and a 1-hour 40-minute journey if you're going via public transport. Popular airlines flying to KWI include Kuwait Airways, Emirates and Saudia✈️

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6. Basra, Iraq

🔥Highest recorded temperature 53.9°C (129°F) on July 22nd 2016🔥

Another Middle Eastern country to make it to the world's hottest places is Iraq, specifically Basra.

Basra is a port city in the South of Iraq. It's boarded by the Shatt Al-Arab River, which flows into the Persian Gulf.

Basra has a population of roughly 1,485,000 people. To survive Basra's scorching heat, people take multiple showers a day, wear loose clothing, and try to avoid being in direct sunlight during summer.

Things you can do in Basra:

• Visit the local spice market
• Eat the seafood
• Explore the old city
  

Basra International Airport (BSR) will have you immediately at Iraq's hottest destination. Airlines that regularly fly to BSR include Iraqi Airways, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines✈️

❗The FCDO advises against travel to certain parts of Iraq, including Basra❗

7. Turbat, Pakistan

🔥Highest recorded temperature 53.7°C (128.7°F) on May 28th 2017🔥

On the bank of the Kech River is Turbat, the hottest place in Pakistan. Turbat is the 38th largest city in Pakistan and had a population of 268,625 in 2023.

Pakistan gets so hot because of its 30-degree latitude area, which causes air to sink and heat up, contributing to a hot and dry climate.

Things you can do in Turbat:

• Explore nature
• Explore religious sites
  

Turbat International Airport (TUK) is the city's main airport, and you can fly there with Pakistan International Airlines✈️

❗The FCDO advises against travel to certain parts of Pakistan, but does not mention Turbat❗

8. Sweihan, United Arab Emirates

🔥Highest recorded temperature 52.1°C (125.8°F) in July 2002🔥

The United Arab Emirates' hottest place can be found in Sweihan, a town in the Al Ain Region. This desert area is abundant in sandy dunes and bright sunlight.

It's also home to the National Avian Research Centre, connected to the University of Edinburgh and used to test poultry health and welfare.

Sweihan is a human settlement in the Abu Dhabi Emirate with a population of roughly 5,403 people.

Things you can do in Sweihan:

• Desert Safari Experience
• Visit its farms
  

Zayed International Airport, otherwise called Abu Dhabi (AUH), is the closest airport to Sweihan. It takes just under an hour to cover the distance by car, while public transport requires about an hour and a half. Some of the airlines that fly to AUH include Gulf Air, Etihad and Pegasus Airlines✈️

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9. Mexicali, Mexico

🔥Highest recorded temperature 52°C (125.6°F) on July 28th 1995🔥

The second country in North America to rank in the top 10 for the hottest recorded temperature is Mexico, specifically Mexicali.

Mexicali is the capital city of Baja California, which got its name because of its proximity to California in the United States. Mexicali is often called the city that captured the sun due to its powerful heat.

In 2020, the city had a population of over 1 million.

Things you can do in Mexicali:

• Visit canyons
• Visit museums
• Enjoy the spas
  

Aeropuerto Internacional General (MXL) serves Mexicali and is just 20km east of the city. Some of the airlines that frequently fly to MXL are Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus✈️

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10. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

🔥Highest recorded temperature 52°C (125.6°F) on June 22nd 2010🔥

The coastal city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia experiences warm summers each year with an average of 32°C  (90°F).

Jeddah is one of Saudi Arabia's most popular destinations. Mecca doesn't have an airport, so instead millions of Muslims will first arrive in Jeddah before making their way to the Islamic holy city for Hajj. It also attracts many non-Muslim tourists who are interested in Jeddah's history, landmarks, and culture.

Jeddah is a thriving city with around 3.713 million residents.

Things you can do in Jeddah:

• Visit historic sites
• Visit the beaches
• Visit religious sites
  

Jeddah's airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Popular airlines flying to JED include Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair and Royal Jordanian✈️

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Temperatures are rising

Reports show that since 1880, the world's average temperature has risen by 1.47° Celsius (2.65° Fahrenheit). As the world gets hotter, rising temperatures can make life in already warm locations unbearable. There are lots of things that people can do to help the climate crisis, when it comes to flying specifically, you can opt to fly with environmentally friendly airlines. These airlines are working hard to lower carbon emissions by using more eco-friendly materials and reducing fuel consumption.

End note

For adventurers longing for a more extreme vacation than the average holiday, visiting one of the world's hottest places can present a unique and exciting travel experience. However, it's vital to remember that the heat in these locations can be deadly and, therefore, shouldn't be attempted in Summer unless you're in good physical health and prepared for the hot climate.

If reading about the sweltering conditions above has left you feeling too hot, then read our article on the world's coldest destinations, which are perfect for extreme travellers who'd rather shiver than sweat.  

If you want to visit one of the world's hottest places, Alternative Airlines can help you get there. With our 600+ airlines and 40+ ways to pay, including Crypto, you can travel how and when you want.