The 10 Hottest Countries in the World

If you live in a cold country, summer often feels like a blessing — a season for sunshine, swimming, and outdoor adventures. But in some parts of the world, summer never really ends. In these places, extreme heat dominates the climate year-round, often reaching levels that can be life-threatening.

Here’s a look at the 10 hottest countries on Earth — where the sun shows no mercy.

Iran

When it comes to scorching, dry summers, few places compare to Iran. With vast desert landscapes, the southern regions are the hottest, where temperatures can soar to 50°C (122°F). In many areas, daily life means adapting to a steady 45°C heat, a challenge for both locals and travelers alike.

Iraq

Iraq is known for more than its turbulent history — it also endures some of the harshest heat on the planet. Summer temperatures often range between 48–54°C, with averages staying well above 40°C. No matter the season, “hot” is the word that defines life in Iraq.

Sudan

Many African countries experience intense heat, but Sudan stands out as one of the hottest. Even during storms, the thermometer can hit 45°C, and on extreme days, it climbs to 52°C (125°F). With very little rainfall, the air is heavy, dry, and oppressive, putting constant pressure on people, plants, and animals struggling to survive.

India

India’s climate is extreme at both ends of the spectrum. While some regions freeze in winter, others swelter under unbearable heat. In certain years, heatwaves have claimed hundreds of lives, with temperatures spiking near 50°C. Though monsoon rains bring some relief, summers in India are notorious for their deadly intensity.

Somalia

For Somalia, heat brings an even more devastating problem: water scarcity. With average summer temperatures approaching 50°C, drought is common, leading to hunger, exhaustion, and widespread hardship. Rainfall is rare, and the combination of heat and arid conditions often pushes communities to the brink of famine.

Mexico

Mexico is famous for its vibrant culture and landscapes, but it’s also home to extreme heat. Much of the country is covered in dry grasslands, and in summer, temperatures can climb up to 50°C. The heat is made worse by seasonal hurricanes and strong winds. September is often considered the most tolerable month to visit, as it coincides with the rainy season.

Algeria

As one of the hottest nations on Earth, Algeria offers relentless heat during the day and surprisingly cold nights. In summer, daytime temperatures regularly surpass 50°C, with peaks reaching 53°C. The dry, suffocating air makes the heat feel unbearable — and unlike other countries, these harsh conditions last all year.

Oman

Oman is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East, but it’s also among the hottest. Summer temperatures typically hover between 50–53°C for nearly half the year. Thankfully, the nation’s wealth allows for advanced infrastructure, helping its citizens cope with conditions that would be unlivable elsewhere.

Saudi Arabia

Deserts dominate Saudi Arabia’s landscape, and with them comes searing heat. Daytime highs average around 52°C, and heatwaves can push the mercury up to 54°C. Despite the climate, Saudi Arabia’s wealth has enabled it to provide air-conditioned spaces, water supplies, and infrastructure that make life bearable even in the extreme desert environment.

Libya

Libya holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth: a blistering 57.8°C (136°F) in 1922. Even today, the country remains one of the harshest environments to live in. The desert climate is relentlessly dry, and residents often face skin problems, dehydration, and food shortages due to the punishing heat. Protective clothing is essential for survival in a land where the sun feels merciless every single day.

These countries remind us how powerful and unforgiving nature can be. While technology and adaptation help people endure, the reality of living in constant extreme heat is a daily challenge — one that may become more widespread as global temperatures continue to rise.