Those who want to escape the winter chill can head to Yuma in southwestern Arizona, the “sunniest place on Earth.” The sun shines in this city 310 days a year effectively making it the best hangout place for lovers of the outdoors. Not anyone knows that the United States has this arid destination and those who have visited it can testify that this town is where the phrase “fun under the sun” is best experienced.
Situated at the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers, Yuma County boasts fertile soil and the temperate climate typical of the southwestern United States. Translation: Every season is the growing season here. The area’s agricultural industry supplies 90 percent of the lettuce consumed nationwide from November through February and accounts for more than a third of the state’s annual agricultural earnings.
Odds are you’ll enjoy good weather. Yuma holds the record for the sunniest place on earth.
According to the World Meteorological Society, Yuma receives more than 4,000 sunlight hours per year, the most of any city in the world. This puts it just ahead of its neighbor Phoenix (3,872 sunlight hours a year) and Aswan, Egypt (3,863 hours a year). The chances of finding the sun shining when you get there? 90 percent!
Record breakers
Sunniest city in the US
In January of 2007, Yuma witnessed a record low of 13°F. Chilly for the desert but they made up for it July 28, 1995, with a record high of 124°F! Now THAT’S a scorcher.
Check out the current weather in Yuma here.
Yuma isn’t the only overly sunny city in the Grand Canyon State. Several other Arizona cities also top the list of sunniest US cities, according to World Meteorological Organization data.
- Phoenix: Average of 3,871.6 hours of sunshine each year
- Tucson: Average of 3,806 hours of sunshine each year
- Flagstaff: Average of 3,475.4 hours of sunshine each year
Top 10 sunniest cities in the United States
These cities have consistently high numbers of sunny days annually
These are the 10 sunniest cities in the United States, according to World Meteorological Organization data.
- Yuma: Average of 4,015.3 hours of sunshine each year
- Phoenix: Average of 3,871.6 hours of sunshine each year
- Las Vegas: Average of 3825.3 hours of sunshine each year
- Tucson: Average of 3,806 hours of sunshine each year
- El Paso: Average of 3,762.5 hours of sunshine each year
- Reno, Nevada: Average of 3645.9 hours of sunshine each year
- Sacramento: Average of 3607.8 hours of sunshine each year
- Fresno, California: Average of 3564.2 hours of sunshine each year.
- Red Bluff, California: Average of 3542.9 hours of sunshine each year
- Flagstaff: Average of 3,475.4 hours of sunshine each year
What to do
Yuma offers a variety of activities for visitors
The annual Yuma Lettuce Days festival (late February) celebrates the county’s signature crop with tasting stations, a farmers market, and the ultimate salad bar. Also worth a visit: the 28-acre Yuma Conservation Garden, home to numerous native plants and an impressive collection of antique farm machinery.
The city is home to many attractions from natural to indoor spots that cater to snowbirds (and other visitors) of varied tastes. There’s no beach in Yuma but it is filled to the brim with sun-kissed memories.
1. Step back in time in a museum
Experience Yuma’s rich past
For an introductory tour to Yuma, visitors should head to the Sanguinetti House Museum. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, this institution takes tourists to the time when the city was just starting, thanks in part to businessman E. F. Sanguinetti, dubbed the “Merchant Prince of Yuma.”
The museum offers a drink for those who want something to sip while exploring the rooms and learning about the area’s rich past. After appreciating the exhibits, guests can cap their visit at the rose gardens and leave inspired.
The Museum and Gardens are located at 240 S. Madison Avenue, less than one mile west of Interstate 8 from the East 8th Street exit.
- Museum admission: $10; senior (62+), $9; youth (7–13), $5; children (6 and younger), free
- Location: 240 S. Madison Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364
2. Visit a historic prison
Historic prison from the late 1800s
Can prison be a tourist spot? Yuma says yes because it hosts the Yuma Territorial Prison, a historic destination where infamous inmates were once jailed. It is one of the city’s top attractions thanks to its insightful museum and buildings that tell stories of the past. Among the structures that can be seen are original cell blocks, a guard tower, the entrance gate, a library, and the dark cell. Prison artifacts also abound and there’s a mural of Arizona’s Native Americans. Yuma Territorial Prison captures the hearts of anyone.
- Prison admission: $10; senior (62+), $9; youth (7–13), $5; children (6 and younger), free
- Location: 220 North Prison Road, Yuma, AZ 85364
3. Learn about agritourism
Visit Martha Gardens Date Farm to see organic Medjool date cultivation
Because most people think of Arizona as a big, dusty desert, they are surprised to learn that agriculture is Yuma County’s number one industry―and that Yuma is the winter vegetable capital of the world.
The agriculture industry in Yuma County represents an annual gross economic return of $3.2 billion or more than one-third of Arizona’s annual total of $9.2 billion.
Several things account for that amazing total: Plentiful sunshine, rich soil, ample labor, and high-quality irrigation water.
About 90 percent of all the leafy vegetables grown in the U.S. from November through March are grown in and around the Yuma area.
To put this in perspective, the Yuma area is home to nine salad plants that produce bagged lettuce and salad mixes. During peak production months, each of those plants processes more than two million pounds of lettuce per day.
But lettuce is just part of the story: More than 175 different crops are grown in the Yuma area. For example, Yuma County ranks number one in Arizona for lemon, tangelo, and tangerine production, and for watermelons and cantaloupes; a local cattle company usually has more than 120,000 head of beef cows on its lot.
Dates are another local crop. Date production in the Yuma area now totals about 10 million pounds a year, a $30 to 35 million dollar industry that employs more than 2,000 people annually.
As such, agritourism is big in this charming city. Many farms welcome those who want to learn more about the city’s thriving agriculture, all the while tasting treats featuring lettuce and other produce. Arizona is not all about deserts and canyons, and Yuma wants to prove that.
4. Watch air shows
Military flight demonstrations by the US Marine Corps and US Air Force
The Yuma Air Show has been one of the Desert Southwest’s most anticipated events for decades. In a rare opportunity, the general public is invited to enter one of the nation’s top military installations Marine Corps―Air Station Yuma. The base is home to the country’s elite fifth-generation fighter F-35 B Joint Strike Fighter.
The Free event gives you a first-hand look at some of the military’s aerial arsenal and various performances including the 3rd Marin Aircraft Band, the Hot Streak II Jet Truck, and other aerial demonstrations.
Skydivers also offer an adrenaline-packed spectacle and there’s a guest performance from the Patriots Jet Team.
What’s more, the base opens its doors to the public, letting them take a look at its modern aircraft and meet the pilots who fly them. Indeed, fun is sky-high in Yuma.
5. Commune with nature
A serene desert landscape
Yuma is near the lush Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, a destination more than adept to serve as a playground. It was established in 1939 to protect desert bighorn sheep and continues to be a safe space for wildlife.
It is home to Palm Canyon where a scenic 0.45-mile trail awaits hikers who want to be enveloped by Mother Nature’s beauty. Bikers, backpackers, campers, horseback riders, and picnickers are also welcome with lots of birding and wildlife-watching opportunities in store for them.
6. Explore the dunes
Vast expanse of sand dunes stretches about 40 miles long and 5 miles wide
Yuma is the gateway to one of the country’s largest inland dunes as it should be for a sunny city. Imperial Sand Dunes is the largest off-highway vehicle destination in the United States, an enticing prospect for off-roaders and those curious about what a desert can give.
The area is perfect for sandboarding, all-terrain vehicle adventures along the 40-mile drivable land and hiking. Who said the perfect tan can only be achieved by the beach?
Getting lost in the Imperial Sand Dunes means finding the center.
7. Have a splash along Colorado River
Refreshing ways to connect with nature
From the sand, visitors can head next to the Colorado River where they can make a splash. Thanks to this pristine waterway, visitors can be refreshed and escape the heat of Yuma—albeit for a while.
The river is a recreation heaven where tourists can paddle with a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard; ride a boat; have a lazy float with a tube; rev a Jet-Ski; score a catch; or simply take a dip.
8. Experience its art and culture
Exhibitions, workshops, and performances
After a thrilling day outdoors, visitors can next enjoy the vibrant art and culture scene of Yuma. For starters, Yuma Art Center is proud to share masterpieces that aim to inspire the public.
Chicano Arts Collective, on the other hand, promotes the artwork of some established creators. Murals and public art also dot the city, perfect for the Instagram-savvy.
Lovers of the performing arts, meanwhile, can enjoy the vibe at Yuma Orchestra Association, where relaxation is always within grasp – right after that round of applause.
9. Enjoy a date shake
Sampling this shake is a must-do for visitors
Dates are a local crop with Biblical roots. Date production in the Yuma area now totals about 10 million pounds a year, a $30 to 35 million dollar industry that employs more than 2,000 people annually.
Dates are harvested from the end of August through the first weeks of October. Each date palm must be climbed approximately 16-18 times a year to carry out hand operations necessary to ensure a good crop including pollination, thinning, separating strands of fruit with metal rings to help the air circulate, and finally, bagging the date bunches.
Dates are high in fiber, potassium, and anti-oxidants and contain no fat. They are an organic product as no pesticides or chemicals are used on the trees or the dates. Many date confections are made locally along with a local favorite: Dates shakes, or milkshakes made with ice cream and dates.
10. Enjoy the nightlife
Downtown Yuma is the nightlife hub
When the afternoon heat subsides, the evening breeze of Yuma entices tourists to experience its nightlife. The downtown is lined with pubs, clubs, bars, and other dining options that will make the evening better.
The city is also proud of its breweries that offer flavorful craft beer while its wine spots are perfect for reminiscing sun-kissed memories. By then, they will realize they deserve to return to this charming city. Yuma got the nightlife and the boogie on the disco ‘round.
11. Shopping spree
Historic Downtown Yuma features unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops
After enjoying the sights and sounds of Yuma, it’s just right for tourists to head to its shopping spots so they can go home with something to remind them of this sunny city. Yuma Palms Mall is a regional attraction that hosts big brands and local retailers.
Those who want to support mom-and-pop shops and boutiques can explore downtown for some good deals. Since the city is big on agriculture, tourists should not miss its farmers’ markets, where the products have that sunny aura.
Related stories
Where to eat
Diverse dining option
Participants in Field to Feast events harvest ingredients from the University of Arizona’s farm and hand them over to culinary students from Arizona Western College who craft the multicourse meal. If you’d rather order off the menu, we recommend tortilla soup from The Garden Café & Spice Co., mustard-crusted halibut at River City Grill, and Prison Hill Brewing Company’s fried avocado wedges.
Where to camp
Luxury RV resorts to more nature-oriented stays
RV Parks in Yuma run the gamut from older sites close to downtown or in the middle of town with cozy spaces tucked in snugly next to each other at economical rates to grander resorts at the edges of town with more room to roam and plenty of amenities. Most offer a range of daily, weekly, and monthly rates commensurate with their services, amenities, and location.
See you in Yuma!|
Please note: This article was first published October 2025. Articles apply to the date they were written. Please refer to current information for quickly changing subjects.
Worth Pondering…
Alone in the open desert, I have made up songs of wild, poignant rejoicing and transcendent melancholy. The world has seemed more beautiful to me than ever before.
I have loved the red rocks, the twisted trees, and sand blowing in the wind, the slow, sunny clouds crossing the sky, the shafts of moonlight on my bed at night. I have seemed to be at one with the world.
—Everett Ruess
