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There are two different types of people in this world: those who prefer cold weather and those who prefer hot. Depending on where someone lives, they can experience both extremes during the year or never have the chance to experience one temperature over the other. Each weather preference comes with planning for different types of clothing options, activities to do and places to go.

What To Wear

How you should dress for cold weather:

When living in cold weather, the key to staying warm and comfortable is dressing in layers. A good outfit for those who get cold pretty easily would be as follows:

  1. Thermal or long sleeve t-shirt
  2. Flannel, long sleeve button-down shirt
  3. Some sort of jacket or sweatshirt
  4. Oversized coat or parka
  5. Long socks (wool material for more warmth)
  6. Headwear to keep head and ears warm
  7. Mittens or gloves
Pro tip: I like to keep long-lasting HotHands hand warmers inside my gloves and socks for extra warmth.

How you should dress for warm weather:

The last thing someone wants to do when they’re in hot or warm weather is put on layers of clothing. A cool (both temperature-wise and style-wise) outfit for those who can’t take the heat would be as follows:

  1. Tank top or light-weighted t-shirt
  2. Shorts or loose-fitting pants
  3. Flip flops or sandals
  4. Hat or bandana to protect your head and face
  5. Sunglasses to shield your eyes and to look super cool!
  6. Sunscreen! Never forget to apply sunscreen!

Pro tip: When living in warm or hot temperatures, it’s important to cool your body by staying hydrated and drinking a lot of water.

What To Do

Here’s a hot and cold list of various activities you can do to pass the time when the weather becomes too cold or too hot to handle:

How to deal with Hot temperatures:

  • Swim at the pool: put on a swimsuit and grab a beach towel to spend the day swimming at the pool
    • Pro tip: apply sunscreen every couple of hours to save your skin from sun exposure!
  • Kayak on a lake: get some fresh air and cruise around in a kayak or canoe on the lake
    • Pro tip: pack a lunch and some snacks to have a kayaking picnic on the water
  • Surf lessons in the ocean: surf the waves or paddleboard along the coast
  • Go to a water park: find a local theme park with water rides
    • Pro tip: grab the hose and a long piece of tarp (and some dish soap!) to create your own slip and slide in your own backyard
  • Eat ice cream or popsicles: eat something refreshing and cold and keep your liquids from getting warm with can coolers
  • Water balloon fight: have fun and stay cool by gathering your friends for an epic water balloon battle
  • Staying indoors with the A/C on HIGH: if you want to avoid all outdoor activities and sunlight, stay inside with the A/C and fans on
    • Pro tip: if your home doesn’t have A/C or fans to help with air flow, close all your windows and blinds to eliminate any sun exposure from naturally heating up your place

How to deal with Cold temperatures:

  • Bundle up and take a nap: get cozy, grab a book and wrap yourself up in a mountain of blankets
  • Go to a museum: find a local museum to learn more about your city’s art, science and history
    • Pro tip: be sure to check if your local museums have FREE days when you can see the exhibits without paying admission
  • Sip some coffee or hot chocolate: whichever your hot drink of choice is, drinking warm liquid will help keep your body temperature up
  • Watch a movie: venture to a movie theater or set up your own theater at home to binge-watch your favorite TV shows and movies
  • Play board games: bring back the nostalgia of playing a traditional board game like Life or Monopoly
    • Pro tip: set up your game near a beautifully lit up fireplace to be surrounded by extra warmth
  • Bake cookies: get the ingredients needed to bake your favorite desserts and share the end results with friends and neighbors
  • Cook a meal: pick a recipe you’ve always wanted to try out and start cooking
  • Dress warm and play outside: if you’re willing to dress up and face the cold, gather a group of friends and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors

Hot and Cold Places in the US

If you’re looking to choose your ideal US state to live in terms of climate, take into account the yearly average temperatures of each state. According to the yearly data of the current state-wide average temperatures, here are the rankings of the 10 coldest and hottest US states. Keep in mind these are state-wide and do not account for specific colder and hotter regions within that state.

Top 10 Coldest States in America (overall year-round)

  1. Alaska
  2. North Dakota
  3. Maine
  4. Minnesota
  5. Wyoming
  6. Montana
  7. Vermont
  8. Wisconsin
  9. New Hampshire
  10. Idaho & Michigan (tie)

Top 10 Hottest States in America (overall year-round)

  1. Florida
  2. Hawaii
  3. Louisiana
  4. Texas
  5. Georgia
  6. Mississippi
  7. Alabama
  8. South Carolina
  9. Arkansas
  10. Arizona

While some people might prefer cold over hot or vice versa, there are a lot of people who find joy and comfort in both extremes! There are many places within the United State where you can get the best of both weathers at different points during the year. Whatever your temperature preferences may be, there are different clothing options, things to do and places to go for wherever you live or travel!