The Battle for the Hottest Place on Earth

Death Valley, California, often claims the title with a record 134°F (56.7°C) in 1913.

But that reading is controversial—some experts say it was a faulty measurement.

Still, Furnace Creek regularly hits 120°F+ in summer.

Its dry, low-elevation basin traps heat like an oven, making it a top contender in the global heat

race.

Enter Iran’s Lut Desert, where NASA satellites recorded surface temperatures of 159.3°F (70.7°C) in 2005.

That’s not air temperature—it’s ground heat.

Still, it’s the highest reliably measured surface temp on Earth.

The Lut’s dark volcanic soil absorbs sunlight like a sponge, turning it into a literal frying pan under

the sun.

Don’t overlook the Dasht-e Kavir, Iran’s other desert sibling.

Though less famous, it’s brutally hot and salty.

Its white salt crust reflects sunlight, but the air still bakes.

Some researchers argue it may rival Lut in average heat, though it lacks the same extreme surface readings.

It’s a silent, shimmering inferno.

Australia’s Badlands, especially the Simpson Desert, also enter the heat arena.

While not record-breaking, it’s consistently scorching.

With red sand dunes and minimal shade, it’s a furnace for wildlife and humans alike.

Add in climate change, and these regions are only getting hotter.

So, who wins?

Depends on how you define 'hottest.'