Average Annual Temperature 2012

Average annual temperature measures the typical warmth of a country over a year, crucial for climate studies.

191 data points•Updated 10/7/2026•Global Coverage•Average annual surface temperature | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Burkina Faso	28.613 °C
2	United Arab Emirates	28.611 °C
3	Senegal	28.598 °C
4	Mali	28.408 °C
5	Oman	28.045 °C
6	Djibouti	28.039 °C
7	Gambia	27.89 °C
8	Cambodia	27.882 °C
9	Niger	27.796 °C
10	Qatar	27.703 °C
11	South Sudan	27.624 °C
12	Benin	27.515 °C
13	Guinea-Bissau	27.425 °C
14	Ghana	27.37 °C
15	Chad	27.355 °C
16	Mauritania	27.303 °C
17	Sudan	27.281 °C
18	Nigeria	27.008 °C
19	Eritrea	26.972 °C
20	Togo	26.853 °C
21	Sri Lanka	26.71 °C
22	American Samoa	26.707 °C
23	Cayman Islands	26.701 °C
24	Thailand	26.648 °C
25	Somalia	26.562 °C
26	Seychelles	26.557 °C
27	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	26.509 °C
28	Brunei Darussalam	26.439 °C
29	United States Virgin Islands	26.405 °C
30	Kuwait	26.365 °C
31	Côte d'Ivoire	26.353 °C
32	Trinidad and Tobago	26.293 °C
33	Saudi Arabia	26.282 °C
34	Kiribati	26.272 °C
35	Antigua and Barbuda	26.26 °C
36	Anguilla	26.195 °C
37	Solomon Islands	26.171 °C
38	Suriname	26.146 °C
39	El Salvador	26.088 °C
40	Yemen	26.025 °C
41	Philippines	26.019 °C
42	Bahrain	25.838 °C
43	Guinea	25.688 °C
44	Belize	25.661 °C
45	Central African Republic	25.613 °C
46	Jamaica	25.609 °C
47	Sao Tome and Principe	25.586 °C
48	Sierra Leone	25.498 °C
49	Malaysia	25.497 °C
50	Venezuela	25.488 °C
51	Puerto Rico	25.482 °C
52	French Polynesia	25.476 °C
53	Bangladesh	25.327 °C
54	Kenya	25.324 °C
55	Guyana	25.316 °C
56	Bahamas	25.291 °C
57	Nicaragua	25.266 °C
58	Cuba	25.253 °C
59	Samoa	25.191 °C
60	Indonesia	25.174 °C
61	Brazil	25.171 °C
62	Panama	25.037 °C
63	Comoros	24.982 °C
64	Haiti	24.937 °C
65	Liberia	24.896 °C
66	Vanuatu	24.888 °C
67	Congo	24.767 °C
68	Gabon	24.698 °C
69	Cameroon	24.529 °C
70	Paraguay	24.367 °C
71	Cook Islands	24.323 °C
72	Timor-Leste	24.258 °C
73	Fiji	24.247 °C
74	Dominican Republic	24.192 °C
75	India	24.12 °C
76	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	24.106 °C
77	Vietnam	24.049 °C
78	Mozambique	23.906 °C
79	Colombia	23.881 °C
80	Equatorial Guinea	23.856 °C
81	Myanmar	23.82 °C
82	Algeria	23.678 °C
83	Mauritius	23.615 °C
84	Laos	23.57 °C
85	Ethiopia	23.542 °C
86	Papua New Guinea	23.483 °C
87	Honduras	23.376 °C
88	Iraq	23.314 °C
89	Egypt	23.26 °C
90	China, Hong Kong SAR	23.083 °C
91	Guatemala	23.065 °C
92	Uganda	23.05 °C
93	Costa Rica	23.013 °C
94	Tanzania	22.908 °C
95	Madagascar	22.703 °C
96	Cabo Verde	22.687 °C
97	Libya	22.434 °C
98	New Caledonia	22.379 °C
99	Angola	22.161 °C
100	Botswana	22.146 °C
101	Malawi	22.136 °C
102	Zambia	21.922 °C
103	Zimbabwe	21.789 °C
104	Australia	21.74 °C
105	Mexico	21.23 °C
106	Namibia	21.07 °C
107	Saint Helena	20.93 °C
108	Ecuador	20.762 °C
109	Tunisia	20.704 °C
110	Israel	20.689 °C
111	State of Palestine	20.682 °C
112	Bolivia	20.5 °C
113	Burundi	20.461 °C
114	Pakistan	19.984 °C
115	Eswatini	19.918 °C
116	Cyprus	19.869 °C
117	Jordan	19.852 °C
118	Syrian Arab Republic	19.357 °C
119	Rwanda	19.267 °C
120	Peru	18.801 °C
121	Morocco	18.596 °C
122	Iran	18.152 °C
123	Uruguay	18.054 °C
124	South Africa	17.71 °C
125	Turkmenistan	16.47 °C
126	Lebanon	15.716 °C
127	Greece	15.436 °C
128	Argentina	15.186 °C
129	Portugal	14.959 °C
130	Spain	14.161 °C
131	Italy	13.405 °C
132	France	13.361 °C
133	Uzbekistan	13.142 °C
134	Albania	13.04 °C
135	Nepal	12.83 °C
136	Azerbaijan	12.756 °C
137	Croatia	12.601 °C
138	Bulgaria	11.982 °C
139	South Korea	11.864 °C
140	Hungary	11.836 °C
141	Turkey	11.75 °C
142	Japan	11.687 °C
143	Serbia	11.662 °C
144	North Macedonia	11.66 °C
145	Afghanistan	11.629 °C
146	Lesotho	11.178 °C
147	Republic of Moldova	11.017 °C
148	Bosnia and Herzegovina	10.851 °C
149	Slovenia	10.538 °C
150	Romania	10.447 °C
151	United States	10.39 °C
152	Montenegro	10.259 °C
153	Netherlands	10.17 °C
154	New Zealand	10.104 °C
155	Isle of Man	9.989 °C
156	Belgium	9.989 °C
157	Ireland	9.673 °C
158	Ukraine	9.455 °C
159	Luxembourg	9.328 °C
160	Germany	9.237 °C
161	Chile	9.202 °C
162	United Kingdom	8.953 °C
163	Slovakia	8.917 °C
164	Georgia	8.64 °C
165	Czech Republic	8.606 °C
166	Poland	8.503 °C
167	Denmark	8.41 °C
168	Bhutan	8.143 °C
169	Austria	7.088 °C
170	Belarus	6.853 °C
171	Armenia	6.846 °C
172	Lithuania	6.733 °C
173	Faroe Islands	6.676 °C
174	Kazakhstan	6.651 °C
175	China	6.634 °C
176	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	6.58 °C
177	North Korea	6.45 °C
178	Latvia	5.995 °C
179	Switzerland	5.586 °C
180	Andorra	5.517 °C
181	Estonia	5.338 °C
182	Sweden	3.065 °C
183	Iceland	2.138 °C
184	Finland	2.035 °C
185	Norway	0.665 °C
186	Mongolia	0.193 °C
187	Kyrgyzstan	-0.271 °C
188	Tajikistan	-0.977 °C
189	Canada	-2.938 °C
190	Russia	-3.433 °C
191	Greenland	-17.405 °C

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2012, Burkina Faso recorded the highest Average Annual Temperature at 28.61°C, while the global range spanned from 28.61°C in Burkina Faso to -17.40°C in Greenland. The overall average temperature for the 191 countries with available data was 18.80°C, offering a snapshot of global climatic conditions.

Climatic Extremes: The Hottest and Coldest Countries

The disparity in Average Annual Temperature between countries can largely be attributed to geographic and climatic zones. Burkina Faso, along with countries such as the United Arab Emirates (28.61°C) and Senegal (28.60°C), are located in arid and semi-arid regions where high temperatures are the norm. The prevalence of desert landscapes in these areas contributes significantly to their elevated temperatures. Conversely, Greenland recorded the lowest average temperature at -17.40°C, a result of its Arctic location and ice-covered terrain. Other cold-climate countries like Russia (-3.43°C) and Canada (-2.94°C) are also influenced by their northern latitudes and extensive snow cover, which reflect sunlight and maintain cooler temperatures.

Global Averages and Their Implications

The median Average Annual Temperature of 22.69°C suggests a skew towards warmer climates among the world's countries. This is indicative of the significant number of nations situated in tropical and subtropical regions, where temperatures consistently remain high. The average temperature of 18.80°C reflects a balance slightly tilted by the extreme cold of countries like Greenland and Russia. These averages are crucial for understanding global climate patterns, influencing agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and energy consumption. For instance, warmer temperatures in regions like Mali (28.41°C) and Oman (28.04°C) necessitate adaptations in water management and crop selection to ensure food security.

Year-over-Year Temperature Changes

Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals notable temperature shifts in certain countries. Greenland experienced the most significant increase of +1.71°C, which, despite its cold climate, points to the broader impacts of climate change and melting ice sheets. Similarly, Georgia saw a rise of +1.34°C and Azerbaijan increased by +1.31°C, reflecting regional warming trends in the Caucasus. On the other hand, Finland recorded a decrease of -1.72°C, suggesting variability in climatic conditions possibly due to shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns. These variations underscore the complex nature of climate dynamics, where local and global factors interplay to produce diverse outcomes.

Geographic and Economic Influences on Temperature

Geography is a primary determinant of a country's Average Annual Temperature, but economic activities also play a role. Urbanization, for instance, leads to the urban heat island effect, which can elevate local temperatures. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar (27.70°C) have experienced rapid urban development, contributing to their high average temperatures. In contrast, nations with extensive natural landscapes, such as Norway (0.67°C) and Sweden (3.07°C), tend to have cooler averages, partly due to their expansive forests and limited urban sprawl.

In conclusion, the Average Annual Temperature data from 2012 highlights the diverse climatic conditions across the globe, driven by a combination of geographic location, economic activities, and climate change. Understanding these patterns is essential for addressing environmental challenges and developing sustainable strategies for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average Annual Temperature in 2012

Which country had the highest average annual temperature in 2012?

Burkina Faso had the highest average annual temperature in 2012, with 28.61 °C.

What was the average annual temperature of the lowest-ranked country in 2012?

Greenland had the lowest average annual temperature in 2012, with -17.4 °C.

What is the average annual temperature across all countries in the dataset for 2012?

The average annual temperature across all 191 countries in the dataset for 2012 was 18.8 °C.

What was the median average annual temperature for countries in 2012?

The median average annual temperature for countries in 2012 was 22.69 °C.

Which countries were in the top 3 for average annual temperature in 2012?

The top 3 countries for average annual temperature in 2012 were Burkina Faso, United Arab Emirates, and Senegal.

How many countries are included in the dataset for average annual temperature in 2012?

The dataset includes 191 countries for average annual temperature in 2012.

Insights by country

Seychelles

Seychelles achieved a global rank of #26 in 2012 for its average annual temperature of 26.557447 °C. This temperature is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's tropical climate. The warm temperatures are primarily driven by Seychelles' geographical location near the equator and the surrounding Indian Ocean, which moderates temperatures and contributes to its biodiversity and tourism appeal.

Saudi Arabia

In 2012, Saudi Arabia had an Average Annual Temperature of 26.282028 °C, ranking #33 out of 191 countries. This temperature is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the country's desert climate and geographic location. The extreme heat is driven by Saudi Arabia's vast arid landscapes, which are characterized by minimal vegetation and high solar radiation, influencing both its ecology and energy consumption patterns.

Samoa

Samoa achieved a global rank of #59 for its Average Annual Temperature of 25.190905 °C in 2012. This temperature is slightly higher than the regional average for the South Pacific, reflecting the island's tropical climate. The warm temperatures are driven by Samoa's geographic location near the equator and its surrounding ocean, which moderates temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Mali

Mali ranked #4 globally for Average Annual Temperature in 2012, with a value of 28.408377 °C. This temperature is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting Mali's position in the Sahel region, characterized by a hot semi-arid climate. The country's vast desert landscapes and limited vegetation contribute to elevated temperatures, while its economic reliance on agriculture and livestock further exposes it to climate variability.

New Caledonia

In 2012, New Caledonia had an Average Annual Temperature of 22.379484 °C, ranking #98 out of 191 countries. This temperature is relatively moderate compared to tropical regions, where averages can exceed 25 °C. The climate is influenced by its geographic location in the South Pacific, surrounded by warm ocean currents, and its diverse topography, which includes mountainous areas and coastal plains.

Lithuania

In 2012, Lithuania had an Average Annual Temperature of 6.733242 °C, ranking #172 out of 191 countries. This temperature is lower than the European average, reflecting Lithuania's northern European climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers.

Geographically, Lithuania's position along the Baltic Sea influences its maritime climate, while its relatively small land area contributes to temperature variations. Additionally, urbanization and land use changes in recent decades have affected local climate patterns, impacting overall temperature readings.

United States Virgin Islands

In 2012, the United States Virgin Islands ranked #29 globally for Average Annual Temperature, with a value of 26.404852 °C. This temperature is higher than the global average, reflecting its tropical climate, characterized by warm ocean currents and consistent sunlight throughout the year. The islands' geographic location in the Caribbean and their reliance on tourism contribute to this warm climate, making it a desirable destination for visitors seeking sun and warmth.

Vanuatu

In 2012, Vanuatu ranked #66 globally for Average Annual Temperature, recording a value of 24.88772 °C. This temperature is relatively warm compared to many countries, reflecting its tropical climate, which is influenced by its location in the South Pacific Ocean. The country's geographic features, including numerous islands and mountainous terrain, contribute to its diverse microclimates, while its economy heavily relies on agriculture and tourism, sectors sensitive to climate conditions.

Paraguay

In 2012, Paraguay had an Average Annual Temperature of 24.366987 °C, ranking #70 out of 191 countries. This temperature is relatively warm compared to the global average, contributing to Paraguay's humid subtropical climate, which influences agricultural productivity. The country's geographical position in South America, with its vast lowland areas and proximity to the Paraná River, plays a significant role in its climate patterns and seasonal variations.

Honduras

In 2012, Honduras had an Average Annual Temperature of 23.376297 °C, ranking #87 out of 191 countries. This temperature is relatively moderate compared to neighboring Nicaragua, which experiences similar climatic conditions. The country's geography, characterized by mountainous regions and coastal areas, influences its climate, while deforestation and agricultural practices also impact local weather patterns.

Data Source

Average annual surface temperature | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive data visualizations and statistics on global development topics. The "Average annual surface temperature" dataset offers country-level statistics on temperature changes over time, contributing to the understanding of climate trends.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Average Annual Temperature data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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