Average Annual Temperature 2018

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•

View data for:

Interactive Map

Loading interactive map...

Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Mali	29.056 °C
2	Burkina Faso	28.962 °C
3	United Arab Emirates	28.956 °C
4	Senegal	28.682 °C
5	Djibouti	28.543 °C
6	South Sudan	28.448 °C
7	Qatar	28.443 °C
8	Oman	28.282 °C
9	Niger	28.131 °C
10	Chad	27.874 °C
11	Cambodia	27.749 °C
12	Benin	27.715 °C
13	Ghana	27.685 °C
14	Sudan	27.656 °C
15	Gambia	27.634 °C
16	Kuwait	27.314 °C
17	Guinea-Bissau	27.287 °C
18	Eritrea	27.243 °C
19	Nigeria	27.213 °C
20	Togo	27.161 °C
21	Mauritania	27.143 °C
22	Cayman Islands	26.918 °C
23	American Samoa	26.911 °C
24	Saudi Arabia	26.891 °C
25	Brunei Darussalam	26.756 °C
26	Bahrain	26.754 °C
27	Kiribati	26.725 °C
28	El Salvador	26.545 °C
29	Côte d'Ivoire	26.507 °C
30	Thailand	26.451 °C
31	Somalia	26.423 °C
32	Seychelles	26.369 °C
33	Sri Lanka	26.365 °C
34	Solomon Islands	26.365 °C
35	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	26.287 °C
36	Philippines	26.254 °C
37	United States Virgin Islands	26.242 °C
38	Central African Republic	26.227 °C
39	Guinea	26.187 °C
40	Jamaica	26.156 °C
41	Trinidad and Tobago	26.077 °C
42	Sierra Leone	26.048 °C
43	Anguilla	26.018 °C
44	Antigua and Barbuda	26.011 °C
45	Malaysia	25.858 °C
46	Suriname	25.811 °C
47	Sao Tome and Principe	25.77 °C
48	Yemen	25.72 °C
49	Bahamas	25.712 °C
50	Belize	25.67 °C
51	Cuba	25.623 °C
52	Venezuela	25.58 °C
53	Nicaragua	25.485 °C
54	French Polynesia	25.47 °C
55	Indonesia	25.438 °C
56	Samoa	25.423 °C
57	Liberia	25.364 °C
58	Bangladesh	25.34 °C
59	Guyana	25.299 °C
60	Haiti	25.286 °C
61	Puerto Rico	25.182 °C
62	Comoros	25.135 °C
63	Brazil	25.093 °C
64	Congo	25.082 °C
65	Kenya	25.079 °C
66	Gabon	25.034 °C
67	Panama	25.031 °C
68	Vanuatu	24.972 °C
69	Cameroon	24.871 °C
70	Timor-Leste	24.847 °C
71	Fiji	24.654 °C
72	India	24.487 °C
73	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	24.454 °C
74	Cook Islands	24.435 °C
75	Dominican Republic	24.412 °C
76	Equatorial Guinea	24.334 °C
77	Vietnam	24.241 °C
78	Algeria	24.167 °C
79	Mozambique	24.144 °C
80	Colombia	24.106 °C
81	Egypt	24.097 °C
82	Iraq	24.038 °C
83	Mauritius	23.86 °C
84	Papua New Guinea	23.743 °C
85	Paraguay	23.713 °C
86	Libya	23.637 °C
87	Honduras	23.577 °C
88	Myanmar	23.574 °C
89	Ethiopia	23.414 °C
90	China, Hong Kong SAR	23.315 °C
91	Laos	23.312 °C
92	Uganda	23.276 °C
93	Guatemala	23.208 °C
94	Costa Rica	23.072 °C
95	Tanzania	22.824 °C
96	Madagascar	22.813 °C
97	Angola	22.761 °C
98	Botswana	22.618 °C
99	Australia	22.603 °C
100	New Caledonia	22.347 °C
101	Malawi	22.33 °C
102	Zambia	22.303 °C
103	Namibia	22.147 °C
104	Cabo Verde	22.03 °C
105	Zimbabwe	21.91 °C
106	Israel	21.549 °C
107	State of Palestine	21.511 °C
108	Saint Helena	21.35 °C
109	Pakistan	21.192 °C
110	Mexico	21.058 °C
111	Cyprus	21.032 °C
112	Ecuador	20.924 °C
113	Burundi	20.713 °C
114	Tunisia	20.574 °C
115	Jordan	20.51 °C
116	Syrian Arab Republic	20.306 °C
117	Bolivia	20.249 °C
118	Eswatini	19.802 °C
119	Rwanda	19.633 °C
120	Iran	19.461 °C
121	Peru	18.697 °C
122	South Africa	18.366 °C
123	Uruguay	17.977 °C
124	Morocco	17.933 °C
125	Turkmenistan	17.184 °C
126	Lebanon	16.901 °C
127	Greece	15.796 °C
128	Portugal	15.161 °C
129	Argentina	14.944 °C
130	France	14.223 °C
131	Spain	14.181 °C
132	Italy	13.815 °C
133	Afghanistan	13.736 °C
134	Albania	13.702 °C
135	Uzbekistan	13.453 °C
136	Nepal	13.377 °C
137	Turkey	13.326 °C
138	Azerbaijan	13.292 °C
139	Croatia	13.029 °C
140	South Korea	12.579 °C
141	Japan	12.539 °C
142	Hungary	12.459 °C
143	North Macedonia	12.075 °C
144	Bulgaria	12.05 °C
145	Serbia	11.993 °C
146	Lesotho	11.733 °C
147	Netherlands	11.253 °C
148	Belgium	11.186 °C
149	Bosnia and Herzegovina	11.184 °C
150	Slovenia	11.158 °C
151	New Zealand	11.06 °C
152	Republic of Moldova	10.942 °C
153	Romania	10.81 °C
154	Montenegro	10.759 °C
155	Luxembourg	10.641 °C
156	Germany	10.607 °C
157	Isle of Man	10.25 °C
158	United States	10.083 °C
159	Ireland	9.997 °C
160	Slovakia	9.963 °C
161	Czech Republic	9.87 °C
162	Poland	9.855 °C
163	Ukraine	9.854 °C
164	Georgia	9.816 °C
165	United Kingdom	9.709 °C
166	Denmark	9.681 °C
167	Chile	9.208 °C
168	Bhutan	8.473 °C
169	Armenia	8.188 °C
170	Austria	8.132 °C
171	Lithuania	8.075 °C
172	Belarus	7.929 °C
173	Latvia	7.492 °C
174	China	7.425 °C
175	North Korea	7.294 °C
176	Faroe Islands	7.273 °C
177	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	7.205 °C
178	Estonia	7.035 °C
179	Switzerland	6.862 °C
180	Kazakhstan	6.272 °C
181	Andorra	5.758 °C
182	Sweden	4.219 °C
183	Finland	3.577 °C
184	Iceland	2.157 °C
185	Mongolia	1.636 °C
186	Norway	1.636 °C
187	Tajikistan	0.469 °C
188	Kyrgyzstan	0.348 °C
189	Russia	-3.175 °C
190	Canada	-4.208 °C
191	Greenland	-18.361 °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 2018, the country with the highest Average Annual Temperature was Mali, with a temperature of 29.06°C, while Greenland recorded the lowest at -18.36°C. The global temperature range spanned from these extremes, reflecting significant climatic diversity. The global median temperature was 22.81°C, providing a central reference point for comparative analysis.

Geographical Influence on Temperature Extremes

The geographical location plays a pivotal role in determining a country's Average Annual Temperature. Countries like Mali and Burkina Faso are situated in the Saharan region, which accounts for their high temperatures, both exceeding 28°C. The vast deserts and minimal cloud cover in these regions contribute to their elevated heat levels. Conversely, Greenland and Canada, with temperatures of -18.36°C and -4.21°C respectively, are located closer to the poles. Their cold climates are a result of high latitudes and the influence of Arctic air masses, which dominate the temperature patterns in these areas.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

Temperature extremes can significantly influence economic activities and environmental conditions. In hotter countries like Qatar and UAE, where temperatures hover around 28.44°C and 28.96°C, energy consumption for cooling purposes is notably high, impacting both economic costs and carbon emissions. These countries often invest heavily in energy infrastructure to manage the demands of their climate. On the other hand, colder countries such as Russia and Mongolia, with temperatures of -3.18°C and 1.64°C, face challenges related to heating and maintaining infrastructure in freezing conditions, which can impede economic development and increase maintenance costs.

Year-over-Year Temperature Shifts

The Average Annual Temperature in several countries saw notable year-over-year changes in 2018. Libya experienced the most significant increase, with a rise of 1.86°C (8.5%), indicating possible shifts in weather patterns or anomalies. Similarly, Armenia and Turkey saw increases of 1.54°C and 1.37°C respectively, suggesting regional climatic changes that could impact agriculture and water resources. Conversely, Morocco experienced a decrease of 1.64°C (-8.4%), which could be attributed to variations in atmospheric conditions or oceanic currents affecting the regional climate. Such fluctuations underscore the complexities of climate systems and their potential impacts on national climates.

Analyzing the Global Temperature Average

The global Average Annual Temperature for 2018 was 19.20°C, a figure that bridges the wide spectrum of climates across the world. This average highlights the overall warmth of the planet, influenced by both naturally warm regions and human-induced climate change. The global average temperature serves as a critical benchmark for climate scientists monitoring long-term trends and patterns. While the median temperature of 22.81°C provides a slightly different perspective, indicating that more countries experience warmer climates, it further emphasizes the need for comprehensive climate strategies to mitigate the effects of rising global temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average Annual Temperature in 2018

Which country had the highest average annual temperature in 2018?

Mali had the highest average annual temperature in 2018, with 29.06 °C.

What was the lowest average annual temperature recorded in 2018 and where?

The lowest average annual temperature in 2018 was recorded in Greenland, at -18.36 °C.

What was the average annual temperature across all countries in 2018?

The average annual temperature across all countries in 2018 was 19.2 °C.

Which countries were in the top 3 for highest average annual temperatures in 2018?

The top 3 countries for highest average annual temperatures in 2018 were Mali (29.06 °C), Burkina Faso (28.96 °C), and the United Arab Emirates (28.96 °C).

What was the median average annual temperature among countries in 2018?

The median average annual temperature among countries in 2018 was 22.81 °C.

How many countries were included in the dataset for average annual temperatures in 2018?

The dataset for average annual temperatures in 2018 included 191 countries.

Insights by country

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2018, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines achieved a global rank of #35 for its Average Annual Temperature of 26.287489 °C. This temperature is notably higher than the Caribbean regional average, influenced by the island's tropical maritime climate. The country's geographic location near the equator and its mountainous terrain contribute to its warm temperatures, while the surrounding Atlantic Ocean moderates extremes.

Qatar

In 2018, Qatar recorded an average annual temperature of 28.443434 °C, ranking #7 out of 191 countries. This temperature is significantly higher than the global average, which typically hovers around 14 °C. Qatar's extreme temperatures are driven by its desert climate, characterized by high solar radiation and minimal rainfall, alongside rapid urbanization and industrial activity that contribute to heat retention.

Somalia

In 2018, Somalia ranked #31 globally for Average Annual Temperature, with a value of 26.42257 °C. This temperature is higher than the global average, reflecting the country's location in the Horn of Africa, which typically experiences arid and semi-arid climates. Somalia's warm temperatures are influenced by its geographic features, including vast plateaus and a long coastline along the Indian Ocean, which contribute to its overall climate patterns.

Vanuatu

In 2018, Vanuatu had an average annual temperature of 24.97184 °C, ranking #68 out of 191 countries. This temperature is relatively warm compared to many regions, particularly those with temperate climates. The tropical climate of Vanuatu, influenced by its location in the South Pacific and its volcanic geography, contributes to consistently high temperatures throughout the year.

Russia

In 2018, Russia ranked #189 globally with an average annual temperature of -3.1753407 °C. This temperature is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting Russia's vast expanse of territory and predominantly cold climate, particularly in Siberia. The country's economic activities, heavily reliant on natural resources, are influenced by these harsh climatic conditions, which affect infrastructure and living standards across many regions.

Tunisia

In 2018, Tunisia had an Average Annual Temperature of 20.573944 °C, ranking #114 out of 191 countries. This temperature is relatively moderate compared to neighboring Algeria, which experiences similar climatic conditions. Tunisia's geographical position along the Mediterranean coast contributes to its temperate climate, while urban areas like Tunis experience heat island effects, influencing local temperatures.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranked #165 globally in 2018 for Average Annual Temperature, with a value of 9.709338 °C. This temperature is below the global average, reflecting the country's temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Atlantic Drift. Factors such as its geographic location, urbanization, and varying land use contribute to the UK's unique climate patterns.

Vietnam

In 2018, Vietnam ranked #77 globally for Average Annual Temperature, with a value of 24.241026 °C. This temperature is slightly higher than the Southeast Asian regional average, reflecting the country's tropical climate influenced by its geographic location along the equator. Key drivers of this statistic include Vietnam's diverse topography, which ranges from mountains to coastal plains, and its rapid urbanization and industrialization, which contribute to localized temperature increases.

United States

In 2018, the United States had an Average Annual Temperature of 10.083268 °C, ranking #158 out of 191 countries. This temperature is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the country's vast geographic diversity, which includes both temperate and arctic climates. Factors such as urbanization, industrial activity, and varying altitudes contribute to localized temperature variations across the nation.

Sudan

In 2018, Sudan achieved a global rank of #14 for Average Annual Temperature, recording a value of 27.655907 °C. This temperature is notably higher than many neighboring countries in the region, reflecting Sudan's predominantly arid climate. The country's geographic location in northeastern Africa, characterized by desert landscapes and limited rainfall, significantly influences this elevated temperature, impacting agriculture and water resources.

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.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

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

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

More Environment Facts

Above-Ground Biomass in Forest (tonnes/ha)

Above-ground biomass in forest measures carbon storage per hectare. Explore rankings and compare data across 266+ countries with interactive maps.

View data

Browse All Environment

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data