Average annual temperature by elevation band

All 6,861 station-mapped U.S. locations with an elevation and a 30-year normal

  1. Below sea level 75°F
  2. 0-300m 56°F
  3. 300-800m 51°F
  4. 800-1500m 51°F
  5. 1500-2500m 47°F
  6. 2500m+ 39°F

Bars are scaled across the observed 39–75°F range, not from zero. Fitted cross-sectional lapse rate: 3.2°C per km, a national average across differing latitudes rather than a single mountain profile.

Source: NOAA 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals · 2026-08-04 PlainClimate analysis and full method