Climate
Alabama vs California: Lightning Density
California has lower lightning density than Alabama.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for lightning density.
Alabama
#39 · 110.7 per sq mi
California
#5 · 3.6 per sq mi
Best
Worst
10 Best States — Lightning Density
Lower is better
#1
Alaska
0.3 per sq mi
Alaska
#2
Washington
2.1 per sq mi
Washington
#3
Oregon
3.1 per sq mi
Oregon
#4
Hawaii
3.2 per sq mi
Hawaii
#5
California
3.6 per sq mi
California
#6
Maine
4.3 per sq mi
Maine
#7
Idaho
6.4 per sq mi
Idaho
#8
Nevada
7.4 per sq mi
Nevada
#9
New Hampshire
7.9 per sq mi
New Hampshire
#10
Massachusetts
9.0 per sq mi
Massachusetts
Selected states
#39
Alabama
110.7 per sq mi
Alabama
Alabama ranks 39th and California ranks 5th nationally for lightning density.
What this means
Alabama vs California: Lightning Density in context
California's lightning density is 3.6 per sq mi, compared with 110.7 per sq mi in Alabama. Average lightning events per square mile from the incorporated Vaisala state dataset.
Alabama
110.7 per sq mi
California
3.6 per sq mi
Difference
107.1 per sq mi
People also ask
Alabama vs California Lightning Density — common questions
QWhat is Alabama's lightning density?
Alabama's lightning density is 110.7 per sq mi.
QWhat is California's lightning density?
California's lightning density is 3.6 per sq mi.
QWhich state has a lower lightning density — Alabama or California?
California has lower lightning density than Alabama.
More comparisons: Alabama vs California
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Data source and freshness
Primary source
Data period
2015–2019 state averages
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Average lightning events per square mile; this historical climate measure is not a forecast.