Climate
Alaska vs California: Lightning Density
Alaska has lower lightning density than California.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for lightning density.
Alaska
#1 · 0.3 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
Alaska ranks 1st and California ranks 5th nationally for lightning density.
What this means
Alaska vs California: Lightning Density in context
Alaska's lightning density is 0.3 per sq mi, compared with 3.6 per sq mi in California. Average lightning events per square mile from the incorporated Vaisala state dataset.
Alaska
0.3 per sq mi
California
3.6 per sq mi
Difference
3.3 per sq mi
People also ask
Alaska vs California Lightning Density — common questions
QWhat is Alaska's lightning density?
Alaska's lightning density is 0.3 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 — Alaska or California?
Alaska has lower lightning density than California.
More comparisons: Alaska 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.