Climate
Arizona vs California: Lightning Density
California has lower lightning density than Arizona.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for lightning density.
Arizona
#18 · 28.2 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
#18
Arizona
28.2 per sq mi
Arizona
Arizona ranks 18th and California ranks 5th nationally for lightning density.
What this means
Arizona vs California: Lightning Density in context
California's lightning density is 3.6 per sq mi, compared with 28.2 per sq mi in Arizona. Average lightning events per square mile from the incorporated Vaisala state dataset.
Arizona
28.2 per sq mi
California
3.6 per sq mi
Difference
24.6 per sq mi
People also ask
Arizona vs California Lightning Density — common questions
QWhat is Arizona's lightning density?
Arizona's lightning density is 28.2 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 — Arizona or California?
California has lower lightning density than Arizona.
More comparisons: Arizona 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.