Climate

California vs Connecticut: Lightning Density

California has lower lightning density than Connecticut.

California flag
California
CA · West
Winner
3.6 per sq mi
Average lightning events per square mile from the incorporated Vaisala state dataset.
Connecticut flag
Connecticut
CT · Northeast
15.3 per sq mi
Average lightning events per square mile from the incorporated Vaisala state dataset.

Visual comparison

California3.6 per sq mi
Connecticut15.3 per sq mi

Difference: 11.7 per sq mi — California leads.

National Rankings

Where They Rank Nationally

See where both states fall among all 50 states for lightning density.

California #5 · 3.6 per sq mi
Connecticut #14 · 15.3 per sq mi
Best Worst

10 Best States — Lightning Density

Lower is better
#1 Alaska flag Alaska
0.3 per sq mi
#2 Washington flag Washington
2.1 per sq mi
#3 Oregon flag Oregon
3.1 per sq mi
#4 Hawaii flag Hawaii
3.2 per sq mi
#5 California flag California
3.6 per sq mi
#6 Maine flag Maine
4.3 per sq mi
#7 Idaho flag Idaho
6.4 per sq mi
#8 Nevada flag Nevada
7.4 per sq mi
#9 New Hampshire flag New Hampshire
7.9 per sq mi
#10 Massachusetts flag Massachusetts
9.0 per sq mi
Selected states
#14 Connecticut flag Connecticut
15.3 per sq mi

California ranks 5th and Connecticut ranks 14th nationally for lightning density.

What this means

California vs Connecticut: Lightning Density in context

California's lightning density is 3.6 per sq mi, compared with 15.3 per sq mi in Connecticut. Average lightning events per square mile from the incorporated Vaisala state dataset.

California
3.6 per sq mi
Connecticut
15.3 per sq mi
Difference
11.7 per sq mi

People also ask

California vs Connecticut Lightning Density — common questions

QWhat is California's lightning density?

California's lightning density is 3.6 per sq mi.

QWhat is Connecticut's lightning density?

Connecticut's lightning density is 15.3 per sq mi.

QWhich state has a lower lightning density — California or Connecticut?

California has lower lightning density than Connecticut.

More comparisons: California vs Connecticut

Grouped tabs keep the deep-dive links tighter and easier to scan.

Full comparison

Data source and freshness

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.