Which two months have the highest average temperature?

• A. January and February
• B. May and June
• C. July and August
• D. October and November

Answer: (C)

The warmest average temperatures occur when the region has the most solar energy over a day, and in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere that tends to happen in midsummer. The sun is highest and days are longest, and heat continues to build in land and water even after the solstice, so the hottest averages are often reached in late July and August. That’s why this pairing is the right choice: it reflects the period when overall warmth is greatest. January and February are typically the coldest months in the north, May and June are warming but not yet at peak, and October and November transition into cooler autumn weather. Keep in mind that in the Southern Hemisphere, the pattern flips, with the hottest months being December and January.