Lightning Strikes: Where and When They Hit

Lightning Strikes Around the Globe

Lightning strikes are a common occurrence on Earth, with an estimated 44.5 strikes per second and over 14 billion flashes annually. These strikes are not evenly distributed around the globe, however.

Of the top 500 lightning hotspots, 283 are located in Africa, making it the continent with the most lightning activity. Asia comes in second with 87 hotspots, followed by South America with 67 and North America with 63.

Globally speaking, the most lightning strikes occur on average in the afternoon, between 12 noon and 6 pm. In the northern hemisphere, the highest number of lightning strikes occurs in the summer months, while in the southern hemisphere, the peak season is during the summer months.

Hotspots for Lightning Activity

The most lightning-prone spots on Earth are:

• Lake Maracaibo in northwestern Venezuela
• The far eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Northern Argentina
• Central and eastern Brazil
• The central United States
• The northern part of India
• The southeastern part of China
• The southern part of Australia
• The northern part of Africa
• The central part of Europe

These areas experience a high number of lightning strikes due to a combination of factors, including warm, humid climates, frequent thunderstorms, and the presence of tall structures or mountains that attract lightning.