How Often does Lightning Strike?

Worldwide, lightning strikes about eight million times per day, on average — that's about 100 times per second. Most of these strikes, however, are cloud-to-cloud strikes; only about 25 percent of lightning strikes are cloud-to-ground strikes.

More Flashy Lightning Facts:

• Lightning strikes Central Africa more than any other place in the world.


• In the US, lightning strikes Florida more than any other state.


• Lightning rarely occurs at the North and South poles.


• A commercial airplane gets struck by lightning about once per year on average. The last recorded crash due to lightning, however, was in 1967. Modern airplanes go through lightning safety certifications and are subject to rigorous testing to ensure a lightning strike won't damage the plane.


• One strike of lightning emits about 1 trillion watts of power.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does lightning strike the Earth?

Lightning is a frequent phenomenon, striking the Earth approximately 100 times every second. This translates to around 8 million times per day, showcasing the sheer energy and regularity of these electrical discharges in the atmosphere. The global distribution of these strikes, however, is uneven, with some regions experiencing far more activity than others.

What is the place with the highest frequency of lightning?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the area with the highest frequency of lightning is Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. This region experiences an astonishing average of 233 flashes per square kilometer annually, earning it the title of the "lightning capital of the world" due to its unique topographical and climatic conditions.

Can lightning strike the same place twice?

Contrary to the popular saying, lightning can and often does strike the same place more than once. Tall, isolated structures are particularly prone to multiple strikes. For instance, the Empire State Building is hit by lightning around 23 times a year. This is because lightning follows the path of least resistance to the ground, often favoring high points.

What time of year is lightning most common?

Lightning strikes are most common during the summer months when warm, moist air creates the ideal conditions for thunderstorms. In the United States, for example, the peak season for lightning activity is from June through August, coinciding with the height of the summer thunderstorm season.

Is lightning more frequent over land or water?

Lightning is significantly more frequent over land than over water. This is primarily due to the heating of the land surface which leads to the rising of warm air that can result in thunderstorms. Over water, the temperature changes are less drastic, resulting in fewer thunderstorms and consequently fewer lightning strikes.

How does lightning frequency affect wildlife?

Lightning frequency can have profound effects on wildlife, both directly and indirectly. Direct strikes can be fatal to animals caught in the open. Indirectly, lightning can cause wildfires that reshape habitats, stimulate the growth of certain plant species, and influence the distribution and behavior of wildlife. Animals have evolved various behaviors to cope with the threat of storms.