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Sunniest Places in the World

Chasing year-round sunshine? Get the inside scoop on the sunniest places in the world.
You know the phrase ‘it’s always sunny somewhere?’ Well, nowhere is this truer than these sun-soaked destinations. So, if you’re in need of a big dose of Vitamin D – no matter what the season – look no further. From the United States to Greece, here’s our round-up of the sunniest countries and cities on earth...

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LAS VEGAS, USA

It’s probably no surprise that the city in a desert has made the cut. Forget Sin City, we think they should rename Vegas Sun City. That’s because this place gets around 3,800 hours of sunshine a year. Plus, it sizzles at a toasty 38°C for a whopping 74 days. Don't worry, though – you can always cool down inside the glitzy, air-conditioned casinos or shopping malls. Vegas comes in at a respectable number four on the world’s sunniest list, just behind Asswan, in Egypt, and Phoenix, in the United States. But, another American pipped the whole planet to the post. Yuma, Arizona, is officially the sunniest city – and place – in the whole world. Here, the locals bask in sun for more than 4,000 hours each year. And the temperatures can soar in the summer months, with a record high of 51°C recorded in July 1995.

Visit Vegas on one of our city breaks

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA

We leave the northern hemisphere behind for our next sunny spot. This one’s found much further south, in Africa. Zanzibar is an archipelago of around 40 islands, floating off the eastern coast of Tanzania. Just like its Indian Ocean cousin – the Maldives – this place is textbook-tropical. You can look forward to 2,755 hours of sun on holidays here, making it one of the sunniest areas of Africa. And its beaches are spot-on for sunbathing – picture lily-white sands and waters as blue as the sky. Plus, Zanzibar’s only a short hop from the mainland, where you can spot lions, elephants and giraffes in the Serengeti and visit traditional Maasai villages.

Tempted by an African adventure? Check out our Tanzania holidays

CYPRUS

If you want to stay closer to home, Cyprus is a top pick. Thanks to its easterly position, the so-called Island of Love gets between 12 and 13 sunny hours a day in summer – that’s the most in the whole of the Mediterranean. It’s got some top-rated Blue Flag beaches to soak up the sun on, too. Alternatively, there’s a handful of waterparks for escaping the heat. The sun isn’t just limited to summer, though – Cyprus racks up 186 hours of it in December, as well, making it the perfect European winter escape.

Book a holiday to Cyprus

RHODES, GREECE

Europe’s second appearance on the list is Rhodes. This is the sunniest of the Greek isles, with around 300 days and an average of 3,000 hours of sun a year. The weather’s so great, in fact, that you can even go for a swim in the sea in October and November. If swimming’s not your thing, you can stroll the narrow, UNESCO-stamped streets of Rhodes Town, which are sprinkled with Medieval architecture and museums. After your sightseeing, you can grab a bite to eat at Mandraki Harbour – there are plenty of al fresco dining spots.

Want to see Greece’s sunniest isle for yourself? Browse our Rhodes holidays

CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN

With a location just off the coast of Africa, it’s no wonder the Canaries make the sunniest list. Europeans have been flocking here for sun-splashed winter escapes for decades. The islands serve up around 180 hours of sun in December, which almost doubles in the summer months. Each year, you can expect an average of 2,800 hours of sun in total. To put that into context, London only gets 1,574 sunny hours – easy decision. The only hard bit will be deciding on which island to pick – will it be lunar-like Lanzarote, beachy Gran Canaria or Tenerife with its volcanoes and waterparks? 

Take a closer look at our Canary Island breaks

ANDALUCIA, SPAIN

There’s a reason so many sun-starved Brits head to southern Spain on their holidays. It’s not the sangria or the siestas, it’s the sun. And the Andalucia region gets more of it than anywhere else. The coastal area’s not known as the Costa del Sol – AKA the Sun Coast – for nothing. The sun shines here 320 days a year – the cities of Malaga, Alicante and Jerez are some of the sunniest with almost 3,000 hours of the stuff.

Find out where we go in Andalucia

BELLE MARE, MAURITIUS 

If you’re lusting after a luxury retreat, then Belle Mare in Mauritius should be on your must-visit list. With its year-round tropical climate and average of 7.75 hours of sunshine per day, it’s the perfect exotic escape. Not to mention, activities ranging from kite-surfing and parasailing to snorkelling and underwater walking are up for grabs – yes, you heard us right on that last one. It’s thanks to the island’s gin-clear lagoons, colour-popping marine life and deep sea wrecks that the watersports scene is such a winner.

Take a look at all our holidays to Mauritius

Ready for some sun?


Have a look our summer deals, or sign up for an adventure with TUI Tours. Plus, find the best places for some winter sun and get the lowdown on where's hot all year round.

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Author: Annabel Langley and Jessica Houtby

Last updated: 23.11.21

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