Sunniest spots on each continent to escape the rain

Don’t let these dark clouds put a dampener on your year, and discover the year-round blue skies of these delightfully sunny travel destinations 

Whether it’s the January blues or April showers, rainy weather can really drag your holiday experience down. If, like us, you’ve had enough of this gloomy weather, you’ll be pleased to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and a trip to one of these sunny travel hotspots might be just the thing to lift your spirits.  

We’ve been digging into the data and have found out which global destinations have, on average, the most sunshine hours per year. From Australia’s Sunshine Coast and the safari hotspots of Botswana and South Africa to a pair of idyllic island nations on the Mediterranean Sea, here are each continent’s sunniest spaces.  

Which countries enjoy the most sunshine per year?  

Europe 

As its name suggests, Spain’s Costa del Sol is typically known as the sunniest region in Europe. It’s the neighbouring Costa Blanca, though, that actually holds the title for the sunniest days per year, with cities like Alicante and Cartagena enjoying over 349 sunshine hours per month on average. Combining its Moorish heritage sites, pristine beaches, and year-round clear skies, this enchanting region is perfect for both winter-sun getaways and holidays at the height of summer. 

Further afield, the island nations of Malta and Cyprus are just as impressive and rival Spain’s sun-kissed Costas for average sunshine days each year. Malta, home to its medieval capital, Valletta, and an array of colourful fishing towns, is the ideal choice for a late summer escape with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. To the east, Cyprus is another top pick for sunshine throughout the year, and its split capital, Nicosia, boasts the title of the sunniest capital on the continent! 

The Americas 

Across the Atlantic, the Americas are a treasure trove of culture, natural beauty, and vibrant cityscapes, top our travel wish-lists year in, year out. Though parts of the United States, such as Arizona, Nevada and Florida, are known for their record highs of sunshine hours per year, when we think about the continents’ best overall hotspots, we can’t help looking south.  

Peru’s glittering white city, Arequipa, is one of such places, and with 300 days of sunshine per year, it certainly lives up to its moniker, ‘The City of Eternal Spring’. In the city, you’ll find plenty of neoclassical landmarks, volcanic vistas and lively piazzas to enjoy under the clear skies. Further south, Chile’s Atacama Desert ranks amongst the world’s sunniest spots per year, while the country’s capital and its world-renowned wine valleys benefit from cooler temperatures but equally pleasant weather.  

Oceania 

In Oceania, sunshine is one of the most reliable parts of everyday life, but some spots stand out. Whether for their unspoilt natural wonders, surfers’ havens, or bustling coastal centres, these spots are even better in the sun and should be at the front of mind for anyone considering a sun-soaked escape. Though there are plenty of spots to choose from Down Under, Queensland’s iconic Sunshine Coast is perhaps the most famous and captures everyday life in Australia at its most authentic. Situated around 100km north of Brisbane, this delightful region is known for its laid-back atmosphere, white-sand beaches and thriving food and drink scene.  

Also of interest in Oceania are the twin islands of New Zealand, and the seaside town of Nelson is a particularly good choice for year-round sunshine. Often challenging for the title of New Zealand’s sunniest town, this delightful destination boasts over 2,500 hours of sunshine each year and showcases some of the South Island’s most scenic beaches. While here, be sure to also visit nearby Abel Tasman National Park to see the country’s natural landscapes at their most picturesque.  

Africa 

Statistically the sunniest continent in the world, it goes without saying that Africa is home to some of the best blue-sky destinations on the planet. In Egypt, for instance, Aswan and Abu Simbel consistently reach 4,000 hours of sunlight each year, which equates to an extraordinary 12 hours per day. Despite long days under the sun, the country’s average temperatures are more manageable than you might expect, with average temperatures generally sitting at around 24°C over the course of the year.  

When many think of Africa, though, it’s the safaris that come to mind. Not to worry, though – many of the continent’s best wildlife-spotting hotspots are also sunshine magnets! What’s more, since they’re in the southern hemisphere, many of these countries’ warmest months coincide with the UK’s winter. Botswana, famed for its safaris along the Chobe River, is at its sunniest in September and October, while neighbouring South Africa enjoys 10-12 hours of sunshine on average each day between November and February.  

Asia 

Though perhaps slightly less sunny than other spots around the globe, Asia has a number of particularly dry regions which are perfect for a reliable break from the rain. India, with its world-famous Golden Triangle landmarks, ancient shrines, and tiger-rich national parks, is an ideal choice for exploring under clearer skies. With around 300 days of sunshine annually, and certain areas, such as the ‘Sun City’, Jodhpur, reaching 330, you can rest assured that outside of monsoon season, your time in India will likely be dry and rich in vitamin D!  

If island relaxation is more to your tastes, Indonesia deserves a spot at the very top of your travel wish-list. Though Indonesia might be best known for photogenic Bali and its bustling capital, Jakarta, there’s a lot to explore across this charming archipelago. To make the most of your time in Southeast Asia, visit during the dry season (June to September) for highs of 10 hours sunshine per day during the dry season.  

Soak up the world’s sunniest spaces with Newmarket Holidays 

If you’re keen to swap the rainclouds for clear skies, or have any questions about the destinations featured above, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. They’re on hand to help you pick the perfect escape for you, and to get the ball rolling on your next wish-list adventure. 

If you’ve got your eye on another part of the world, you can find it in our full range of escorted tours by visiting our dedicated destinations page.