Regardless of the weather outside your own front door, somewhere in the world there's a warm and welcoming spot that’s perfect for a sunny holiday. So pack your shades and dig out the SPF for our pick of the best year-round destinations that will top up your vitamin D levels. Here we count down to the destination with the most sunshine hours per year.

Thailand is prone to monsoons but Phuket is one of the most consistently sunny spots, with 2,069 annual sunshine hours and an average temperature of 82°F (28°C). Hire a scooter to nip from one beach to the next and don't miss out on a visit to Phuket City's Thalang Road for the vibrant weekend market.

In the Cuban capital Havana, there's very rarely less than seven hours of sunshine per day and temperatures usually range between a balmy 77°F (22°C) and 80°F (27°C) throughout the year. Spend time photographing the colorful, time-worn buildings, or embark on a food tour for a taste of home cooking.

Brazil gets a lot of sunshine and out of all of the tourist spots, Rio de Janeiro clocks up the most, with average temperatures of 74°F (23°C) throughout the year. From sunbathing at Ipanema Beach to making your way up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view, there's plenty to see and do. Make time to sip some refreshing caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar and lime) as the sun sets.

Costa del Sol, which translates to Coast of the Sun, is one of the sunniest spots in Spain. Even when the temperature drops in winter, the forecast will still be warm and bright, averaging five to seven daily sunshine hours. If you're looking to escape the holiday resorts, Nerja in the far east of the coast is quiet and picturesque. If you aren’t fussed about beaches, visit the pueblos blancos – whitewashed houses tucked away in the hills – for a quintessential Andalusian experience.

The weather in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula never really drops below 74°F (23°C), even in winter, so it's perfect for those who like the heat. Head to Tulum, a two-hour drive from tourist-heavy Cancún, and you'll find a mini paradise of yoga retreats, beach shacks and upmarket restaurants.

This weather in this charming 10-island cluster off the coast of Senegal rarely dips below a comfortable 72°F (22°C). Cape Verde was uninhabited until the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century and the influence remains today – you'll see it most readily in the intriguing architecture. Sal, the most popular island, offers plenty of family-friendly hotels or if you don't want to stick to just one place, join an island-hopping tour.

Northern Vietnam can get pretty cool so south of the country offers a better guarantee of sunshine and heat with Ho Chi Minh City averaging 81°F (27°C) throughout the year. A hectic, bustling destination crammed with people, cars and street food vendors, there's also a burgeoning contemporary arts scene to be discovered alongside extraordinary cocktail bars and retro-chic cafés serving Vietnamese coffee made with condensed milk. Once you’re fully caffeinated, take a bike tour around the older parts of the city.

 

Located on the South Island, Nelson clocks up the most annual sunshine hours in New Zealand (around 2,500 hours), earning itself the nickname Sunny Nelson. Abel Tasman National Park – a breathtaking collection of islands and bays with aquamarine waters – attracts plenty of adventurous travelers. If you're after a quieter escape, there are still some remote parts where you can get away from it all. If you need more persuading to visit this beautiful country, check out our top 50 reasons to go.

Nowhere says sun, sea and sand quite like Spain, and port city Valencia sees in the region of 2,660 sunny hours per year. There's a wealth of activities on offer to make the most of its clear skies and balmy temperatures too. Spend the day sunbathing on a beach backed by stunning coastal mountains, marvel at the area's wealth of Roman ruins or plan your visit to coincide with the much-coveted Benicàssim music festival, which takes place around an hour north of the city. For other amazing places to visit in Spain, check out our full guide here. 

Known for its Buddhist monasteries and quiet mountains, land-locked Laos has a slower pace of life than its neighbors. Luang Prabang, the main city, has beautiful temples, cute backstreets to explore and colorful street markets. The rainy season runs from May to October, but from November through to April, Laos basks in sunshine. The slightly cooler months of January and February offer the best conditions for sightseeing with a comfortable average of 69°F (20.5°C) in the north.

While temperatures may drop a little in the winter months, the northern Indian state of Rajasthan enjoys plenty of sunshine and has one of India's shortest monsoon seasons. Visitors come here for the jaw-dropping architecture and to learn how the ancient Indian kings and queens lived. Perfectly preserved fortresses and stretches of desert make this a compelling slice of India.

Though temperatures do drop in winter, Liguria offers an average of nine hours of sunshine per day in summer and experiences little rain throughout the year. It has everything you'd want from a coastal break: top-notch food, beautiful old houses framed by orange and lemon trees, picturesque villages and beautiful local wines. Head to the Cinque Terre and Portofino areas for some breathtaking views.

Temperatures rarely fall below 68°F (20°C) on the idyllic island of Mauritius. Incredible beaches can be found on the Le Morne peninsula in particular, but there's plenty to do beyond sunbathing. Hike up lush mountains and experience the rich food and drink scene for a start. Read our guide for other reasons why the island is so much more than sand and sea.

The French island of Corsica is perfect for sunseekers as it boasts around 300 days of sunshine per year. Top spots to enjoy the weather are Ajaccio, the picturesque capital, and the buzzing port city of Bastia. The Regional Natural Park of Corsica covers around 40% of the island, with a multitude of hiking and biking trails on offer. For those who prefer to sit back and relax, chic marina resorts such as Bonifacio are ideal. Here's how to plan the best Corsica holiday.

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a very good reason – the state receives an average of 2,800 hours of sunshine annually. Of course, there are theme parks galore and enticing cities such as Miami but for a quieter time, head to sunny New Smyrna Beach. Just an hour away from Orlando International Airport, you’ll find incredible seafood, a tight-knit community feel and some of the best surf in Florida – a perfect spot for enjoying the glorious weather. Read our guide here.

Portugal's coastal capital is one of the sunniest places in Europe, clocking up an average of 2,806 hours of sunshine per year. Hop on one of the city's distinctive yellow trams to explore Lisbon to its fullest. Take in the view of the city's pastel-colored houses from atop the São Jorge Castle, or head west to the towns of Estoril and Cascais and enjoy their much-loved beaches. Check out our city guide to Lisbon here. 

It's no wonder that Tanzania's semi-autonomous region Zanzibar is a tourist hot spot. Outside of the two short rainy seasons (March to May and November to December), the island enjoys near-constant sunshine. As well as taking a dip in crystal clear waters, tourists can explore the winding streets of Zanzibar City's old quarter, Stone Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's home to the bustling Darajani Market, where you can join a spice tour to sample the island's nutmeg, cinnamon and more.

Glorious weather is a given in a place called the Sunshine Coast, which unfurls mile after mile of beautiful beaches. Sheltered coves and warm waters make it ideal for swimming too. Port Elizabeth is the biggest city in the area but the seaside town of Jeffreys Bay is equally charming. If you get bored of the beach, Addo Elephant National Park (pictured) is within reach.

Despite its rainy season between September and October, Langkawi is arguably a year-round destination because the rain comes down in short, tropical bursts amid 87°F (30°C) temperatures. The rest of the year, Langkawi enjoys an average temperature of 80°F (27°C), meaning there are gorgeous beaches to discover. Hiring a car opens up the island’s interior that's defined by stunning waterfalls and mountains teeming with birdlife.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is hugely popular for a reason – not least because it has some of the most consistently sunny weather in Spain, clocking in an annual total of 2,887 sunshine hours. Making the most of the beaches and bars is an obvious choice of activity in summer. During the cooler months, the UNESCO World Heritage Teide National Park, with volcanic Mount Teide, is an absolute stunner. Here's what you shouldn't miss in Tenerife.

A key town in Australia's Northern Territory, Alice Springs is often seen as the heart of the Outback and has just a handful of rainy days each year. There's plenty to see, including the Alice Springs Desert Park, an educational facility home to a variety of animal and plant species. You can also plan a trip to the area's interior desert region, the Red Centre, which is home to the famed Uluru or Ayers Rock.

If we're going on numbers, Perth has the most sunshine hours in Australia, but it's hard to beat the set-up in Byron Bay on the southeastern coast, which still enjoys more than 200 sunny days a year. Sure, this sweet, yoga-meets-surf town is no longer quiet and rustic, but it still retains its hippy spirit, and is home to some amazing bars and restaurants. Top tip: head to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise.

French Polynesia's largest island enjoys close to 3,000 sunshine hours per year. While away your stay in one of the ultra-luxurious beach resorts or the famous over-water bungalows, and spend your days enjoying relaxing swims, restaurants serving delicious local food and bustling markets of capital Papeete.

More commonly known as St Barts, this paradise island is a popular retreat for the rich and famous who are keen to take advantage of the destination's 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. With pristine sandy beaches and a wealth of high-end restaurants, it's the perfect location to pamper yourself and truly get away from it all.

Aside from the storms that can occur between September and October, the Caribbean is pretty consistent for sunshine, with average temperatures ranging from 79°F (26°C) to 84°F (29°C). In Anguilla, there's an incredible blend of powder-soft beaches and fun local bars, so you don’t have that trapped-at-the-resort experience. There’s also plenty in the way of water sports, from paddleboarding to kitesurfing.

Enjoying warm weather all year, with sweltering highs of 93°F (34°C), the beach town of Punta Cana is a firm favorite with those after a dose of winter sun. A number of all-inclusive resorts line the area's 30-mile (50km) stretch of beaches, and activities on offer include windsurfing and zip lining. The fashionable Cap Cana Marina is also a great spot to sip on a cocktail and watch the world go by. Although there is no official rainy season in Punta Cana, the average rainfall increases during summer.

Hawaii is no stranger to a bit of drizzle but it remains consistently warm with average temperatures of 85°F (29°C). Honolulu, with its beaches and lively bar scene, is a great introduction for Hawaii newbies. Each of the six main islands has a unique character. Top experiences on a visit to this bountiful state include driving the Road to Hana, a dizzying journey passing breathtaking beaches, waterfalls and lush rainforests to a little town on Maui's remote eastern shore.

Malta's sunny capital enjoys around 3,000 sunshine hours each year, making it a top city break destination whatever the season. Explore its imposing baroque landmarks and the magical Grand Harbour. You should also sample traditional Maltese food such as pastizzi (pastry encased with fillings such as peas and ricotta) at one of the charming alfresco restaurants. See our guide to a perfect weekend in Valletta here. 

Located in the Atacama Desert, it's no wonder this Chilean town enjoys sunny days pretty much year-round with average annual rainfall reaching just over 0.7 inches (20mm). Must-visit landmarks include Chaxa Lagoon (pictured), a salt flat in the Los Flamencos National Reserve that's home to some fascinating bird species, including flamingos. Organized tours out to the traditional Andean village of Machuca and to the geyser field of El Tatio are also popular.

Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Fresno is a great pit stop if you're planning a road trip along the USA's West Coast. Take advantage of the year-round sunshine by heading for a spot of swimming, hiking or water skiing in the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, or wonder at the spectacular rock formations and waterfalls in the nearby Yosemite National Park (pictured).

Cyprus gets a whopping 326 days of sunshine each year, even if it can cool off a little in the winter months. Paphos, on the southwest coast, is a good starting point to explore the rest of the island. You'll find plenty of lively local restaurants serving smoky grilled meats, excellent cheese, and sweet and savory pastries. It's also the gateway for hikes in the Troodos mountains, which have some spectacular Byzantine churches.

Santa Barbara’s weather is dreamy: almost 300 days of sunshine, low humidity and temperatures that never plunge or get too hot. In fall the seasonal Santa Ana winds bring in hot and dry weather, making sure the temperature never falls too low. It's always perfect weather for exploring, whether walking down to the beach, around the gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired buildings or up to the mountains.

Like other parts of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi enjoys sunshine almost year-round with an average of just 10 rainy days annually. In summer, temperatures can hit a high of 107°F (42°C) and they rarely fall below 69°F (20°C) in winter. Make the most of the climate by visiting Abu Dhabi's many public beaches. The most famous is The Corniche, where swimmers can frolic in the calm, blue waters.

Famed for its vanilla beans, paradise beaches and rainforests, this Indian Ocean island will have no trouble charming you. Madagascar has two distinct seasons: a hot, rainy season from November to April, and a cooler, dry season from May to October. If you're traveling to Madagascar's east coast, plan carefully as it's notorious for having hot, humid weather and destructive cyclones during the rainy season.

The largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, Rhodes enjoys around 300 days of sunshine per year. Surrounded by medieval walls and lined with pretty cobbled streets, Rhodes' Old Town is a must-see. For those who want to soak up the sun by day and party by night, the beach resort of Faliraki is also a popular spot on the tourist itinerary. And when it comes to picture-postcard Greece, it doesn't get much better than the whitewashed buildings and hilltop acropolis of Lindos town.

With a staggering 350-plus days of sunshine per year, and summer temperatures reaching 103°F (39°C), Tucson is a sun-worshipper's dream. The city has three lakes (Silverbell Lake, Kennedy Lake and Lakeside Lake) which are ideal for a spot of boating or fishing, while more intrepid travelers can explore the nearby Sonoran Desert (pictured). Here you can marvel at the famed saguaro, the largest cactus in the United States, alongside a whole host of other diverse plant and animal species.

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Las Vegas really is a city that can offer pretty much anything and that includes incredibly sunny weather. In this year-round destination that enjoys 300 sunny days annually, you can enjoy the nightlife of the Strip, take a desert day trip or hang out by the pool, safe in the knowledge that the chances of rain spoiling your fun are low.

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Surrounded by the coastal Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world, Swakopmund sees less than 0.7 inches (20mm) of rainfall annually. Spend the day walking along the city's palm-lined promenades or learn more about its history as a German colony through the wealth of buildings that remain from the era. You could also rent a surfboard and ride waves at locations including Bocock's Bay, around two hours north of the city.

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