While some may enjoy crisp fall and winter days, others are all about warmth and sun, and book their vacations in search of it. When much of the northern hemisphere is blanketed under snow and a warm coat is required for any trip outdoors, maybe you too are seeking some fun in the sun. But where are the sunniest places you can travel?
Luckily, that’s easy to find out. The World Meteorological Organization ranks the sunniest cities on earth based on the number of sunny hours they receive per year on average. Ready to don your shades and discover them? Read on.
1. Yuma, Arizona
Located in the far southwestern corner of Arizona near the Mexican border, Yuma holds the title of the sunniest city on earth. It receives an average of 4,015 hours of sunshine per year, which is a big reason why 85,000 snowbirds make it their winter residence. Of course, the Kofa Mountain Range means that there’s plenty to do outdoors here. However, you’ll want to restrict your outdoor activities in the summer, as the high temperature averages 107°F (42°C).
2. Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona’s capital and largest city holds the rank of the second-sunniest city in the world, seeing an average of 3,872 sunny hours annually. Phoenix is a major city in a metropolitan area of nearly five million people, so you won’t run out of amenities and activities. Be sure to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, and at least one of the more than 170 golf courses while you’re here.
3. Aswan, Egypt
This southern Egyptian city on the eastern bank of the Nile sees 3,863 sunny hours each year. The city is packed with Nubian monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and significant archaeological sites and tourist attractions such as the Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel Temple. So, go beyond Cairo the next time you travel to Egypt. The amazing sites and peaceful aura of Aswan will captivate you.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
The fourth-sunniest city on earth also happens to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in the USA. Las Vegas is tailor-made for fun both indoors and out. The Vegas Strip is packed with some of the most famous casinos in the world such as the Bellagio and the MGM Grand, just to name a few. Plus, with more than 3,825 hours of sunshine each year, you’ll have a great time getting outdoors to sit poolside, or even enjoy the surrounding desert and mountains.
5. Dongola, Sudan
#5 on our list is the capital of the state of Northen Sudan, Dongola. Situated on the banks of the Nile River, Dongola is known for its palm groves, restaurants, hotels, and 3,814 average hours of sunshine each year. If you want to visit, be warned. Dongola is extremely hot. The average temperature in June is over 110°F (44°C), and temperatures have been known to reach as high as 121.5°F, or nearly 50°C.
Insurance for Your Sunny Getaway
Even if you’re headed away from the snow and ice to somewhere warm and sunny for your vacation, the right insurance coverage is still essential.
If you’re visiting Phoenix, Las Vegas, or any other destination in the US from another country, you’ll want to choose a visitors medical insurance plan. Healthcare in the USA is extremely expensive, so you’ll need a way to help pay for care if you suffer an unexpected illness or injury, including sunburn.
If you want to head to Aswan, Dongola, or any location outside the United States, you can choose travel medical insurance. It’s specifically designed to help you cover the cost of treatment for any new, unexpected illness or sickness that occurs outside your home country, including the cost of pricey emergency medical evacuation if necessary.
If you’re an American resident traveling either domestically or internationally, travel insurance is an option. The primary purpose of travel insurance is to protect your prepaid trip costs in the event of unavoidable trip cancellation, but it can also provide coverage for emergency medical care, lost bags, travel delays, and much more.