Dreaming about blue skies, beaches and warmer weather?

Whether you want a tropical island, Mediterranean coastline, African safari or an adventure through Southeast Asia, there are sunny holiday destinations to suit almost every type of traveller.

The important thing is choosing the right destination at the right time.

A tropical country can be warm throughout the year while still having distinct wet and dry seasons, and some destinations are actually more enjoyable outside their hottest months.

From Colombia’s Caribbean islands to the beaches of Bali, here are 10 sunny holiday destinations worth considering for your next trip.

1. Rosario Islands, Colombia

Colombia’s Caribbean coast is a great place to start if sunshine and clear water are high on your holiday wish list.

The Rosario Islands sit offshore from Cartagena and form part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park.

Colombia’s official tourism website highlights their white-sand beaches, clear Caribbean water and coral reefs.

The islands can be reached by boat from Cartagena, making them possible as either a day trip or a longer escape.

What Can You Do in the Rosario Islands?

Relaxing on the beach is an obvious choice, but the surrounding water is a major part of the attraction.

Activities include snorkelling, diving and kayaking, with coral reefs and marine life found around the archipelago.

If you have enough time, consider staying overnight rather than treating the islands purely as a rushed excursion from Cartagena.

That gives you more time to appreciate the setting once some day visitors have left.

The combination of Caribbean scenery and easy access from one of Colombia’s most interesting cities makes the Rosario Islands one of our favourite sunny holiday destinations.

Learn more from the official Colombia Travel guide to the Rosario Islands.

2. Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi combines tropical beaches, rainforest and dramatic viewpoints on Malaysia’s northwest coast.

The archipelago is made up of numerous islands, although most visitors stay on the main island.

Pantai Cenang is one of the best-known resort areas, offering a long beach alongside restaurants, accommodation and activities.

For something quieter, consider exploring other parts of the island.

Ride the Langkawi Cable Car

One of Langkawi’s most memorable attractions takes you away from the beach.

The Langkawi Cable Car climbs towards the top of Gunung Machinchang, providing impressive views across the surrounding landscape.

At the top, the famous Sky Bridge curves above the forest.

Weather conditions can affect visibility, so don’t assume every visit will provide perfectly clear panoramic views.

Langkawi has a tropical climate, which means warm conditions can be accompanied by humidity and rain.

If you’re comparing sunny holiday destinations, check seasonal rainfall as well as average temperatures before choosing your dates.

3. The Croatian Coast

Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is one of Europe’s classic summer destinations.

Historic towns, islands, clear water and beautiful coastal scenery make it particularly attractive during the warmer months.

Zadar, which appeared in the original version of this guide, remains a good starting point.

The city combines Roman and Venetian history with a waterfront that’s home to two modern attractions: the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.

Explore Beyond Zadar

Don’t limit yourself to one city.

Croatia’s coast stretches past numerous islands and historic destinations, giving you plenty of opportunities for a longer road trip or island-hopping holiday.

Split and Dubrovnik are obvious choices farther south, while islands such as Hvar, Brač and Vis offer completely different experiences.

We’ve previously included Vis among our bucket list destinations.

For UK travellers wanting sunny holiday destinations without going long haul, Croatia is one of the easiest options on this list.

Summer brings the warmest weather but also the biggest crowds, so late spring and early autumn can be worth considering if sightseeing matters more than peak heat.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Few cities combine beaches and dramatic landscapes as spectacularly as Rio de Janeiro.

Copacabana and Ipanema provide the famous coastal scenery, while Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado create Rio’s unmistakable skyline.

The city offers far more than a conventional beach holiday.

You can spend time beside the Atlantic, ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, visit Christ the Redeemer, explore neighbourhoods and discover Brazilian food and music.

Remember the Southern Hemisphere Seasons

Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, so its seasons are opposite to those in the UK.

Rio’s summer falls around December to March, while the UK summer months correspond with winter in Rio.

That doesn’t make Rio unsuitable at other times of year, but it’s important when comparing sunny holiday destinations for a particular month.

Also remember that Brazil is enormous.

Iguazú Falls, mentioned in the original article, is an extraordinary attraction but isn’t remotely a quick excursion from Rio’s beaches.

Treat it as part of a wider Brazilian itinerary rather than another Rio attraction.

5. Zambia

Not every sunshine holiday needs a beach.

Zambia offers something completely different: safari landscapes, wildlife and Victoria Falls.

The country’s seasons have a major influence on the experience.

Zambia Tourism describes May to August as cool and dry, September to November as hot and dry, and December to April as warm and wet.

September and October can become particularly hot, especially in lower-lying areas.

Go on Safari

Zambia is well known for safari experiences, with destinations including South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue National Parks.

Wildlife viewing changes with the seasons, so research the particular park you want to visit rather than simply choosing the hottest month.

Victoria Falls provides another major reason to travel to the region.

Water levels change considerably during the year, meaning the appearance of the falls can vary depending on when you visit.

Zambia earns its place among our sunny holiday destinations for travellers who want warmth combined with wildlife and adventure rather than a conventional resort.

6. Vietnam

Vietnam stretches a long way from north to south, so talking about one single nationwide climate can be misleading.

Conditions can differ substantially between Hanoi, central Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City.

That’s actually an advantage if you’re flexible about where you travel.

Vietnam combines beaches, cities, mountains, food and extraordinary landscapes, making it one of the most varied sunny holiday destinations in Southeast Asia.

Where Should You Go?

Ho Chi Minh City offers a fast-paced introduction to southern Vietnam, while destinations along the central coast combine historic cities and beaches.

Farther north, Hanoi provides a very different experience and can be combined with destinations such as Ha Long Bay or the mountains.

Rather than choosing Vietnam purely because you want heat, decide which region interests you and then check its seasonal weather.

That’s especially important because rainfall patterns vary across the country.

Food should be a major part of the trip too.

From street food to regional specialities, eating your way around Vietnam can be every bit as memorable as its landscapes.

7. Sri Lanka’s East Coast

Sri Lanka demonstrates perfectly why understanding seasonal weather matters.

Different parts of the island are affected by different monsoon patterns.

Official Sri Lanka Tourism information explains that while the southwest experiences its wetter monsoon period, the east can enjoy calmer waters and sunshine.

Destinations on the eastern side of the island include Trincomalee, Pasikuda and Arugam Bay.

Beaches and Surfing

Which area suits you depends on the type of trip you’re planning.

Arugam Bay is particularly well known among surfers, while other stretches of the east coast are better suited to travellers primarily looking for beaches and relaxation.

Sri Lanka offers plenty beyond the coast too.

Wildlife, historic sites, tea-growing highlands and cultural attractions make it possible to build a much broader itinerary.

Among our sunny holiday destinations, Sri Lanka is one where researching the correct coast for your travel dates is especially important.

Check the latest seasonal information through the official Sri Lanka Tourism website.

8. The Azores, Portugal

The Azores aren’t the destination to choose if your definition of a sunshine holiday means guaranteed scorching temperatures.

That’s precisely why they’re interesting.

This Portuguese Atlantic archipelago is better suited to travellers who want comfortable outdoor weather, volcanic scenery and nature.

São Miguel is the largest island and a popular introduction to the Azores.

Expect crater lakes, thermal areas, viewpoints, hiking trails and dramatic Atlantic coastline.

Go Whale Watching

The waters around the Azores are particularly well known for cetaceans.

Whale- and dolphin-watching trips operate from different islands, although the species you might encounter vary with the season.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Choose responsible operators that follow appropriate wildlife-viewing practices rather than chasing the closest possible encounter.

The Azores provide a useful alternative to the hotter sunny holiday destinations on this list for travellers who care more about scenery and outdoor activities than lying beside a pool.

9. Jordan

Jordan proves that a warm-weather trip can be about deserts, history and archaeology rather than beaches.

Petra is the country’s most famous attraction, but Wadi Rum provides an entirely different landscape.

Towering sandstone formations rise from the desert, creating one of the Middle East’s most recognisable environments.

The area has also been used as a filming location for numerous productions, including The Martian.

That explains the strange Matt Damon reference in the original version of this article — although Wadi Rum is obviously not a desert named after him.

Don’t Automatically Choose the Hottest Month

If you’re looking at sunny holiday destinations, it can be tempting to assume that the hottest season is best.

Not in Jordan.

Summer heat can make exploring archaeological sites and desert landscapes much harder.

Spring and autumn are often more comfortable for active sightseeing.

A Jordan itinerary can combine Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman and the Dead Sea, providing an enormous amount of variety in one relatively compact trip.

10. Bali, Indonesia

Bali completes our list with tropical beaches, temples, rice terraces and a huge range of accommodation.

The Indonesian island remains warm throughout the year, but rainfall varies by season.

That means choosing your dates according to the type of trip you want rather than simply looking at the temperature.

Bali works particularly well for travellers who want to combine relaxation with sightseeing.

Spend several days around Ubud exploring inland scenery and culture before moving towards the coast for beaches and sunsets.

More Than a Beach Destination

Surfing, snorkelling, diving, hiking, temples, waterfalls, food and spa experiences can all be incorporated into one holiday.

Different areas also have completely different atmospheres.

Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur, Seminyak and Nusa Dua aren’t interchangeable, so research where you want to base yourself before booking accommodation.

Bali is also one of our favourite sunny holiday destinations for couples.

If you’re planning a romantic trip, read our complete Bali honeymoon guide.

How to Choose a Sunny Holiday Destination

Temperature shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.

A destination averaging 30°C isn’t necessarily better than somewhere averaging 25°C.

Humidity, rainfall, wind, sea conditions and the activities you’re planning can all make a bigger difference to your holiday.

Before choosing between sunny holiday destinations, think about:

• How far you want to fly
• Your budget
• Beach or sightseeing priorities
• Rainfall
• Humidity
• Sea temperature
• Peak tourist periods
• Local seasons
• Activities
• Entry requirements

If your priority is lying beside a beach, your ideal destination will be very different from somebody planning a safari or hiking holiday.

Where Should You Go for Winter Sun?

For UK travellers, escaping winter is often the main reason for searching for sunshine.

Bali, parts of Colombia and some regions of Southeast Asia can provide warm-weather options during the British winter, although rainfall patterns need to be considered.

Rio de Janeiro is experiencing its summer while the UK is in winter, making Brazil another possibility for a long-haul escape.

Closer to home, you could also consider the Canary Islands.

Our guide to where’s hot in December has more ideas specifically for winter travel.

Where Should You Go for Summer Sun?

If you’re travelling during the British summer, you don’t necessarily need to fly halfway around the world.

Croatia is an excellent European option.

Sri Lanka’s east coast can also be worth considering because its seasonal weather differs from the southwest of the island.

Zambia’s dry season makes it attractive for safari travel, while the Azores offer a milder alternative for travellers interested in nature and hiking.

The best sunny holiday destinations change according to the month, which is why checking local seasons before booking matters.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Enjoying sunshine doesn’t mean trying to spend as long as possible exposed to intense UV.

Use suitable sun protection, seek shade during the strongest part of the day and stay hydrated.

Take extra care around water and at higher elevations, where you may underestimate sun exposure.

Children and people particularly sensitive to the sun may need additional protection.

The goal should be enjoying the destination comfortably, not finding the highest possible temperature.

Sunny Holiday Destinations: The Verdict

There is no single perfect sunshine destination.

Choose the Rosario Islands for Caribbean beaches, Langkawi for a tropical island escape or Croatia for a European summer trip.

Head to Rio de Janeiro for beaches and city life, Zambia for safari adventures or Vietnam for food, culture and varied landscapes.

Sri Lanka’s east coast offers seasonal beach opportunities, while the Azores provide a milder nature-focused alternative.

For deserts and ancient history, choose Jordan.

And if you want beaches, culture and tropical scenery in one trip, Bali remains difficult to beat.

The best sunny holiday destinations aren’t necessarily the hottest places on Earth. They’re the destinations where the weather, season and experiences match the holiday you actually want.

When you’ve chosen between these sunny holiday destinations, you can find flights, search for hotels and compare car hire through TravelHype.