Many people look for and crave sunlight. In fact, without the sunlight that hits the Earth, life would really not be possible. But where can you go to catch some good sun? What about places that are not exclusively beaches or out in the middle of the desert? Believe it or not, there are a number of places that people can go to for a sun-seeking vacation.

All over the world, from north to south and east to west, there are places that get more sun than you would think is possible. From places with over half a day of sunlight to places that consistently get eight or more hours year round, this comprehensive list covers the gambit of locations.

But we know that there is more than just sun to a vacation in the sun, so this list looks to cover some of the other activities that are available to travelers. And many of these activities are still outside, so there is still ample opportunity to get an extra shot of UV rays.

So sit back and take a peek at what is offered world-wide with regards to places where you should double-check your supply of sunscreen before heading out.

20 Maunday’s Bay, Anguilla

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We start our list of great places to catch some sun rays with white sandy beaches and an average January temperature of 83 degrees. Maunday's Bay in Anguilla is the perfect place to get some sun all year round. What more could you ask for when you are exposed to eight or nine hours of sunlight per day? Located near the equator, you know it is going to be nice, sunny, and warm, but unlike many tropical locales, Maunday's Bay is not a place where you have to worry about whether a tropical rainstorm is about to roll in. And the ample sun is just the beginning! The low-key atmosphere of the area means that you will feel at home regardless of the activities you participate in. There are a number of dining options in the area for those that like to have a cocktail in hand while sunbathing. And for an opportunity to get out of the sun for a moment or two, duck into one of the nearby art galleries. Maunday's Bay has plenty of hotel and resort options to meet the needs of any traveler.

There are plenty of options when it comes to places to get sun, but one that anyone should certainly consider is Maunday's Bay in Anguilla for its warmth, not just temperature but lifestyle.

19 Bangkok, Thailand

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Southeast Asia is not necessarily known for its ample sunlight. After all, the monsoons of the jungle regions are pretty famous around the world. And so, many people do not consider places in southeast Asia when they are looking for a location to vacation with plenty of sun. But Bangkok, Thailand may be an exception to that lack of sun "rule." Well, at least during the dry season, which runs from December to April.

During that period of time, the city receives an average of nine hours of sunlight per day, which is excellent considering that is the middle of winter and the beginning of spring when North America and Europe are receiving much less than that.

And if you go in December or January, the temperature will be relatively mild and you will likely beat the crush of tourists who are trying to get in on the ample sunlight in the middle of winter. And Bangkok is a great city to visit, not just for the sun. With a vibrant street life, beautiful ornate temples, and an exciting night life, it is a city that rivals many cities in the West. So forget what you know about sunlight and southeast Asia and consider Bangkok, Thailand for a sunny getaway.

18 Tucson, Arizona

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The first desert location on this list is Tucson, Arizona. This city in the south of Arizona gets an average of 286 days of sun per year, and the mountainous terrain means that, despite the fact that it is the desert, it really has a relatively mild climate. In fact, the winters in Tucson can see snow on the surrounding mountains but still plenty of sunlight to keep things bright. Tucson is a great spa destination for those individuals looking to relax in ways other than sitting in the sun. And would you believe that there is great dining available with many of the chefs having an international reputation? Something that Arizona is famous for all over is golfing, but the golf courses in Tucson are above par when it comes to a great golf outing in the sun. Of course, you cannot visit a place in the sun if you do not have a place to stay, but Tucson delivers up a plethora of hotel options at a variety of price points for any visitor. What more could you look for in a desert location? Mild climate but plenty of sunlight to work on your tan while you rest and relax year round!

17 Zanzibar, Tanzania

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From the deserts of the American southwest, the next location seems a world away yet it has one thing that is very similar, the amount of sunlight. Zanzibar, Tanzania receives some seven to eight hours of sunlight every day year round, putting it up there pretty high with the amount of sunlight that it gets. And

if you come to Zanzibar for the sunlight, you will certainly stay for the large number of activities and attractions that make this area so appealing to tourists from around the world.

What can you do in Zanzibar? Take your pick of just about anything under the sun. For the adventurous type, Zanzibar is home to some great safari trips to explore the wildlife. If you are into cultural events, you are covered. Other outdoor activities that are readily possible include hiking and mountain climbing, two activities best done when the sun is out and shining abundantly. And if you just want to relax and get away from it all, take a trip down to the coast for a beach holiday where you are sure to soak up the sun. So, from wild animals to mountains and beaches, Zanzibar, Tanzania really does offer just about every activity under the sun and plenty of sun to participate in those activities.

16 Aswan, Egypt

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If you are not getting enough sunlight in Tanzania, how about taking a trip to one of the sunniest places on Earth? Aswan in Egypt gets an average of about 10 to 12 hours of sunlight per day. It is literally not possible to get more sun than that in a single day, and the only thing keeping this city from taking the spot of sunniest place on the planet is the short rainy season that Egypt relies on for water. So, if you go to Aswan during the rest of the year, you will be treated to sun-filled days when you can participate in any number of outdoor activities. The city used to be the gateway to Africa a very long time ago, so there are a number of monuments and historical attractions for tourists to explore, and they are all outside in the sun. If you are looking for a way to get off of the hot sand, take a waterway tour, which will afford you the best view of the city and help you to cool down a little. Elephantine Island is another popular attraction that gives tourists from all over the world a chance to soak up the sun with a side of Egyptian culture and history.

15 Savannah, Georgia

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Back in the United States, we find our next great sunny location in the South. When tourists think about this region of the country, they oftentimes believe that it is a hot murky swamp that does not see very much sun. Savannah, Georgia is here to prove them wrong, though.

Savannah receives some 219 days of sunshine in the average year, and that is more than enough for it to qualify as a sunny location. And if you are looking for more than just a sunny expedition, look no further than Savannah.

The historic city, key to the American Civil War, is rife with beautiful architecture that clearly demonstrates how important this sunny haven has been to the people of Georgia, as well as the rest of the United States. While the history of Savannah is all well and good, many people like to visit the city for the boutique shopping and wonderful Southern Charm. And because the city is on the Atlantic coast, there are a number of fine coastal dining options, as well as beach activities. Yet what really draws people to Savannah, Georgia is the abundance of sunshine. People just like to say that they are visiting for the history and Southern Charm.

14 Bali, Indonesia

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Around the world, again, and back in Asia is the next sunny location, Bali, Indonesia. While some places in Asia see the sun from December to April, Bali gets most of its sun between the months of April and August before the rains begin. During these summer months, expect at least eight to 10 hours of sunlight per day. Hard to beat that. With a number of great beaches perfect for surfing, Bali is a grand-sand-between-your-toes destination. And that means plenty of chances to get out and sunbathe. For those that like to stay inland, Bali offers tourists the opportunity to visit beautiful temples, tracing their construction and importance back hundreds or thousands of years. And once the sun sets, be sure to take advantage of the night life and night clubs, just be sure to get up the next morning for another day in the sun experiencing the culture in the form of music and dance. Bali, Indonesia has a lot to offer those tourists from around the world who regularly flock here for the chance to experience a new culture while still having access to the sunlight that people so crave. While it is possible to go anywhere and stay indoors, it is totally worth it to go to Bali to get outdoors.

13 Patagonia, South Cape Of South America

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Down at the southern tip of South America, almost all the way to Antarctica, lies a region called Patagonia. And while it may seem that if you are that far south you are going to be cold, this region has remarkably mild but cool weather during the summer months. And

it is during these same summer months that the sun will rise at 5:30am and set at 10pm, which means that Patagonia receives some sixteen and a half hours of sunlight per day.

And because it is a mountainous region, that sun is a lot closer to tourists than if they were back in Egypt. This area is very nature-centric, with many activities related to whale watching, hiking, and rock climbing, and visiting vast glacier fields. All of these activities are outdoors under the bright sun and can literally be done all day long. And for those people daring enough to brave the frigid South Atlantic, there is a great chance to prove yourself with kayaking and other water sports. Do not let the fact that Patagonia is about at the bottom of the world fool you. The summer days are long, and that makes for plenty of sunshine for a number of great activities.

12 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, one can expect a lot...literally. This is a city that is known for glamour, grandeur, and over-the-top. They like to be in control, as is evident in the islands they formed to have more real estate and one of the world's tallest buildings. But one thing that the good people of Dubai cannot control is the sun. Lucky for them, they have that in an overabundance too. The city gets (on average) eight to ten hours of sunlight a day, and since it is in the middle of the desert, you do not really need to worry about a stray thunderstorm ruining your beach outing. As for the city itself, there are opulent attractions, amazing hotels, theme parks, and beaches. All great things to have on hand when people are flocking to your city to get in on the vibrant culture and lush parks. Dubai really is an oasis in the middle of the desert, and with all of the sun that is beating down on the city, people may be apt to start seeing mirages. Of course, with the way Dubai is run, that may not be a mirage. It may be your vacation dream come true.

11 Cabo San Lucas

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Cabo San Lucas is a well-known vacation spot. But

did you know that the real reason why it is probably one of tourists' favorite getaways has a lot to do with the fact that it receives up to 12 hours of sunlight during the summer months?

Sure, people love the beach and the activities. But none of that would be any fun if the sun was not shining near 100% of the time from March through June. Cabo San Lucas has a great selection of amazing resorts, fantastic relaxing spas, and wonderful golf courses to keep you occupied when you are not just relaxing on the beach. Water activities include kayaking and snorkeling, both the chance to get out of the sand and into the water. Yet, as in all places, the sun must eventually go down. Tourists who visit the marina will be delighted to find restaurants and nightclubs for the evenings and a selection of shopping locations throughout the day. While Cabo San Lucas is going to be a great bet for a place to go and get a lot of sun in the late spring and early summer, the resort town has so much more to offer people who go for the sun but still need something to do.

10 Johannesburg, South Africa

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Johannesburg, South Africa is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. However, during the summer months, it gets an average of nine hours of sunlight per day. And the rest of the year is pretty sunny as well, considering that you will be in Africa and far enough away from the equator that you will not need to worry about tropical storms and rain all the time. And Johannesburg has a lot to offer the savvy tourist, regardless of what that tourist is into or looking for. The city is pretty much the cultural center of South Africa and has a number of interesting cultural destinations for people to enjoy, including museums and art galleries. And regardless of when you are visiting South Africa, you will be able to take advantage of the fine weather to enjoy any number of expos, concerts, or festivals scattered across the country and throughout Johannesburg. Since no vacation would be complete without a spa day, the city offers many options in terms of spas and relaxation for tourists from around the world who come here to enjoy everything, but especially the ample sunlight year round. Outdoor shopping markets and plazas allow people to take advantage of the sunlight to get their shop on and buy souvenirs and memories to share with friends and family.

9 South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island
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South Padre Island

Believe it or not, the United States is the sunniest country in the world. And Texas is one of the sunniest states in the country. So what does that make South Padre Island, if not one of the sunniest cities in the world?

This island city has an average of over 200 days of sunlight a year, so it deserves the title as one of the sunniest places that you can have a great time doing all the things people love to do in the sun.

It is an island, so it is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, with rolling waves and white beaches that are often covered with beach-goers from all over the country. South Padre Island is a typical tourist town with a bunch of kitschy little shops and stalls but also offers hiking and nature trails, in addition to horseback riding adventures. If you want to stay on the water or above it, take a look into parasailing, which will give you a bird's eye view of the entire island and be sure to leave you with fond memories. Whatever your pleasure, South Padre Island in Texas really has a lot to offer those individuals and families that are looking for a sunny vacation.

8 Faro, Portugal

Faro
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Faro, the Algarves, Portugal

What would say is the sunniest city in all of Europe? If you guessed Faro, Portugal, you would be correct. Situated on the coast, Faro is one of the treasures that the country of Portugal has to offer people who visit from elsewhere in Europe or from around the world. There are a number of beaches for tourists to visit, with ample sunlight to be soaked up all over the city. If you are the type of person who travels the world in search of other kinds of wildlife than what you can find in your own back yard, then Faro has the Ria Formosa Nature Center, which is perfect for getting up close and personal with the local flora and fauna. But if animals are not your thing and you are looking to do some outdoor shopping in the sun, then Faro is loaded with plazas and pedestrian shopping streets where you can buy just about anything. And while the Iberian Peninsula may not be known for being inviting to out-of-towners, Faro is remarkably laid-back and welcoming to people of all different backgrounds and places.

Faro, Portugal has many things, other than an abundance of sun, to make it a worthwhile place to visit if you happen to be in the region or planning a trip to Europe.

7 St. Helier, Jersey

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England and the United Kingdom are certainly not known for having nice sunny weather year round. However, there are a few places that do offer quite a bit of sunshine throughout the year. St. Helier in Jersey is one such place, with over 2,000 hours of sunlight per year which, if you think about it, is a lot of sunlight for a place that is located in the United Kingdom in the northern Atlantic Ocean. One of the greatest attractions that St. Helier has to offer is Elizabeth Island, which afford visitors the opportunity to get out of the town proper and onto the beaches. Now, you are probably not going to be swimming in the North Atlantic, but you will be able to sit on the beach and soak up the sun, which is what this list is all about: catching the sun. The Jersey Museum and Visitor Center is also located here, which will give you a sense of the history of the region and other activity ideas for those people that do not want to sit on the beach. But, if you really want to get some sun in England, make the trip to Jersey and St. Helier for the sunniest place in the United Kingdom.

6 Perth, Australia

Perth CBD showing Mitchell Freeway abd Swan River
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Perth city center buildings form the backdrop to Elizabeth Quay and the main freeway heading down to South Perth and Mandurah.

Now, let us take a trip way down under to Perth, Australia. If you visit between December and January, you can expect to enjoy 12 or more hours of sunlight per day. And to take advantage of all that sunlight, there are five beaches where any number of people regularly visit to enjoy the sun and getting out and participating in beach and water activities. In the city center, visitors can be found looking at museums and the gallery district, all exploring the cultural heritage of the region. With Australia's storied history, it is no wonder that so many people come to Perth to learn more about this island continent. If you are the type of person that enjoys nature, take a tour of Kings Park where you will be greeted with breath taking views of the surrounding area.

Australia is a wonderful country that has a lot to offer, including a lot of sun. But Perth, in particular, really offers the sunlight and a number of great activities to help people take advantage of the abundant sun.

From museums and outdoor shopping and plazas to the five beaches, Perth really is a great and sunny place for people to vacation to.

5 Las Vegas, Nevada

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Viva Las Vegas! If you live in the United States, you have certainly heard of Las Vegas, and even if you are not from the U.S., you probably have heard of Las Vegas, Nevada. Most people know that this city is located in the desert, but many do not know that it gets over 3,000 hours of sunlight every year, making it one of the sunniest cities in the United States. There is plenty of stuff to do in Vegas, even if you are not into gambling. Nearby, you will find Hoover Dam, which is a marvelous feat of civil engineering and offers tours down into the dam. The surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking and exploring, and the city itself has many historic and cultural activities to enjoy, all without losing your pay-check. Las Vegas may be known primarily for gambling and vice, but it really is a city that offers a lot of sunlight throughout the year to enjoy any number of activities outdoors that let you really enjoy that sunlight and take advantage of the mild climate to help boost your mood. And if you cannot help yourself, go hit The Strip and put down some money at the roulette table. But, you will want to be back outside in the sun before the ball stops.

4 Curacao

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Visit the beautiful Curacao in July and you will be treated to between nine and 10 hours of sunlight a day, which is plenty of UV rays to get your tan on no matter who you are. And since you are in a tropical paradise, you should probably take advantage of the beautiful beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you are inclined to get into the water, go for a snorkel among the coral reefs that line the shores. Overall, it's a beautiful way to get out and enjoy the sun.

For anyone who wants to stay on dry land and away from the beach crowd, Curacao offers sightseeing tours all over the region, which will get you out and about and away from your resort.

A little more adventure can be found in the hiking and safari trips that are also available to visitors. While many people will come to Curacao for the beach, the other activities also allow people to take full advantage of the ample sunlight throughout the year, but especially in the summer months. So, head to Curacao for some sunbathing and a whole lot more when it comes to enjoying the sun while on vacation.

3 Aruba

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Aruba is sun central in the Caribbean, with nine to ten hours of sunlight a day from July to September.

And the natives of Aruba know that they are sun central and have happily adapted to the near constant influx of tourists that flock to the region year after year.

Aruba is literally surrounded by white sandy beaches, being an island and all, and there are a number of fine high-end resorts for people to stay at during their visit. Because of the adaptation to tourists, Aruba is very tourism-friendly, so you really have very little to worry about in terms of anything but what hours you will be out sunbathing. Yet, there is a rich cultural and historic heritage in Aruba, and the people there will be glad to share that with you. There is even a national park and a butterfly farm for people to enjoy if they ever get sick of sitting on the beach soaking up the sun. Surely, Aruba is one of the most popular destinations on this list of sunny places, but that should not stop anyone from going there at least once to enjoy ample sunshine and so much more.

2 Mount Everest

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Mount Everest is at the top of the world...literally. And while many people would consider Mount Everest as nothing more than a cold frozen mountain, the fact that it is in the middle of the highest mountain range in the world means that the sun beats down on this peak with a vengeance. It is not at all recommended that the average person pack up and head for the summit. However, Mount Everest is getting more and more tourist-friendly for those people not inclined nor capable of climbing a 29,000-plus-foot mountain. While there are really not a lot of activities to do at the base of the mountain, if you happen to be planning a trip to Nepal or the Himalaya region, it may be worth your while to head over to Mount Everest to see what all the fuss is about. And even though the base of the mountain is much lower in altitude than the summit, you will probably find yourself gasping for air if you take more than a couple steps. But at least you will have the sunlight to try and cut through the chill in the air and in your lungs. Mount Everest may not be an ideal vacation spot, but it is definitely a sunny location that many people probably have never considered visiting.

1 Yuma, Arizona

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So just what is the sunniest place on Earth? How about a little town in Arizona called Yuma.

Many places claim the fame of being sunniest, but Yuma really backs up that claim with the numbers. Some 4,000 hours of sunlight a year means that regardless of when you visit, you probably are going to get several hours of sunlight.

And since Yuma is in the desert, there is very little chance of a stray cloud rolling in to block the rays of the sun. The activities around Yuma include outdoor hiking, biking, and birding, all wonderful ways to stay outside and continue to absorb sunlight while experiencing something new or getting a little exercise. Yet, if you want to take a break from being outside, head to the casino or one of the amazing restaurants for a relaxing time indoors. Yuma, Arizona may not be on everyone's radar with regards to vacation destinations, but for those seeking the sunlight, it should be at the top of the list. There is so much to do in this small city, and sunbathing is just one of the many options. Yes, Yuma really does have it made in the sun as the number one place to pack your sunscreen for.

And that wraps up this list of 20 outstanding places around the world to pack your sunscreen. Regardless of where you like to vacation or how you like to vacation, you are sure to find opportunities nearby to get some sun.