The top 10 winter sun spots with the most hours of sunlight – including two in Europe

While the UK is cloaked in darkness before 4pm in , some countries are basking in more than 12 hours of glorious sunshine.

After comparing several of the most popular spots, LA Travel has revealed which locations offer the most hours of sunshine. 

Some destinations receive more than eight extra hours of sunshine per day compared to the UK in winter, with two surprisingly close to home in Europe.

Tanzania

Coming out on top, basks in 12.06 hours of sunshine per day, which is 8.53 more hours than London and 20% more sunshine hours than Tenerife (6.82).

In Zanzibar, the stunning archipelago of over 50 islands in the Indian Ocean off Tanzania’s coast, tourists can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches and pristine blue skies after the rainy season finishes in December.

Malé, the Maldives 

The peaceful island of ranks second, offering 11.88 hours of winter sunshine per day – 8.35 more hours than London. 

Previously reserved for once in a lifetime trips, cheaper flights are making it more accessible. Today on Skyscanner, return flights from London to Malé, departing on January 13 and returning on January 19, cost £403. 

Cape Town, South Africa 

Cape Town is bathed in 11.47 hours of sunshine on average, an additional 7.94 hours of sun compared to London. Known for its stunning beaches and iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town also has world-class dining and mouthwatering wine at the nearby Cape Winelands. 

Bali, Indonesia

really does have everything. From the surfing waves in Canggu, to the lush greenery of Ubud, and the peace of the Gili islands – or the party, depending on which island you choose – it’s an all-rounder winter sun spot.

It has average winter sunshine hours of 10.71 per day. 

The Canary Islands

Two places on the list are much closer to home in the Canary Islands. Both Tenerife and Fuerteventura get 10.35 hours per day on average, meaning for just a four and a half hour flight, you can get nearly seven hours more sunshine than the UK. 

The top Winter Sun destinations for sunshine, according to LA Travel 

1. Tanzania – average winter hours 12.06 
2. Malé, Maldives – average winter sunshine hours: 11.88 
3. Cape town, South Africa – average sunshine hours: 11.47 
4. Bali, Indonesia – average winter sunshine hours: 10.71 
5. Cairo, Egypt – average winter sunshine hours: 10.65 
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand – average winter sunshine hours: 10.53 
7. Miami, Florida – average winter sunshine hours: 10.53 
8. Tenerife, Canary islands – average winter sunshine hours: 10.35 
9. Fuerteventura, Canary islands – average winter sunshine hours: 10.35 
10. Marrakech, Morocco – average winter sunshine hours: 10.06 

to that in the UK, to see how many extra hours of sun visitors can typically experience each day.