The Best Time of Year to Go on a Sun-Filled Vacation

Let’s be honest – we could always do with a holiday. After months slaving away in the office, there is nothing better than escaping away to the sunshine of some foreign land. However, not all vacation destinations are ideal all year round. There are some places that are bathed in sunshine over summer (June-August) and others that are perfect for getting that highly coveted winter sun (December – February). Wherever you decide to go on vacation, make sure you go at the right time of the year so you’re not met with sunshine rather than monsoons.

Check out our top suggestions for a sun-filled vacation this year.

January – Sri Lanka

In January, Sri Lanka is blessed with beautiful sunshine that radiates from the highlands to the coast. The sea is perfect for swimming and the warm temperature is ideal for wildlife spotting.

February – Chile

From the beaches of Viña del Mar to the rugged cliffs of Patagonia, February is prime summer time for Chile. This means you’ll be able to soak up some rays while you enjoy some of the world’s most staggering natural beauty.

March –Vietnam

March is the driest month of the year for Vietnam, which makes exploring the country easy and pleasurable. Whether you head for the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh or the sparkling coastline around NhaTrang, sunshine kisses every corner of this wonderful country.

April – Japan

If you have ever seen photos of Japan, you might have been struck by the flurries of pink cherry blossoms that adorn the country. The cherry blossoms come out to bloom in April. This, combined with perfect weather, makes April a fantastic time to visit Japan.

May – Spain

Spain can get pretty hot in peak summer, but in May the weather is absolutely perfect. The south is drenched in the sun’s golden glow, while the north is hot but not unbearable. This is the ideal time to hike through Spain’s abundant nature and explore its pulsing cities.

June – Belize

There is never a bad time to visit Belize, but June is particularly good thanks to the month’s never-ending sunshine. Enjoy snorkelling around the Cayes or caving on the mainland before feasting on lobster in the evening.

July – Canada

Those who want sunshine but want to avoid blistering heat should head up to Canada in July. The weather sits in the mid to high 20s around most of the country – the perfect temperature for strolling along nature trails, exploring forests and relaxing on the beaches.

August – Zimbabwe

August in Zimbabwe is right in the middle of the dry season. This means you can go on safari without the fear of being caught in a downpour. A benefit of travelling at this time is that the big game will all be gathered around the few remaining water holes, making wildlife spotting much easier.

September – Morocco

Now that the heat of summer has somewhat passed, Morocco is perfect. September still sees high temperatures and lots of sunshine but in a much more manageable fashion. Check out the medinas and sand dunes while you top on vitamin D.

October – Australia

Winter is well and truly over by October in Australia but summer isn’t quite there yet. This shoulder month is less busy than other times of the year and still has gorgeous weather – what more could you want? Byron Bay is calling!

November – St Maarten

This tiny Caribbean island is home to the famous Maho Beach, where planes skim the heads of beach-goers as they come in to land on the island’s runway. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or not, November in St Maarten is the very beginning of the dry season and the perfect time to visit.

December – India

Once the monsoons have finished, the sun comes out in full force and bathes the whole of India in its warming glow. December is high season for the South, including party central Goa and mystical Kerala.