When people imagine starting a new life abroad, visions of warm mornings, golden afternoons, and endless blue skies often come to mind. For many expats, sunshine is more than a luxury — it’s a lifestyle choice. It influences health, social life, and even career opportunities.
Who wouldn’t want to swap grey winters for bright, vitamin D-filled days? According to surveys by InterNations, over two-thirds of expats say climate is a major factor when deciding where to live. But not all sunny countries are equal.
Some offer dry desert light, others a gentle Mediterranean glow, and still others a tropical mix of sun and sea breezes. If you’re looking for a new home under sunnier skies, here are some of the best countries around the world for expats who want warmth, daylight, and a vibrant lifestyle.
Why Sunny Countries
Moving somewhere sunny is about more than comfort. Sunshine has proven health and psychological benefits:
- Vitamin D boost – Strong sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D, which strengthens bones and supports your immune system.
- Better sleep – Exposure to natural light regulates circadian rhythms, helping you wake refreshed and sleep deeply.
- Improved mood – Sunlight boosts serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone,” reducing stress and warding off seasonal depression.
- Lifestyle perks – Outdoor dining, evening walks, and beach weekends are simply easier when the weather cooperates.
Of course, too much sun can pose risks — heatwaves, sunburn, and dehydration among them — so expats should balance their enthusiasm with sunscreen and shade. Still, for most, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Europe’s Sunny Havens
Europe is not all grey skies and drizzle. Head south, and you’ll find some of the brightest climates on the continent.
Spain and Portugal
With over 2,700 hours of sunshine annually, Spain and Portugal remain perennial favorites for expats. Spain offers variety — Mediterranean warmth in Andalusia, oceanic breezes in Galicia, and high-altitude light in Madrid.
Portugal is similarly blessed, particularly along the Algarve coast, where sun-drenched beaches meet a relaxed pace of life. Both countries combine abundant sunshine with strong expat communities, excellent food, and affordable living.
Greece, Cyprus, and Malta
The Eastern Mediterranean is another hotspot. Greece boasts more than 250 sunny days a year, especially across its islands, where sea breezes temper the heat. Cyprus, meanwhile, enjoys nearly 3,300 hours of sunshine annually — one of the highest in Europe.
Malta, though small, packs in over 3,000 hours, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle framed by historic architecture and turquoise waters. For retirees or digital nomads, these island nations offer an irresistible mix of sun and community.
Africa’s Sun-Soaked Landscapes
Africa has some of the brightest skies on earth — from desert light to coastal glow.
Egypt is unrivalled when it comes to sunshine. With more than 3,700 annual hours and almost no rainfall, it offers consistently clear skies. While the desert heat can be intense, expats gravitate toward Cairo, Alexandria, or Red Sea resorts like Hurghada.
On the other side of the continent, Kenya provides a more balanced version of African sunshine. Its coastal cities, like Mombasa, enjoy a tropical climate, while Nairobi’s altitude keeps temperatures milder despite frequent sun.
With more than 3,100 hours of sun a year, South Africa blends bright skies with diverse lifestyles. Cape Town offers beach life, wine country, and mountain hikes, while Johannesburg delivers urban energy with year-round warmth.
Middle East’s Sunny Nations
For pure, unbroken sunshine, the Middle East stands out.
United Arab Emirates
With an average of 3,500 sunshine hours a year, the UAE’s desert climate is relentless — and for many, that’s the appeal. Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract expats with tax-free salaries, futuristic skylines, and endless opportunities, all framed by golden light.
The summers can be sweltering (over 40°C), but modern infrastructure — air conditioning, shaded spaces, and beach clubs — makes it manageable.
Oman and Saudi Arabia
While less well-known to expats than the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia offer similar levels of sunshine.
Muscat combines desert heat with a slower pace of life, while Saudi cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are beginning to open up to international workers under new visa schemes. Both nations are ideal for those who want sun plus cultural immersion.
Asia-Pacific: Sunshine by the Ocean
This region blends year-round warmth with the benefits of coastal living.
Australia
Expats in Australia enjoy more than 3,000 hours of annual sunshine in cities like Perth and Brisbane. Even Sydney, with its temperate coastal climate, offers beach-friendly weather nearly year-round.
The sun here is strong — Australians are known for their “Slip-Slop-Slap” sunscreen culture — but the lifestyle of surfing, barbecues, and outdoor fitness makes it a magnet for those chasing the sun.
Thailand
While not quite as sunny in terms of hours as desert nations, Thailand delivers steady tropical warmth and long dry seasons. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are lively expat hubs, while Phuket and Koh Samui offer beachfront sunshine and relaxed living.
The balance of affordability, sunshine, and lifestyle makes it one of Southeast Asia’s top choices.
Chile
Straddling South America and the Pacific, Chile stretches across climates — but its central region, including Santiago and Valparaíso, enjoys a Mediterranean-style climate with more than 2,800 hours of sun per year.
Northern Chile is even sunnier, with the Atacama Desert ranking among the driest, brightest places on Earth.
Americas: Sunshine and Culture
United States (Southwest)
The U.S. isn’t always thought of as an expat destination, but for those who qualify, it offers some of the sunniest cities on earth. Yuma, Arizona, leads the world with more than 4,000 annual sunshine hours.
Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas aren’t far behind. Expats drawn to the Southwest find endless blue skies, though they must be prepared for scorching summers.
Mexico
Just south of the border, Mexico offers a more affordable and equally sunny option. The Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California, and coastal cities like Puerto Vallarta enjoy over 2,700 annual sunshine hours.
Combined with vibrant culture, great food, and welcoming communities, Mexico has become one of the top choices for North American and European expats alike.
What Expats Say
Many expats emphasize how sunshine changes their daily lives. Some describe the motivation to exercise outdoors more often, while others say their mood and productivity have improved.
Retirees often highlight the joy of gardening or walking year-round, while young professionals enjoy vibrant nightlife that flows naturally from long evenings of sunlight.
Of course, practical adjustments are necessary: early mornings, siestas, or simply better hydration habits. But overwhelmingly, expats report that the move to sunnier countries has improved both physical and mental well-being.
Bottom Line
Choosing where to live as an expat involves balancing career, culture, and lifestyle — but sunshine remains a universal draw.
Whether you’re tempted by Europe’s Mediterranean glow, Africa’s desert brightness, or Australia’s coastal warmth, sunny destinations have one thing in common: they make everyday life feel brighter, healthier, and more rewarding.
So, if you’re considering a move abroad, perhaps it’s time to follow the sun.
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