Nothing dampens a summer holiday like grey skies and rain. If you want to be sure of sunshine, some destinations deliver reliable hot, dry weather through the British summer almost every year. This guide rounds up the best destinations for guaranteed summer sunshine, where you can pack your swimwear with confidence, along with tips on getting the best of the weather, so your summer holiday lives up to expectations.
What guarantees summer sunshine
The most reliable summer sun is found around the Mediterranean and its islands, where the season brings long, hot, dry days with very little rain. The further south you go, generally the hotter and more dependable the weather, while islands often enjoy clear skies and cooling sea breezes. Choosing a destination with a genuinely settled summer climate, rather than one prone to showers, is the key to guaranteed sunshine. The destinations below are about as close to a sunshine guarantee as European travel offers.
Spain and the Balearics
Spain is a reliable summer sun banker. The mainland Costas, from the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanca, enjoy long hot summers with endless sunshine, while the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza offer the same dependable weather with gorgeous beaches. Rain in summer is rare, and the warmth stretches well into autumn. Our Spain holiday guide covers the regions in detail. For guaranteed beach weather a short flight away, with resorts to suit every budget, Spain is hard to beat.
The Greek islands
Greece enjoys some of the most reliable summer weather in Europe, with hot, dry, sunny days from June right through to September across its islands and mainland. Rain in high summer is almost unheard of, and the warm, clear seas are perfect for swimming. From the Cyclades to the Ionians, the choice is huge. Our Greece holiday guide helps you pick the right island. For dependable sunshine, beautiful beaches and warm seas, the Greek islands are a classic summer sun choice.
The Algarve, Portugal
Portugal's southern Algarve coast basks in long, sunny summers with very little rain, making it one of the most reliable sunshine destinations in Europe. Golden beaches, warm seas and dependable weather draw British holidaymakers back year after year, and the season is a long one. The region is well geared towards visitors, with family resorts and great value. For guaranteed summer sun combined with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, the Algarve is a dependable favourite that rarely disappoints on the weather front.
Southern Italy and the islands
Italy's south, along with Sicily and Sardinia, enjoys hot, dry, reliable summers and stunning coastlines. While the famous cities of the centre and north can be uncomfortably hot in peak summer, the southern coasts and islands are made for beach holidays, with warm seas and dependable sunshine. Add Italy's incomparable food and you have a summer holiday with substance. For guaranteed sun with a side of culture and cuisine, southern Italy and its islands are a wonderful and slightly different choice from the usual resorts.
Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys one of the longest and most reliable sunshine seasons in the Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and barely a cloud for months. Sandy beaches, clear warm seas and a relaxed, English-friendly atmosphere make it a dependable and easy choice, particularly for families. The summer is long, stretching well into autumn. For travellers who want a near-guarantee of sunshine alongside good beaches and an easy-going feel, Cyprus delivers reliably, which is why it remains such a popular destination for British holidaymakers seeking sun.
Turkey
Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts enjoy hot, dry, sunny summers and excellent value, making them a reliable choice for guaranteed sun without overspending. Long sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts and warm seas suit families and sunseekers, and the weather is dependable throughout the season. Outside the eurozone, your money goes further too. For travellers wanting a near-certain sunshine guarantee combined with great value and easy beach holidays, Turkey is a strong option, offering plenty of warmth and a long summer season along its beautiful coastline.
Malta
The compact island of Malta enjoys a long, hot, dry summer with reliable sunshine and clear seas, all in an English-speaking setting that makes it easy for British visitors. Its beaches, history and walkable towns pack a lot into a small island, and the summer weather is about as dependable as it gets. For guaranteed sun on a manageable, characterful island where everyone speaks English, Malta is an excellent choice, particularly for those who like history and culture alongside their sunshine and warm-sea swimming.
The Canary Islands for year-round sun
While the Canary Islands are best known as a winter sun destination, they also offer warm, sunny summers without the extreme heat of the Mediterranean, thanks to their Atlantic position and cooling breezes. This makes them a great choice for those who want guaranteed sun but find peak Mediterranean heat too much. Our guide to the best winter sun destinations covers their year-round appeal. For dependable sunshine in a more comfortable warmth, the Canaries work beautifully in summer as well as winter.
Getting the best of the summer weather
To make the most of guaranteed sun, a little planning helps. The peak months of July and August offer the hottest, most reliable weather but also the biggest crowds and prices, while June and early September often deliver lovely warmth with better value. Consider how much heat you actually enjoy, as the far south can be intense in midsummer. Our guide on choosing a destination by weather and season helps you balance guaranteed sunshine with comfort and cost.
Where summer sun is less reliable
It is worth knowing which destinations are less of a sure thing in summer, so you are not caught out. Northern Europe, the UK and Atlantic coasts can be lovely but are prone to changeable weather and rain even in July and August. Mountainous and northern regions, and some long-haul destinations in their wet season, are also unreliable for guaranteed sun. If a near-certain sunshine guarantee is your priority, sticking to the southern Mediterranean and its islands is far safer than gambling on cooler or more changeable climates further north.
Beating the crowds and the heat
Guaranteed summer sun comes with two trade-offs: crowds and heat. Peak July and August bring the busiest resorts, highest prices and, in the far south, fierce temperatures that can be too much for some. Travelling in June or early September often means lovely warm weather with fewer people and lower costs, while choosing islands or coastal spots with sea breezes keeps the heat comfortable. A little thought about timing and location lets you enjoy reliable sunshine without battling the worst of the crowds or the most uncomfortable heat.
In short
For guaranteed summer sunshine, the Mediterranean and its islands are your best bet: Spain and the Balearics, the Greek islands, the Algarve, southern Italy, Cyprus, Turkey and Malta all deliver hot, dry, reliable summers, while the Canary Islands offer sun with gentler heat. Rain in high summer is rare across these destinations. Choose based on the warmth you want, your budget and the crowds, and time your trip well to enjoy the best of the sunshine.
Find more sunshine ideas in our Destinations guides.