Nothing brightens a vacation like visiting one of the sunniest cities in the U.S. Scientists agree: Sunshine is proven to make us happier and healthier — and just a few minutes of sun exposure increases our levels of Vitamin D. If you’re looking to steer clear of cloudy, rainy days on your next getaway, head to one of the 10 sunniest places in the U.S., according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

10. Flagstaff, Arizona

Annual average of possible sunshine: 78%

One of four Arizona cities to make the list of the sunniest towns in the U.S., Flagstaff clocks approximately 3,600 hours of sunshine per year. Located nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, the northern Arizona city is surrounded by mountains, pine forest, and desert, making it an incredible outdoor playground for anyone interested in history, nature, or extreme sports.

Walnut Canyon showcases the cliff dwellings of ancient residents, Grand Falls impresses with its epic cascades, and the Arizona Snowbowl is a popular ski area. Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak, is about 11 miles north of Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon is only 80 miles away.

9. Sacramento, California

Annual average of possible sunshine: 78%

California’s capital also averages around 3,600 hours of sun annually, which helps the region’s agricultural industry thrive and earns the city its “Farm-to-Fork” nickname. The abundant sunshine in Sacramento contributes to its ideal climate for enjoying a number of outdoor attractions, like the Old Sacramento Waterfront, a hub for shopping and al fresco drinking and dining. Locals and visitors pass sunny days by biking the 32 miles of paved paths, hanging out in one of the city’s 223 parks, and attending many outdoor annual events.

8. Reno, Nevada

Annual average of possible sunshine: 79%

Reno is known just as much for its 300-plus sunny days each year as it is for its booming casino and tourism industry. There are plenty of options if you come to gamble, but since the desert city is set 4,500 feet high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it also boasts amazing natural recreation opportunities.

Visitors can trek short loops just outside of town, hit the slopes at Mount Rose in the winter, or make the most of the sunny weather and drive 37 miles south to Lake Tahoe for a variety of water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterskiing.

7. Fresno, California

Annual average of possible sunshine: 79%

The sunny climate of the central California city of Fresno average has made it the top agricultural producer in the state, responsible for more than $7.7 billion worth of crops in 2019 alone. Increasingly, Fresno is also considered one of California’s up-and-coming wine-producing regions.

See it for yourself and drive the Blossom Trail to gaze upon the bounty of fruit and nut orchards surrounding the city. Visitors should also check out the Underground Gardens, a California Historical Landmark and open-air museum. Bonus: The subterranean tunnels are roughly 10 to 20 degrees cooler than above-ground temperatures!

6. El Paso, Texas

Annual average of possible sunshine: 84%

The sun shines in El Paso just under 300 days each year on average, making it one of the sunniest cities in the USA. Aptly nicknamed the “Sun City,” El Paso also boasts warm temperatures and low precipitation, which make outdoor activities a breeze.

Camp, hike, bike, or rock climb Franklin Mountains State Park — at 46 square miles, it’s one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Or, combine outdoor recreation with a history lesson at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, which features some of the area’s most significant ancient history embedded right into its rock walls.

5. Tucson, Arizona

Annual average of possible sunshine: 85%

Claiming more than 350 days of sunshine each year, Tucson also boasts mild year-round temperatures and low humidity. The Sonoran Desert surrounding the city provides a spectacular playground for all that sunny weather, beckoning visitors into an otherworldly landscape of cacti, red rocks, and unique desert wildlife.

Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park are excellent ways to experience the best of Tucson’s hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Tucson also has a thriving arts and culture scene with plenty of galleries and museums to check out if all the sun becomes a little too much.

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Annual average of possible sunshine: 85%

All that sunshine in Phoenix comes at a price — the Arizona capital also snags the top spot for hottest city in the U.S. with 107 days of the year seeing temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Phoenix may be hot, but for those willing to brave the heat, it has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts (and many great options for those who’d rather spend more time inside).

Experience the first rays of the day and epic desert views with a sunrise hot air balloon ride or enjoy a sunny afternoon trek up Camelback Mountain, one of the city’s most popular hiking spots. Beat the heat indoors and cool down at a Phoenix Suns NBA game or hit up the Uptown Farmers Market.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Annual average of possible sunshine: 85%

Daytime temperatures in Sin City peak from May to September, with averages climbing into the triple digits. Combine this with roughly 3,800 hours of sunshine each year, and it’s clear why rooftop pools and all-day pool parties are a year-round draw. Soak up the sun with a stroll around on the Strip, and duck into one of many heavily air-conditioned casinos when you need to beat the heat.

But don’t be shy about venturing Off-Strip: Attractions like the Red Rock National Conservation Area and Sloan Canyon offer fantastic, less-touristed ways to enjoy all the sunny weather Vegas has to offer.

2. Redding, California

Annual average of possible sunshine: 88%

If you’re one who thinks there’s no such thing as too much sun, the northern California city of Redding might be an ideal place to check out in July and August. This northeast California city sees sun 97% of the time in the prime summer months. For the full year, you can depend on sunshine 88% of the time, on average.

Although temperatures soar into the high 90s in spring and summer, clear skies and dry weather are ideal for exploring all of Redding’s outdoor attractions — from the 42 waterfalls within a 90-minute drive of the city center to the fascinating subterranean wonders at the Caves of Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark.

1. Yuma, Arizona

Annual average of possible sunshine: 90%

Yuma, a southwestern Arizona city on the Mexican border, gets the most days of sunshine per year of any city in the U.S. In fact, with 330 days of sun and 4,015 annual hours of sun, Yuma is not only the sunniest place in the U.S. — but also the world.

On average, the sun shines here for 90% of the time, and even the darkest month of December sees sun for 82% of daylight hours — making it an optimal place for snowbirds to beat winter blues in many other parts of the United States. Pair the abundant sunshine with outdoor exploration; the 300-foot Imperial Sand Dunes and the ghost town and museum of Castle Dome City are great places to start.

No matter where you travel, you’re bound to experience wind. That’s especially true in the windiest cities in the world. Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth by the sun and the planet’s rotation. While some locales are known for frequent light breezes, in some places, strong gusts are a fact of everyday life. But have you ever wondered what is the windiest place on Earth? Hold on to your hat as you discover 12 of the windiest places in the world below.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is one of the top 10 windiest cities in the world. In fact, wind is so common here that the city is actually named after the weather. When it was an ancient Persian settlement, it was called Bād-kube, meaning “wind-pounded city” or “blown upon by mountain winds.” There are two dominant winds in Baku: the cold, northerly khazri and the warm, humid, and southerly gilavar. Wind speeds average over 11 mph for nine months of the year, between June and March, with November being the windiest month, with 12.7 mph average winds.

The blustery conditions in the Azerbaijani capital are primarily caused by the low geographical location and exposed location on the Caspian Sea coastline. Baku lays claim to being the lowest capital city in the world, sitting at 92 feet below sea level. First inhabited in the Bronze Age, it’s now a modern metropolis defined by sleek skyscrapers such as the Flame Towers. It’s also home to Mini Venice, a tourist district that mimics the canals, islands, and gondola rides of Venice, Italy. 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The capital of its namesake state, Oklahoma City experiences average wind speeds of 11.1 mph between late January and June. Its windiest month is April, when gusts of up to 12.8 mph are common. There are several factors behind the gusty conditions in OKC. One is the city’s location in the Great Plains, a vast, low-lying landscape that allows winds to travel unobstructed. Another is its setting within Tornado Alley, an area of the United States infamous for thunderstorms, gale force winds, and tornadoes. 

In addition to the wind, Oklahoma City is well known for its cowboy culture, which is honored at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. A busy year-round schedule of equine events has also earned the city the nickname of “The Horse Show Capital of the World.” Another reason to visit the city is to cheer on professional sports teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) and Oklahoma City Dodgers (MiLB).

Gruissan, France

Nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, Gruissan is one of the windiest cities in France. The region is dominated by the Tramontane, a powerful wind formed by an anticyclone over southwest France and a depression over the Mediterranean. Average wind speeds from late October to early May are 11.2 mph, peaking at 12.7 mph in February. 

Residents of Gruissan embrace the wind by taking to the water to practice water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling. Held at the end of May, Defi Kite is one of Europe’s largest kitesurfing competitions, attracting over 500 riders. The city is also known for its preserved medieval old town. Dating back to the 11th century, it features a circular village built around a church and ruined castle. Today, the narrow alleyways are home to independent shops and restaurants.  

Copenhagen, Denmark

A combination of climate, location, and geographical features makes Denmark a notably windy country. It’s surrounded by the Baltic and North seas, which are prone to wind-generating weather systems, and the country has a flat terrain with a lack of mountains to act as natural barriers. The same is true for Copenhagen, the Danish capital, one of the windiest places in the world. Here, winds of 12.9 mph are normal between September and March, with speeds peaking at an average of 15 mph in January. 

Denmark is a leader in renewable energy — around 50% of the country’s electricity is produced by a mix of wind and solar power. Located near Copenhagen, the Middelgrunden wind farm was the world’s biggest offshore wind farm when it opened in 2001. Aside from the wind, Copenhagen is a notably bike-friendly city that draws in visitors with its historical and avant-garde architecture set around vibrant neighborhoods, serene canals,  and picturesque parks. 

Punta Arenas, Chile

Located in the deep south of Chile‘s Patagonia region, Punta Arenas is windy no matter what time of the year it is. This port city sits on the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most difficult routes to navigate because of the unpredictability of the tides and winds. These same winds are felt constantly in Punta Arenas. From October to late March, wind speeds average 16.2 mph, while for the rest of the year, they average 14.7 mph. November is the windiest month, when the average increases to 17.9 mph.

Punta Arenas is a common stopover for travelers and backpackers looking to explore Patagonia. Many use it as a base for excursions to Antarctica and breathtaking parks such as the glacier and fjord-laden Alberto de Agostini National Park. Places of interest around downtown Punta Arenas include the Monument of Ferdinand Magellan in the city’s central square and the Regional Museum of Magellanes. To help visitors and locals out when the gusts pick up, city officials have even put ropes up between some downtown buildings.

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Located on the easternmost point of Canada’s easternmost province is St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador — and one of the windiest places in the country. From October to April, the windiest months of the year, the breeze blows at an average of 13 mph; for the remainder of the year, the average wind speed is 10 mph. In 2021, the city recorded 143 days with gusts of over 37 mph and 12 days when the gusts reached over 62 mph. On top of that, St. John’s is also one of the cloudiest, foggiest, snowiest, and wettest places in Canada.

St. John’s first came to prominence in the early 16th century when the Basques, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English all took advantage of its strategic harbor and fishing opportunities at various points. The first permanent settlers took root in the 17th century, and today the city is famous for its colorful row houses located in the harborside downtown district. Towering above the city to the north is Signal Hill, where walking trails lead to scenic viewpoints and the historic Cabot Tower.

Aberdeen, Scotland

This port city in northeast Scotland is among the windiest places in the United Kingdom. Gusts often reach 14.3 mph between late September and April, and January is particularly windy, with speeds of 18.1 mph. Two contributing factors are the city’s exposure to the North Sea and its location close to the track of Atlantic depressions. The latter is a weather phenomenon that severely impacts Scotland’s climate, most significantly in winter, when low-pressure systems bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storms to the British Isles.

Despite a notoriously bad climate and remote location, Aberdeen still draws year-round tourists. Aberdeen Art Gallery displays works from the 18th to 20th centuries, while the Aberdeen Science Centre offers family-friendly exhibits and workshops. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Royal Deeside for hiking amid a landscape of rolling hills, forests, moors, and rivers. 

Dodge City, Kansas

Kansas is located in the heart of Tornado Alley, the region of the U.S. where tornadoes are most frequent. Dodge City is one place within the state where locals are familiar with persistently blustery conditions — the result of high-pressure systems that sweep down from the Rockies and across the High Plains and mix with low pressure systems that rise up from the Gulf of Mexico. Late February to late June is typically the windiest time of the year, with wind speeds topping out an average of 13 mph in April. In December 2021, a powerful windstorm produced the city’s highest record gusts of 84 mph.

For those undeterred by windy weather, Dodge City makes for an interesting pitstop on a tour of the Midwest. Reenactments of gunfights, variety shows, and other aspects of the Old West take place at Boot Hill Museum. The Gunfighters Wax Museum also has life-sized sculptures of legends of the era like Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp.

Rio Gallegos, Argentina

Also in the wilderness of Patagonia, but this time on the Argentinean side, is the riverside city of Río Gallegos. The city sits just inland from where the Gallegos River empties out into the frigid waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. With an exposed and low-lying location, it’s windy here year-round. The most affected months are from mid-October to late March, when wind speeds average just over 15 mph, but the rest of the year is by no means calm. The city frequently sees gusts of 60 mph and above throughout the year.

While Río Gallegos is certainly remote, for dedicated adventurers, it’s a useful stopover on a journey to see the mystical landscapes of Argentina’s southernmost Tierra del Fuego province. Around the city are a number of interesting sights, such as the Eduardo Minnicelli Art Museum, which showcases the works of local artists. It’s possible to spot Megellanic penguins, too, at the Cabo Virgenes Nature Reserve.

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago of 18 islands set in the North Atlantic between Iceland, Norway, and Scotland. The weather across the islands is notoriously unpredictable and shaped by factors such as Atlantic depressions, prevailing westerly winds, and a proximity to the Gulf Stream. Summers are typically short, cool, and windy — while winters are long, cold, wet, and subject to strong winds. Average wind speeds of 18 mph are typical from September to April. 

Despite the harsh conditions, Tórshavn has been a busy trading and fishing port for centuries. Established by Vikings around 900 CE, Tinganes is thought to be one of the world’s oldest parliamentary meeting places. Every year, on July 28 and 29, the city celebrates Ólavsøka (St. Olaf’s Day) in honor of the patron saint of the islands. The vibrant festival features traditional Faroese chain dancing and ballad singing, rowing races, church services, and a Midnáttarsangurin (Midnight Song).

Cold Bay, Alaska

With a name like Cold Bay and a location in the remote Aleutian Islands of Alaska, it’ll come as little surprise that this city experiences some adverse weather conditions. The windiest season here lasts for over seven months, from mid-September well into April, with wind speeds topping out at an average of 18.2 miles per hour in November. One of the main reasons for this is the Aleutian Low, a region of low pressure situated close to the islands, where sub-polar cyclones reach their greatest strength. Also known as the Cradle of the Storm, the region is among the stormiest areas in the North Pacific. These storms typically blow eastward over Cold Bay and other settlements in the islands.

Anyone who does make the trek to Cold Bay will be welcomed by a spectacular natural landscape made up of volcanoes, glaciers, tundra uplands, and icy lagoons. Wildlife such as brown bears, caribou, foxes, shorebirds, and waterfowl make up the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge just outside of town. In addition to visiting the refuge, be sure to hop on a ferry and be blown away (pun intended) by the beauty of the Aleutian Islands.

Wellington, New Zealand

Set on the southwestern point of New Zealand’s North Island is Wellington, the national capital and the world’s southernmost capital city. It is also considered by many sources to the be the windiest city in the world — hence its nickname “Windy Wellington.”

On average, the wind blows at 16 mph in Wellington, primarily due to the city’s location on the Cook Strait, which acts as a wind tunnel through which ocean breezes build strength. The rugged mountainous surroundings also cause local variations in wind strengths. Some of the strongest gusts ever recorded are 124 mph in the Kelburn suburb in 1968 and 133 mph at nearby Hau Nui Wind Farm in 1998.

The wind does little to deter visitors from making the journey to this remote city in the South Pacific, however. Travelers come to ride the historic red Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn and Wellington Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the top of blustery Mount Victoria or delving into Mauri and colonial history at Te Papa. When that’s all done, the artisanal bakeries, brewpubs, chocolatiers, and pizzerias along Hannahs Laneway provide a tasty refuge from the constant breeze.

Often, the best vacations allow you to leave the fast pace of everyday life behind and relish in the slower, simpler moments. While visiting a luxury island resort, traveling by air-conditioned transfers and enjoying other modern amenities is one way to vacation, but it can also take a toll on an island’s delicate environment. If your idea of a blissful island getaway doesn’t include congested streets, traffic jams, and looking both ways before you cross the road, consider one of these six beautiful islands where no cars are allowed.

Hydra – Greece

Automobiles have never been a part of Hydra’s tight-knit community, but the island’s car-free culture was solidified in the 1950s, when a presidential decree banned wheeled vehicles on the Greek isle. The decision was made to preserve Hydra’s unique and historic architecture and its laid-back charm — which has made it an even bigger draw for travelers today. Even bicycles are forbidden for adults; however, children 12 and under are permitted to use them in the winter months (but not in the busy summer months). Instead, locals heavily rely on donkeys to traverse the steep alleyways and steps leading up from the harbor to the residential areas overlooking the sea. 

Island life on Hydra is nothing if not relaxed — strolling leisurely around the harbor and alleyways, one can admire the blossoming bougainvilleas cascading down the island’s stone walls without the worry of traffic or the bother of screeching brakes or revving engines. Hydra may have an old-world feel, but tourists have been frequenting its shores for decades, which means there’s enough restaurants and nightlife to keep visitors entertained in the evenings, too. 

Lamu Island – Kenya

Travelers from all over the world come to Kenya for safaris, but considerably fewer tourists know about this historic, car-free island just off the country’s northern coast. Lamu Island’s Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was once a prosperous trading port in the 15th and 16th centuries and is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements in East Africa. 

Cars are banned on the island because of the tight spaces between buildings that can’t accommodate vehicles; instead, most people walk or use donkey-drawn carts to get around. Even if the community wanted it, local laws forbid the demolition of culturally significant buildings to expand roads. For travelers, the lack of cars adds immensely to the island’s charm, and wandering on foot allows more opportunities to admire its fascinating architecture — an eclectic mix of Arab, Indian, Persian, and European influences. 

Paquetá Island – Brazil

This island in Guanabara Bay — off the coast of the buzzing cosmopolitan of Rio de Janeiro — is as unassuming as it is enticing. An hour ferry ride from Rio, Ilha de Paquetá is a local treasure favored for its slow pace, stunning island beaches, and no-cars-allowed policy. Visitors can hire a golf cart taxi or horse-drawn carriage to get around the island, but perhaps the best option is to rent a bicycle and leisurely explore the 1.5-mile-long island on your own. 

Despite its small size, there are plenty of worthy reasons for a day trip to the island. Not only is there colonial architecture to admire (left behind by the Portuguese), but the island is also flush with rare flora and fauna — including around 20 baobab trees (some of the only ones in Brazil). Visitors will also find a few excellent watering holes for artisanal beverages and local cuisine. 

Gili Islands – Indonesia

The Gili Islands — with a name meaning “small” in Bahasa Indonesian — are a trio of tiny islets off the coast of Bali’s neighboring island, Lombok. Gili Air, Gili Trawangan (also known as Gili T), and Gili Meno are popular for their relaxed vibes, stunning sunsets, and excellent scuba diving. Each of the three islands has its own draw: Gili T is the party island, Gili Air is the quietest, and Gili Meno is somewhere in between. But it’s the local ordinance that bans cars and motorbikes on all three islands that makes them a welcome reprieve from the often-noisy, tourist-heavy destinations in nearby Bali and Lombok. (Electric scooters are permitted, but rare.)

Once you step foot on the Gilis, life instantly slows and quiets down, and your focus is redirected to the calm, clear turquoise waters and swaying palms. Each island measures only a few square miles, so a motorized vehicle is not necessary to thoroughly explore them. Renting a bicycle, walking, or hiring a horse-drawn cart are the only transportation options. 

Koh Phayam – Thailand

With so many breathtaking islands in Thailand, it’s understandable that not all would be as famous as party-hardy Koh Phangan or the diving meccas of Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. Perhaps that’s what makes the quiet, under-the-radar island of Koh Phayam so special. Located in the Andaman Sea, close to the mainland of Myanmar, Koh Phayam is a rarity in the so-called “Land of Smiles,” as the serene isle is still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. 

The lack of road development has resulted in a lack of cars, which are largely deemed unnecessary on a slice of land that’s just six miles long and three miles wide. However, motorbikes are allowed and are often the preferred method of transportation for intrepid explorers and locals. When compared to the often-over-touristed Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phayam still possesses the allure and charm that other Thai islands once did before they were widely known. 

Isla Holbox – Mexico

This narrow barrier island off the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula is a far cry from the spring break vibes of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen on the mainland. Beautiful, unspoiled beaches beckon to be laid on, but many people come to Isla Holbox to disconnect from everyday life and immerse themselves in nature — for example, by swimming with sea turtles and whale sharks, kayaking through the island’s mangroves, island-hopping to nearby Isla Pajaros to see flamingos, or simply cruising up and down the coast of the 26-mile-long island. Despite Isla Holbox’s popularity, the ban on cars remains intact, and colorful buildings topped with thatched roofs also contribute to the island’s undeniable charm.