This Is the Sunniest Holiday Destination in the World-With 3,500+ Hours of Sunshine Per Year

"The Holiday Happiness Index study, which was conducted in collaboration with Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, a Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and holistic happiness expert, looked at 50 destinations throughout the world and ranked them across five "feel good" factors, including sunlight, quality sleep, a healthy diet, time in nature, and physical exercise. To determine which are the sunniest, the study also took into account each place's total hours of sunlight per year."

"After combing through all the data, the Holiday Happiness Index determined that Dubai is the sunniest holiday destination in the world. Dubai earned its number one spot as it routinely charts a staggering 3,577 hours of sunlight annually and between eight to 10 hours of sunlight per day. With numbers that high, your visit is unlikely to be dampened by a rain shower."

"However, in addition to year-round sunshine, Dubai is known for its heat, and summer temps can stretch well into the triple digits. Many consider November through March the optimal time to travel to the region for slightly cooler days with average daytime temperatures in the low 80s. The lower temps will also provide comfortable conditions for enjoying the city's many sandy shores, famed beach clubs, and rooftop restaurants."

A Holiday Happiness Index evaluated 50 destinations across five feel-good factors: sunlight, quality sleep, a healthy diet, time in nature, and physical exercise, and also incorporated total annual sunlight hours to identify the sunniest places. Dubai ranked first with 3,577 annual hours of sunlight and typically receives eight to 10 hours of sun per day, reducing rain disruptions. Dubai experiences extreme summer heat, so November through March provides milder daytime temperatures in the low 80s suitable for beaches, beach clubs, and rooftop restaurants. Cairo ranked second with 3,477 hours; other top sunny spots include Doha, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Lisbon.

Read at Travel + Leisure