If you're planning an Easter escape and your top priority is basking in guaranteed sunshine, new research has pinpointed the destinations most likely to deliver. Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt has been crowned the number one spot for reliable sun this April, according to a comprehensive new analysis by easyJet Holidays.
The Sun-Reliability Index: How It Works
The travel company created a unique 'sun-reliability index' to help sun-seeking holidaymakers make an informed choice. The study crunched 25 years of historical climate data, weighing factors like average high temperatures, daily sunshine hours, rainfall probability, and overall affordability for the Easter period.
Stuart Wright, customer director at easyJet Holidays, explained the motivation behind the research: "After making it through the dark winter months, we know many of our customers are relying on April’s Easter break to catch up on some much-needed vitamin D." He added that the index was launched to give customers extra reassurance when booking their spring getaway.
The Top Three Sun-Soaked Hotspots
Topping the chart with an almost perfect score is Sharm El Sheikh. This Red Sea resort promises a staggering 98-100% chance of predominantly sunny days over Easter, with average highs of 30°C and up to 11 hours of sunshine daily.
In second place is the island of Sal in Cape Verde, which offers a Caribbean-style escape with turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and an almost zero chance of rain in April. Taking the bronze medal is Gran Canaria, where travellers can expect pleasant temperatures around 23°C and only a 5-15% likelihood of rainfall.
From History to Hiking: The Full Top 10 List
The complete ranking offers a variety of destinations to suit different tastes. For families or history enthusiasts, Paphos in Cyprus ranks highly, with around 87% sunny April days and temperatures in the low twenties, perfect for exploring the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings.
Other Egyptian favourite Hurghada also scores highly for sun reliability (up to 98%), while Morocco is represented by both the coastal charm of Agadir and the vibrant, inland markets of Marrakech, which boasts a 90-95% chance of sun.
For those seeking a European escape closer to home, the Algarve in Portugal and Sicily in Italy remain popular spring choices. Faro offers up to 88% sun reliability, ideal for coastal walks, while Sicily provides stunning views of Mount Etna alongside eight to nine hours of daily sunshine.
The full top 10 Easter sun destinations for 2026 are:
- Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: 28–30°C highs, 10–11 hrs sun, 98–100% sunny days.
- Sal, Cape Verde: ~25°C highs, ~9 hrs sun, 95–100% sunny days.
- Gran Canaria (South): ~22°C highs, 8–10 hrs sun, ~95% sunny days.
- Tenerife South: 22–23°C highs, 8–11 hrs sun, 90–93% sunny days.
- Paphos, Cyprus: 21–23°C highs, ~9 hrs sun, 85–87% sunny days.
- Hurghada, Egypt: ~28°C highs, ~10 hrs sun, 95–98% sunny days.
- Marrakech, Morocco: 26–27°C highs, ~9–10 hrs sun, 90–95% sunny days.
- Agadir, Morocco: 23–24°C highs, ~9 hrs sun, 90–93% sunny days.
- Algarve (Faro), Portugal: 20–22°C highs, 7–8 hrs sun, 85–88% sunny days.
- Sicily, Italy: 20–23°C highs, 8–9 hrs sun, 80–87% sunny days.
Wright concluded by noting that for those chasing warmer weather, "nearby destinations across Europe and North Africa can be brilliant options and are well worth considering" for an Easter break filled with much-needed sunshine.
