Based on the insights of close to 13,000 expats from 188 countries and territories in the annual survey, InterNations, the world's largest network for people who live and work abroad, compiled a so-far unpublished ranking of the destinations with the best weather around the world, according to expats.
A list of all the countries. Picture: Supplied.
1. Greece
Satisfied with weather: 96%
Happy with life: 74%
Overall, Greece ranks last in the latest Expat Insider survey, yet the country’s sunny skies appear to brighten expats’ spirits: not a single respondent had anything negative to say about the climate and weather. More than three-quarters (77%) appreciate the great quality of the environment.
2. Portugal
Satisfied with weather: 97%
Happy with life: 89%
Expats in Portugal can make the most out of the country’s excellent weather: they are significantly more likely to work part time (37%) than the global average (17%) and only spend about 33 hours per week at work (vs. 40.7 hours globally). In their free time, they seem to have plenty of options to keep themselves busy, as more than nine in ten (92%) are satisfied with the available leisure activities.
3. Spain
Satisfied with weather: 96%
Happy with life: 89%
Close to 4 in 5 expats living in Spain are satisfied with the quality of environment such as water and air quality and an even higher share is happy with the available leisure activities (89%). A Canadian expat particularly enjoys “the culture of outdoor enjoyment at the beach, sea and in the mountains”.
4. Costa Rica
Satisfied with weather: 98%
Happy with life: 86%
In addition to the great weather, expats in Costa Rica are satisfied with the quality of the environment(91%) — out of the featured countries, only Portugal (94%) receives better ratings for this factor.Moreover, expats enjoy the country’s peacefulness (93%) and the local’s friendly attitude (87%).
5. Uganda
Satisfied with weather: 93%
Happy with life: 76%
Most expats moving to Uganda cite work-related reasons (55%), be it their own or their partner’s job, and only 77 percent considered the weather to be a potential benefit prior to their move — this is the smallest share among the top 10 countries for a sunny escape. However, once they arrive, expats enjoy the “wonderful climate on the equator and the amazing people,” as a South African expat mentions.
6. South Africa
Satisfied with weather: 93%
Happy with life: 74%
Expat life in South Africa can be worrisome under the sunny skies, as only 38 percent find the country peaceful, which is the lowest share out of the top 10 countries. However, close to three-quarters still state to be generally happy (74% vs. 78% global). Maybe it is the high satisfaction with the available leisure options that makes life in South Africa enjoyable (89%), which is well above the global average (73%).
7. Malta
Satisfied with weather: 93%
Happy with life: 88%
Ranking 2nd out of 65 countries in terms of work-life balance, expats in Malta seem to have lots of time to enjoy the sun. In fact, a Polish expat particularly values the “laid back attitude and weather” in the country. Maybe that is the reason why 37 percent of expats felt at home nearly right away, which is close to twice the global average (19%) and the highest share among the top 10 countries for a sunny escape.
8. Mexico
Satisfied with weather: 93%
Happy with life: 89%
Mexico remains a consistent favorite among expats, ranking within the top 5 destinations for expats in general since 2014. In addition to the great weather, 87 percent of expats are happy with the available leisure options. An Irish expat especially likes the “relaxed living, with almost continuous sunshine” — maybe that is one of the reasons why Mexico ranks 1st out of 65 destinations for personal happiness.
9. Cyprus
Satisfied with weather: 91%
Happy with life: 78%
More than one in ten expats (11%) moved to Cyprus to retire, which is the largest share among these ten countries. In addition to the great weather, the majority (91%) enjoys how peaceful the country is. However, only 64 percent are satisfied with the available leisure activities, compared to 73 percent globally.
10. Kenya
Satisfied with weather: 91%
Happy with life: 79%
Exactly three in five expats (60%) moved to Kenya for work-related reasons (including their partner’s job). Working the longest hours out of the top 10 countries (46.5 h/week), it seems like they do not have a lot of time to enjoy the great climate. Additionally, more than two in five (41%) are unsatisfied
with the quality of the environment.