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UK's Sunniest Island: Isle of Wight Outshines Italy in Winter
15 Oct
Summary
- Isle of Wight crowned sunniest spot in UK, beating Milan and Geneva
- Enjoys 78 hours of sunshine per month in winter, 20% more than Paris
- Island's micro-climate helps it avoid extreme winter weather
As of October 15th, 2025, the Isle of Wight has emerged as the sunniest location in the UK, outshining even popular European destinations like Milan and Geneva during the winter months. According to research from Isle Escapes, the island enjoys an average of 78 hours of sunshine per month between November and February - a staggering 12% more than Milan's 70 hours and 15% more than Geneva's 68 hours.
The island's balmy climate is attributed to the warming effect of the Solent, the strait that separates it from mainland England. This unique micro-climate helps the Isle of Wight avoid extreme winter weather conditions like heavy snowfall and thunderstorms that often plague other parts of the country. In fact, the island experiences 42% more sunshine hours than the rest of the UK during the winter season.
For those seeking a sunny escape without venturing too far from home, the Isle of Wight offers a fantastic island getaway. Known as Britain's dinosaur capital, the island also boasts numerous cycling tracks and paths, as well as family-friendly attractions like the Monkey Haven animal sanctuary and the historic Osborne House, Queen Victoria's former country retreat.
