The hottest destinations on earth

When it comes to holidays, sometimes a cool weather destination just won’t cut it. As Brits, we spend a considerable amount of time in cold, wet and generally grey weather, so when we’re shelling out for a holiday, we expect to at least glimpse a bit of sun and feel a bit of warmth. Luckily, there are some destinations where hot weather is pretty much guaranteed.

Of course there are sunny locations close to home in Europe, but for truly soaring temperatures, fly a bit further to the deserts of the Middle East, or the toastiest parts of North America. In the world’s hottest places, you don’t need to wait for summer to get away as these countries are perfect for escaping the UK’s winter gloom too - just don’t forget your high-factor sun cream!

For those holidaymakers who like it hot, hot, hot, here are the Flexicover Team’s choice of the world’s hottest destinations.

Dubai, UAE If you’re seeking sweltering weather and extravagant luxury, it’s hard to beat Dubai. The UAE city was literally built on a desert and temperatures regularly hit highs of 42C in August. The winters are pretty toasty too: Dubai’s coldest month is January, when it reaches 24C, with 15C in the evenings. Visitors to Dubai don’t need to pack their umbrellas - the emirate gets just four days of rain every year. If the outside temperature gets too hot, you can always head to one of Dubai’s luxury malls. They’re all equipped with seriously strong air conditioning. Hotels and taxis also provide a cool haven from the sunshine and you can always take a dip in the pool when the heat becomes too much.

Turkmenistan For travellers who love to get off the beaten track, Turkmenistan is a brilliant option. Not only does it hit highs of 38C in July, but at the Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the ‘door to hell’, the mercury soars to a scalding four figures. Found in the middle of the Karakum desert the spectacular sight of the crater burning began in 1971 when a team decided to burn the gas emitting from the ground after an oil drilling accident. They thought the fire would only last a few days but it’s still crackling away almost half a century later. It’s attracted around 50,000 visitors since 2009.

Death Valley, USA The US may not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of the warmest places on earth, but California’s Death Valley is the hottest, driest place on the North American continent. There’s plenty to see and do with attractions including The Racetrack, a dried-up lake bed with mysterious moving stones, Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the US at 282ft below sea level, and the stunning panorama from Dante’s View. But be careful - plenty of sunscreen and water is a must. Temperatures in Death Valley rocket to average highs of 47C in July, with highs of 18C in winter.

Oman Oman is a destination that stays deliciously hot all year round. Temperatures in the capital of Muscat reach 40C in May and June, while in the coldest month of January, the mercury still climbs to 25C. In the middle of a desert there’s not much rain either, with just five wet days every year. Visitors will discover it to be a cultural gem and less firmly on the tourist trail than nearby Dubai. Visit the colourful souks to buy cloths, spices and trinkets to take home or go trekking in the mountains, where you can enjoy a swim in natural springs – perfect for keeping cool.

India For the crowded, fast-paced cities and delicious street food to the tranquil spirituality of its temples, India is one of those places that everyone should experience at least once in their life. And the weather’s not too bad either! The hottest months tend to be April and May, when temperatures reach 41C in the northern city of Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. Too toasty to function? Down south temperatures in the city of Chennai hit highs of 38C in the same month. It’s one of the world’s warmest places but the imposing heat acts a reminder that India is a country of extremes in many ways.

‌Wherever you plan to travel this year it’s good to know that Flexicover Travel Insurance is committed to providing you with the highest level of protection to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.