This City Has the World’s Most ‘Perfect Breeze,’ According to Science

Looking to have a scientifically perfect vacation moment? Then it’s time to head Down Under. 

In October, AllClear, the medical travel insurance company, released both its scientific formula calculating the “perfect” breeze and the top destinations on Earth where you can find it. “The research reveals where to find the near-perfect conditions for a breeze that can keep you feeling refreshed rather than sticky, great news for holiday makers looking to stay cool and comfortable while traveling in warmer countries,” the brand shared in a statement. 

So, where are you most likely to find this perfect breeze? According to their research, it lives in Sydney, Australia. 

“Sydney is the global leader for the most consistent ‘perfect’ breeze with a score of 96.4/100,” the team shared. “Sydney’s warm temperatures and seaside location create the ideal breeze conditions, with those opting to spend time sipping on a drink outside the Opera House or wandering the coastal path from Bondi to Coogee able to bask in it.” 

To uncover the findings, AllClear partnered with Jim N. R. Dale, a former Royal Navy meteorologist and founder and senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, to create an exact formula to measure the perfect breeze. Dale and the team identified four main factors: temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction, which, when combined correctly, leave you feeling “relaxed, refreshed, and completely satisfied.” 

The formula, the team shared, includes ideal coastal breeze conditions, which are between 23°C and 29°C (73.4°F and 84.2°F), with a wind speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour, and a humidity level between 65 percent and 70 percent. The wind direction must also be from offshore, also known as a sea breeze, “as the breeze will take on the lower cooler temperatures of the sea surface.” 

As for an inland breeze, the temperatures must be a bit warmer, between  24°C to 30°C (75.2°F to 86°F), with the same wind speeds but a bit lower humidity level at 55 percent to 65 percent. The wind direction must come from the northerly quarter, aka the wind blowing from the north, northeast, northwest, or west. 

This formula, they added, creates the type of wind that’s just strong enough to cool you down, but not so strong it will blow your hat off. “The perfect breeze can be elusive, especially on hot and sticky days when you need it most,” Dale said. “But when all the elements align, wind speed, direction, and just the right level of humidity, it can be more refreshing than any air conditioning and completely natural.” 

Coming in a close second is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a score of 93.1, thanks to its Atlantic Ocean winds. Rounding out the top three is Paphos, Cyprus, with a score of 91.4, thanks to its “gentle Mediterranean breezes” that occur all year round. 

However, a few inland destinations also made it to the top 15 list, including Zurich, Switzerland, at No. 13 with a score of 68.2, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands at No. 15, with a score of 67.7.

“When planning a holiday, sunshine often takes centre stage, but the breeze can make all the difference to how comfortable you find a trip, particularly in warmer destinations,” Letitia Smith, the head of communications at AllClear, shared. “For older travelers, especially those living with medical conditions, comfort is a top priority when choosing a place to visit, and temperature is playing an ever-growing role in that. A steady breeze can make all the difference between a relaxing, enjoyable evening and one that feels heavy and tiring.” 

The top 15 spots for the perfect breeze, according to AllClear’s research.

• Sydney: 96.4
• Rio de Janeiro: 93.1
• Paphos: 91.4
• Puerto de la Cruz: 88.3
• Phuket: 86.8
• Whitsundays: 85.0
• Ibiza: 84.4
• Cefalu: 81.4
• Galle: 81.3
• Boa Vista: 72.5
• Barcelona: 72.4
• Punta Cana: 69.2
• Zurich: 68.2
• Melbourne: 68.0
• Amsterdam: 67.7