Spring in the UK can be lovely, but April can also feel like the chilly aftermath of winter.
Sometimes, you can expect glistening sun and blooming flower meadows but the forecast is also often filled with heavy rainfall and cold winds.
But that’s not the case everywhere, so it’s also a pretty good month to jet off to sunnier shores.
Perhaps you’re keen to expand your travel horizons beyond Europe in June, July and August, or get a nice pre-summer glow. Maybe you’ve simply got to make the most of the schools’ Easter break.
Whatever your reasons, here are some top April holiday destinations where you can escape to for blue skies, balmy weather and warm seas.
Where is hot in April?
Tulum, Mexico
Temperature: 29°C (sometimes up to 35°C)
Sunshine hours: 12 hours
Flight time: 10 hours, 35 minutes
You could visit just about anywhere in Mexico at this time of year. Cancun’s an obvious one, and for city and culture, you can’t go wrong with Oaxaca or Mexico City.
But for beaches, relaxation and a chance to explore a few historic Maya sites, Tulum is a brilliant bet at this time of year, as the dry, sunny season draws to a close.
Not only is the weather perfect for sunbathing, the temperature of the water’s perfect for swimming and watersports at around 28°C.
Cairo, Egypt
Temperature: 26°C (up to 32°C).
Sunshine hours: 10 hours
Flight time: Four hours, 45 minutes
The capital of Egypt not only offers soaring temps in the high-20s, early 30s region in April, but also literally no rain.
According to TUI, the average amount of rainfall in April is zero millimetres, and you’ve got an 84% change of having a cloud-free day. Woo!
It sounds rather blissful, as it does ticking off the Giza Pyramids (and Sphinx!) from your bucket list, visiting the Egyptian Museum (and by April 2023, the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum) – plus exploring the city’s bazaars.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Temperature: 17°C (up to 19°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine to 10 hours
Flight time: Two hours, 45 minutes
Alright, so 19°C probably won’t have you shouting ‘scorchio’ anytime soon – but it’s pretty good for Europe in April.
This pleasant strip of coast in the region of Andalusia is lovely in April, offering a glimmer of sunshine and a chance to enjoy the beach. You will want to bring a jacket for evenings, though.
Of course, the most famous destinations here in the UK are Malaga (which is a lovely city, as well as a party capital), Marbella and the traditional town of Casares.
If you have the time (and a car), drive inland to discover more of Andalusia – home to the Alhambra in Granada, Córdoba’s famous Mosque-Cathedral, and the cities Seville and Cadiz.
Florida, USA
Temperature: 29°C
Sunshine hours: 12 hours
Flight time: Nine hours
Florida is often known as The Sunshine State – because it’s amazingly hot, humid and gloriously sunny year-round, thanks to its proximity to the Equator.
April’s a particularly nice time to visit this sun-drenched state, as temperatures soar towards 30°C (or 86°F as an American might say). Hot, but definitely still bearable.
It’ll be fairly easy to walk around Disney World Florida and Orlando’s various theme parks this month. At least, you’ll sweat less than you would do in the summertime.
You can also enjoy Miami’s beautiful beaches and boardwalks. Or a taste of city life in Tampa or Jacksonville.
Sorrento & Amalfi Coast, Italy
Temperature: 18°C (up to 22°C)
Sunshine hours: 12 to 13 hours
Flight time: Two hours, 35 minutes
Stunning Sorrento (near Naples and Pompeii) and the Amalfi Coast go hand in hand. They’re only an hour or so apart by car.
And what a drive it is. A true ‘bucket list’ route with unforgettable views of the Mediterranean.
Perhaps the best known stop along the way is the town of Positano – loved by photographers the world over for spectacular views of colourful houses, speckled across the cliffs.
Temperatures in April climb up to the early 20s (with a touch of luck), and it’s ideal weather for enjoying the drive and the beach, without breaking too much of a sweat.
Antalya, Turkey
Temperature: 17°C (up to 22°C)
Sunshine hours: 12 to 13 hours
Flight time: Four hours, 20 minutes
Despite being one of Turkey’s most populous cities, you don’t often hear much about Antalya.
A shame, really, because this piece of the Turquoise Coast is quite gorgeous: bright blue seas, blissful beaches, beautiful harbour – the list goes on.
There’s more to the area than sand and sunbathing, namely quite a lot of history dating back to the Roman Empire – as many moons ago, Antalya was once a bustling Roman port.
Look out for a well-preserved, 2nd-century arched gate named for Emperor Hadrian (of Hadrian’s Wall fame), as well as the circular Hidirlik Tower from the same time period.
Fes, Morocco
Temperature: 19°C (up to 22°C)
Sunshine hours: 12 hours
Flight time: Three hours, 40 minutes
Morocco is generally pleasant in April: it’s sunny, temperatures start to soar and there’s little rain.
Marrakech seems the obvious place to visit, which is fair enough. But the northern city of Fes should be on your travel list, too.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Medina (the walled part of the city), admire the architecture of the local mosques – and see the historic Chouara Tannery for yourself.
High temperatures here aren’t out of the question, by the way. In April 2021, the highest recorded temperature in the city was a summer-esque 26°C.
Kos, Greece
Temperature: 20°C
Sunshine hours: 12 hours
Flight time: Three hours, 45 minutes
An island getaway in spring isn’t impossible: just head to the Greek island of Kos.
Part of the Dodecanese, this island has a bit of a party reputation, but it has everything you’d want for a sunny getaway over Easter (including a good chance to 20°C weather).
Pretty beaches, a picturesque Old Town to explore and plenty of fascinating ruins, including the Ancient Agora of Kos, await.
If you’e feeling adventurous, you could also visit Kos’ larger neighbour, Rhodes, which can also reach 20°C in April.
Lanzarote
Temperature: 20°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: 12 to 13 hours
Flight time: Four hours, 20 minutes
Though officially part of Spain, Lanzarote can reach higher April temperatures due to its geographical position off the coast of Africa (not too far from Morocco).
The Canary Island has plenty of beach resorts you can stay at to soak up all that warmth, including Playa del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.
Beyond the typical resorts, Lanzarote is beloved for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes – mostly famously, Timanfaya National Park, and the lava tube Cueva de los Verdes.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temperature: 19°C (up to 22°C)
Sunshine hours: 11 hours
Flight time: 13 hours, 40 minutes
It’s far, far away from the UK – and has one hell of a flight time (a minimum of 13 hours).
But this South American city typically looks (and feels) just right during autumn (roughly April until June).
While you’re missing out on the blaring heat of summer (December to March), you’ll also be missing the busiest tourist season.
So, you can enjoy the Argentinian capital’s culture, see the colourful La Boca neighbourhood and admire its 19th century architecture without as many crowds.
If you’re travelling this far, it may be worth road-tripping to Patagonia and Chile’s Atacama Desert.
The Algarve, Portugal
Temperature: 17°C (up to 20°C)
Sunshine hours: 12 to 13 hours
Flight time: Two hours, 35 minutes
Many say spring (March to May) is the perfect season for Portugal, despite the heat of summer.
Head to the Algarve in April to see if you agree. The southerly coastal region offers golden beaches and sunny skies – as well as great food and even greater wine.
Consider a break in beachy Albufeira, a visit to the cities of Faro and Lagos (home to the picture-perfect Praia do Camilo) – or head out along the coast to discover traditional towns such as Tavira.
Don’t miss Sagres, a village at the southwestern tip of the Algarve, which is sometimes called ‘the end of the world’.
Las Vegas, USA
Temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: 12 to 13 hours
Flight time: 10 hours, 50 minutes
If you’re feeling lucky, the fabulous Las Vegas is the place to be.
And if you’re after an American adventure with grand hotels, flashy activities and beaming sun – but aren’t fussed about lazing at the beach – Nevada’s most famous place will tick your boxes.
Enjoy musical performances, magic shows and major spectacles, as well as a spot of gambling at the casino.
Tapped out? Shun the strip for a nature walk through Red Rock Canyon, the wider Mojave Desert, or head towards the shared border with Arizona to see the Hoover Dam.
Keep in mind: Covid restrictions
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Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, travel rules and restrictions can change at the drop of a hat.
Therefore, you’ll need to check before you book that UK travellers are able to enter the country you want to visit – plus what requirements you’ll be expected to fulfil on arrival.
These could include filling out passenger forms, taking Covid tests, proving your vaccination status or even undergoing a quarantine period – either in a government hotel or your own accommodation.
You’ll also need to keep an eye before your trip in case these rules change, and adjust accordingly.
Whenever you book a trip, it’s wise to make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance – to ensure you’re covered for unexpected cancellations, medical expenses and travel restriction changes.
Holidays are much-needed at the moment, but it’s always smart to be prepared.
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