As spring arrives and temperatures rise in the northern hemisphere, we turn to look at the best places to visit in April. A winter sun escape for many is purely about chasing the weather and escaping the cold. However, a spring break often demands more than just sunshine and beaches. Our top 10 best places to visit in April includes a wider mix of destinations to reflect this demand. We’ve incorporated city breaks, cultural destinations, and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Whatever type of trip you’re looking for, we’ve covered you with this great list.
Sri Lanka is an increasingly popular destination as word continues to get out about its many attractions. Previously off the radar following a period of instability, the country is now much safer and open to visitors. For those making the trip, there’s plenty to discover. There are numerous wonderful beaches, including Hiriketiya, Unawatuna, and Negombo. All are home to the warm seas of the Indian Ocean, and many have good surfing.
Away from the beach, you’ll discover some enchanting historic towns, including Kandy and Galle. These towns are rich in colonial era and historic buildings. There’s also a huge number of Buddhist and Hindu sites throughout the country. Excellent hiking can be had amongst the many hill stations and tea plantations. Last but by no means least, there’s a wonderful, unique cuisine, which will keep you coming back for more. The fine, dry weather in April makes this a perfect time to visit Sri Lanka.
Temp high: 90°F / 32°C
Temp low: 77°F / 25°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Kyoto is the historic capital city of Japan and encapsulates the best of Japan. Often considered Japan’s cultural capital, it is a must-see destination as part of any visit to Japan. The city is even more unmissable in April during Sakura season, when Japan’s famous cherry blossom trees flower. The color explosion makes this wonderful city even more beautiful and atmospheric.
In Kyoto, visitors will discover over 1600 temples dating back hundreds of years. Trying to pick the best is difficult, especially as Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO cultural world heritage sites. Kinkakuji, Sanjusangendo, and Tofuku-ji Temples are among the best to visit. Aside from the temples, there’s Nijo Castle, a Samurai museum, and historic neighborhoods to explore. The night markets and food in Kyoto are also amongst the best in Japan.
Temp high: 68°F / 20°C
Temp low: 47°F / 8°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6
The Galapagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on earth. The inspiration for Charles Darwin’s masterpiece, ‘On the Origin of Species,’ these magical islands have animals and plants unlike anywhere else. Set some 1000 km off the west coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the volcanic archipelago is home to unique giant tortoises, penguins, iguanas, and much more. As well as the wildlife, you’ll discover unique plants and breathtaking landscapes. It’s also a wonderful place to snorkel and dive. A visit in April is ideal with warm sunny days and very little rain, meaning great visibility in the water.
Most trips to the Galapagos need to transit through Quito, the capital of Ecuador. You might consider having a decent layover in Quito, as Ecuador offers a lot. The center of Quito is a UNESCO-listed site, while the country offers pristine beaches, mountains, and rainforests. So whether you’re looking for hiking, history, culture, relaxation, or adventure, Ecuador has something for you.
Temp high: 86°F / 30°C
Temp low: 72°F / 22°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6
Singapore is one of Asia’s great success stories. Once a relatively small trading port, Singapore has transformed itself over the past 50 years into a financial powerhouse. The peninsula it occupies has been transformed into an ultra-modern city with a fantastic array of hotels, restaurants, and amenities. Some of its famous attractions include the Marina Bay Sands Hotel with its rooftop infinite pool and the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. You’ll find world-class dining, hotels, and shopping if you visit. April falls within Singapore’s dry season, making it a fine time to visit.
Temp high: 90°F / 32°C
Temp low: 79°F / 26°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6
The island of Bohol in the Philippines is an excellent place to visit in April. As the dry season begins, you’ll find the island lush and green but with long, dry sunny days. One of the main attractions is the Chocolate Hills, which rise up from the jungle and stretch out to the horizon. Elsewhere on the island, you’ll find numerous white-sand beaches with turquoise seas. The seas are teeming with life, and both snorkeling and diving are excellent across many beaches on the island. There are also several great eco tours that you can take in the jungle and along the Loboc River.
Temp high: 90°F / 32°C
Temp low: 73°F / 23°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
While the country of Jordan isn’t the first name that springs to mind for an April getaway, it’s a fine choice. Suiting those with a keen interest in history, adventure, and the great outdoors, Jordan has so much to offer. There’s the ancient Roman city of Jerash in the country’s north and Crusader castles in the center. In the south of the country is the wonderful ancient city of Petra, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Jordan is also home to one side of the Dead Sea with its surreal landscape and famous buoyancy. There are also wonderful desert landscapes to explore at Wadi Rum and, for beach lovers, the resort of Aqaba on the Red Sea. There are more details on these attractions in our Highlights of Jordan guide.
Jordan is a country that ticks so many boxes, and April is a great time to visit. Days are warm and sunny, and it’s outside of peak season, meaning you can enjoy the sights without the crowds.
Temp high: 73°F / 23°C
Temp low: 50°F / 10°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
It is wonderful to visit much of the Caribbean during April, as it falls within the region’s dry season. One of the best islands to visit during this time is St Lucia. A quieter destination than some of its neighbors, such as Barbados and the Bahamas, the island is a great place to escape.
St Lucia offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and spectacular scenery. The island offers a little bit of everything, with waterfalls, volcanoes, and diving appealing to nature lovers. For those searching for luxury, hotels along Sugar Beach are as fine as they come.
Temp high: 86°F / 30°C
Temp low: 73°F / 23°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
The Cape Verdes Islands are a little-known archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands lay some 600 km to the west of Africa and have been independent since 1975. The reason to come to the Cape Verdes Islands is simple; wonderful beaches, warm seas, and year-round sunshine. April is a good month to visit in particular, with plenty of warm weather but outside of the main tourist seasons. For those making the trip, you’ll find miles of sandy beaches, great diving, volcanoes, and lots of serenity. The Cape Verdes Islands are a great choice to escape from everything for a week or two.
Temp high: 77°F / 25°C
Temp low: 71°F / 21°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
Marrakesh in central Morocco is one of the world’s most unique locations. The city is based around the vast medina, with walls stretching over 16 km. UNESCO listed, the medina is home to numerous souks, alleyways, and small squares. At the center is the famous square known as Jemaa el-Fnaa. The square is a magical place, the haunt of snake charmers, acrobats, and street entertainers.
Marrakesh’s charm and history combine with exquisite accommodation and fine local cuisine. Accommodation is often in the form of a Riad, a traditional Moroccan luxury house with an internal courtyard. A stay in a Riad is an atmospheric and luxurious experience. A visit to Marrakkesh in April ensures you benefit from warm, sunny days without the searing heat that arrives over the summer months.
Temp high: 81°F / 27°C
Temp low: 55°F / 13°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Our last destination is Lake Tahoe in California. A slightly different choice from the other destinations, Lake Tahoe offers great skiing and hiking during the month of April. While temperatures are still cool for most of the month, particularly at elevation, you’ll get to revel in the beauty with very few other visitors around. Whether its aprés-ski or aprés-hike, you’ll also get to enjoy Lake Tahoe’s fabulous range of hotels and restaurants.
Temp high: 50°F / 10°C
Temp low: 27°F / -3°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
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