Whether you’re lining up an Easter holiday, a quick spring city break or a longer sunshine escape, this guide is here to do the hard work for you. We’ve pulled together some of the best places to go in April - from southern Europe and the Canary Islands to long-haul hotspots already nudging summer highs - so you can match your plans to the weather, not the other way round.
How we Chose These April Holiday Destinations
April can look very different depending on where you fly to - some places are warming up nicely for beach walks and poolside afternoons, while others are spot‑on for sightseeing before the summer heat and crowds arrive. To help you narrow things down, we’ve focused on destinations that tick the boxes many people look for in a spring break.
• Reliable April weather, whether you’re after early‑season beach time or comfortable city exploring.
• Seasonal highlights, from wildflowers and spring landscapes to festivals and perfect conditions for outdoor adventures.
• Better value than peak summer, with prices that often feel softer than July and August.
• Manageable crowd levels, so you can enjoy popular spots before the busiest holiday months kick in.
The result is a mix of places that work for different travel styles - from easy short‑haul sunshine and cultural city breaks to long‑haul escapes where it already feels like full summer.
Best Short-Haul Warm‑Weather April Getaways
Good to know: In these warm short‑haul spots, you’ll notice the temperature drop in the evening, so it’s worth packing a light jacket or extra layer for sunset strolls and alfresco dinners.
1. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
With its year‑round sunshine and volcanic scenery, Lanzarote is one of the hottest short‑haul destinations in April, with plenty of beach time on the cards. It’s warm enough for pool days and coastal walks, but still comfortable for exploring whitewashed villages and lava fields.
• April highlights: Long sunny days, low chance of rain, whale‑watching boat trips and relaxed beaches like Playa Blanca.
• Best for: Families and couples who want easy sunshine, good‑value All Inclusive hotels and a laid‑back atmosphere.
Good to know: While the Canaries are warm in May, the sea temperature is still relatively cool, so you may prefer to swim in heated pools. For open-water swimming, a long-haul destination will be your best bet.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 8 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 24ºC
🏊 Average sea temperature: 19ºC
Browse April holidays in Lanzarote >>>
2. Marrakech, Morocco
April is one of the best times to visit Marrakech, with warm, bright days that are perfect for wandering the souks, palaces and gardens before the full force of the summer heat kicks in.
• April highlights: Blooming courtyards, balmy evenings in Djemaa el‑Fna and day trips into the nearby Atlas foothills.
• Best for: Culture‑hungry couples and friends who want sunshine, street food and a big dose of atmosphere.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 9 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 26ºC
Browse April holidays in Marrakech >>>
3. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve’s beach‑friendly season starts in April, with mild, sunny days that are made for coastal walks, golf and boat trips before the peak‑summer crowds roll in.
• April highlights: Quieter beaches, whale and dolphin‑watching cruises, and excellent conditions on the fairways.
• Best for: Golfers, active couples and families who like mild but sunny days.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 8 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 20°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 17°C
Browse April holidays in Algarve >>>
4. Costa del Sol, Spain
Mild, sunny and relaxed, in April the Costa del Sol is warm enough for beachfront strolls and café terraces, without the intense heat or crowds of midsummer. Resorts are family‑friendly and manageable, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow.
• April highlights: Wandering Marbella’s Old Town, visiting waterparks as they open for the season, and exploring nearby Andalusian villages.
• Best for: Families with babies or toddlers, and couples who like a slower‑paced spring break.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 7 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 21°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 17°C
Browse April holidays in Costa del Sol >>>
5. Antalya, Turkey
Framed by the Taurus Mountains and the Turquoise Coast, Antalya enjoys pleasantly warm April days. It’s bright and sunny, but not yet at full summer strength, which makes sightseeing and pool time equally appealing.
• April highlights: Wandering Antalya’s Old Town, exploring ancient sites like Perge and Aspendos, and enjoying quieter resort beaches.
• Best for: Families and couples who want resort comforts, good‑value All Inclusive stays and spring sunshine.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 8 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 21°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 18°C
Browse April holidays in Antalya >>>
6. Crete, Greece
By April, Crete is shaking off winter with warmth, especially in the island’s sunnier south. It’s a great time to mix beach days with exploring ancient ruins and hilltop villages before summer gets busy.
• April highlights: Visiting sites like Knossos in comfortable temperatures, wildflower‑filled countryside and quieter coastal resorts.
• Best for: History lovers, hikers and anyone who likes it warm, rather than scorching.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 8 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 21°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 17°C
Browse April holidays in Crete >>>
7. Majorca, Balearic Islands
Majorca in April feels like spring turning into summer, with a real sense of the island waking up. It’s perfect for exploring Old Towns, coastal trails and hidden coves without the intensity of summer.
• April highlights: Wandering Palma’s gothic streets, cycling quiet country lanes and enjoying long, leisurely lunches by the sea.
• Best for: Couples, walkers and families who don’t mind slightly cooler beach days for the trade‑off of fewer crowds.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 7 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 19°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 16°C
Browse April holidays in Majorca >>>
Long‑Haul April Scorchers
If you like your April holidays properly hot, these long‑haul destinations dial the heat up a notch.
Good to know: In these destinations, UV levels are very high or even extreme, even in April, so the sun can be much stronger than it feels. Make sure you pack a wide-brim hat, a bottle of SPF50 and a decent pair of sunglasses. And don’t forget sand and sea can bounce extra rays onto your skin.1. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
1. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm el Sheikh is hot and dry in April, with very little, if any, rain expected. It’s also the start of peak diving season, as the Red Sea warms up and visibility stays crystal‑clear.
• April highlights: Coral‑packed dive and snorkel trips, long beach days and warm evenings on the promenade.
• Best for: Divers, snorkellers and sun‑seekers who like it properly toasty.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 10 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 30°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 23°C
😎 Typical UV level: Very High to Extreme
Browse April holidays in Sharm el Sheikh >>>
Browse April holidays in Majorca >>>
2. Cancun, Mexico
Perched on the Caribbean‑washed Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is hot and mostly dry in April. It’s one of the best times to mix beach lazing with snorkelling, cenote dips and visits to nearby Mayan sites.
• April highlights: Calm Caribbean seas, pool days, Isla Mujeres boat trips and excursions to Chichén Itzá or Tulum.
• Best for: Sun‑seekers, couples and groups who want resort living plus day‑trip adventures.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 8 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 32°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 26°C
😎 Typical UV level: Extreme
Browse April holidays in Cancun >>>
3. Orlando, USA
Orlando is warm and sunny year‑round, but April is a sweet spot, with lower humidity and more manageable crowds. It’s ideal for ticking off theme parks and outdoor adventures without the peak‑season intensity.
• April highlights: Longer park opening hours, comfortable queuing temperatures and spotting wildlife on an airboat ride in the Everglades.
• Best for: Families and thrill‑seekers who want to pack in as many rides as possible.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 9 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 28°C
😎 Typical UV level: Very High
Browse April holidays in Orlando >>>
4. Colombo, Sri Lanka
April is one of the hottest and driest months on Sri Lanka’s west coast. It’s a great window for coastal stays, cultural sights and tea‑country side trips before the southwest monsoon arrives.
• April highlights: Beach days near Colombo, trips to UNESCO‑listed sites, and scenic train rides through tea plantations.
• Best for: Culture lovers and adventurous couples looking for a mix of city, coast and countryside.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 8 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 32°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 30°C
😎 Typical UV level: Very High
Browse April holidays in Sri Lanka >>>
5. Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Just off the coast of West Africa, Boa Vista in Cape Verde offers desert‑island beaches. In April it’s hot enough for long beach walks and water sports, but gentler than many tropical destinations.
• April highlights: Windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, sweeping sandy beaches and a relaxed, away‑from‑it‑all feel.
• Best for: Couples and friends who want a simple recipe of sun, sea and sand.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 9 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 25°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 22°C
😎 Typical UV level: Extreme
Browse April holidays in Cape Verde >>>
6. Phuket, Thailand
April is one of Phuket’s hottest months, with average daytime highs in the low‑30s and warm, bath‑like seas. It’s also when the Songkran water festival kicks off - a country‑wide celebration where locals (and visitors) cool off with joyful water fights.
• April highlights: Island‑hopping to Phi Phi and the Similan Islands (open until May), street food feasts and golden‑hour beach walks.
• Best for: Couples and groups who don’t mind the heat and want lively nightlife, great food and island adventures.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 8 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 33°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 30°C
😎 Typical UV level: Extreme
Browse April holidays in Thailand >>>
7. Côte Sud, Mauritius
Mauritius’ south coast is warm and tropical in April, with just the odd shower left over from the rainy season. It’s a superb time to explore lush interiors, lagoons and laid‑back beach resorts.
• April highlights: Visiting markets in Port Louis, hiking in Black River Gorges National Park and snorkelling in sheltered lagoons.
• Best for: Couples and honeymooners who want a mix of downtime and gentle adventure.
☀️ Daily sunshine: 7 hours
🌡 Average daytime high: 29°C
🏊 Average sea temperature: 27°C
😎 Typical UV level: Very High
Browse April holidays in Mauritius >>>
Why April is a Great Month for a Holiday
April sits in the travel sweet spot for many destinations. It’s often warm enough for outdoor activities and beach time, but still early enough to avoid the busiest summer crowds.
For European destinations, it marks the start of the spring travel season, with longer days, blooming landscapes and lively café culture returning after winter.
In long-haul destinations, April often falls within the dry or shoulder seasons, bringing warm temperatures and good travel conditions without the peak-season price spikes seen later in the year.
FAQs
Where are the best places to visit in April for sunshine?
If you’re chasing sunshine in April without going too far, the Canary Islands, Morocco, southern Spain and Portugal’s Algarve are all great bets for warm days and plenty of blue skies. For properly hot weather, look to long‑haul favourites like Egypt, Cancun, Thailand and Mauritius, where daytime highs often climb well above 28°C, and it can already feel like full‑on summer.
Is April a good month to go on holiday?
Yes - April is an excellent month to travel if you want a balance of good weather, softer prices and fewer crowds than peak summer. In many Mediterranean and Canary Island destinations, you’ll find warm days ideal for sightseeing and beach walks, while long‑haul spots ramp up the heat for full‑on sunseekers.
Where is warm in April?
If you’re after warm, short‑haul sunshine in April, the Canaries, southern Spain, Portugal’s Algarve, Crete and the Antalya coast are all strong bets, with average daytime highs hovering around the high‑teens to mid‑20s. For even hotter conditions, look to Egypt, Cancun, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Mauritius, where daytime temperatures often climb well above 28°C.
Are April holidays cheaper than summer?
April holidays are often better value than peak‑summer trips, especially outside Easter and school holiday weeks. You can usually find more availability on flights and hotels, and you’ll often pay less for similar stays compared with July and August, particularly in Mediterranean and Canary Island destinations.
Are April holidays good for families or couples?
April works brilliantly for both. Families tend to love the milder, manageable heat, shorter flight times to places like Spain, Portugal and the Canaries, and the fact that beaches and attractions feel calmer than in the school‑holiday rush. Couples and groups can take advantage of quieter city breaks, romantic island escapes and better value on long‑haul beach resorts.
Which destinations suit short breaks vs longer April holidays?
For short breaks of three to five nights, it makes sense to stick to closer‑to‑home options like the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal, Morocco or a Mediterranean island, where the flight time is under five hours. If you have a week or more, long‑haul spots like Cancun, Orlando, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cape Verde and Mauritius come into their own, giving you time to adjust to the time difference and fully settle into holiday mode.
Originally written March 2024. Revised and updated March 2026.
About the author
Edd Myerscough has explored more than 15 destinations solo, from discovering top European cities to hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, and admiring the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. If you're after top tips on planning a seamless city break or an adventurous escape, Edd's got you covered with stories and practical advice to inspire your next journey.