Where is hot in April? Top 15 destinations

Wondering where is hot in April? Same. Spring may be in “full bloom” during the fourth month of the year – but April showers and rather chilly weather are commonplace, too. Not that you need reminding. Luckily, there are countless benefits to bringing your summer holidays forward to April – not least the fact that there are two bank holidays to help you maximise your annual leave. Tempted? You bet.

April sees the steady rising of temperatures across Europe, in destinations like Portugal’s Algarve, Spain, Cyprus, Turkey and Lanzarote, making it the perfect time to escape London for a city break, hiking holiday or – in some cases – a perfectly laid-back beach holiday.

Further afield, temperatures down under at this time of year are chef’s kiss, the buzzy streets of Marrakesh can be explored at an average temperature of 25 degrees, and Dubai hits highs of
33°C. Dreaming of a bucket-list trip to Asia? April is the last month of Bali's wet season, with hot weather, increasing sunshine and a reduced chance of rain. Temperatures range between 22 – 31°C, with an average of 80% humidity.

Where is hot in Europe in April?

A European holiday is far from off the cards in April. In fact, there's a plethora of European destinations that are quite a bit warmer than the UK, despite pleasingly-short flight times. We'd recommend Spain's Costa Del Sol, which sits between 15 and 19 degrees during the month of April, the Greek Islands of Santorini (which has an average temperature of 19℃) and Crete (average temperature here is 21 degrees), Sicily's capital of Palermo (average temperature 19℃) or Gran Canaria (average temperature 23 degrees).

After something else? Our guides to where is hot in January, where is hot in February, where is hot in October and where is hot in March will have you chasing winter sun.

Ahead, our full edit of trending destinations that are hot in April – proving you don’t have to wait very long for warm weather.

1. MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Average temperature in April: 27 degrees C.
Where to stay: Dar Rhizlane, Palais Table d'hôtes & SPA.
BROWSE: More of the best hotels in Morocco.

“The city taught me colour,” Yves Saint Laurent once said of Marrakech. “Before Marrakech everything was black.” It's a city steeped in glamorous bohemian history, with bustling streets, Middle Eastern architecture and ornate riads aplenty complete with roof terraces and courtyard swimming pools. Boutique hotels and guest houses are emerging in substantial numbers – as well as big names such as The Oberoi, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental – each of which make perfect bases from which to explore the nearby medina, Atlas mountains and the Agafay desert. With short haul flights costing quite a lot less than many other destinations in this list – and average daily temperatures a balmy 27 degrees – you'd struggle to find a more tempting and vibrant April holiday destination.

2. CAPRI, ITALY

Average temperature in April: 20 degrees C.
Where to stay: Hotel La Palma Capri, an Oetker Collection Hotel.
BROWSE: The best hotels on the Amalfi Coast.

Though predictably sleepy throughout the winter, April sees the Italian holiday destination of Capri spring back to life – making it the perfect time to explore and beat the tourist. Temperatures tend to hit around the 20 degree mark each day, making it sunny enough to kick back on the beach – particularly if you book for the latter half of the month. At which point, may we add, all manner of luxe beach clubs and restaurants begin to open back up for the peak season. For an April holiday spent street wandering, carb-devouring and meandering through many-a lemon grove, Capri is the place to go.

3. MAURITIUS

Average temperature in April: 27 degrees C.
Where to stay: Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive.
BROWSE: Best hotels in Mauritius.

While the best hotels in the Maldives might be the top of your bucket list holiday list, a trip to Mauritius will serve up the same, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters – just with an extra helping of colour, history, majestic waterfall climbing and jungle trekking. Or zip-lining, if you're brave enough. As such, it's well worth considering for an April holiday. Taste your way through the hot curries of the island, visit tea plantations and temples or kick back in your hotel spa. Of which, you'll have plenty to choose from. Whether you're a beach bum or an adventure junkie, April might just be the best time to visit Mauritius.

4. NEW ORLEANS, USA

Average temperature in April: 26 degrees C.
Where to stay: Maison de la Luz.

The best time of the year to visit this Louisiana city is the month of its Easter parades. That is: April. Stat. Flamboyant, colourful and street-shakingly loud, the fabulous Gay Easter Parade will have you admiring bonnets and processions aplenty – and totally immersed in New Orleans culture. That said, the city is - of course - so much more than its French Quarter – and a balmy April trip will serve up the chance to admire Garden District antebellum mansions, enjoy the vibrant live music scene and taste your way through a spicy cuisine that reflects the city's history as a melting pot of French, African and American culture.

Save when you book with these booking.com promo codes.

5. PERTH, AUSTRALIA

Average temperature in April: 25 degrees C.
Where to stay: Crown Towers Perth

Long hidden in the shadows of cosmopolitan city and hip Melbourne, Perth - Australia's most isolated West Coast city - is really having a moment. And April, when temperatures average at 25 degrees each day, is the perfect time to visit. Think: street murals, countless galleries, riverside restaurants, beautiful beaches and easy access to the sparkling Ningaloo Reef. And of course, there's the added bonus of a direct flight from Heathrow transporting you there in as little as 16 hours. What's not to adore?

6. SRI LANKA

Average temperature in April: between 25 and 33 degrees C.
Where to stay: Uga Jungle Beach.
BROWSE: I stayed at Sri Lanka's only private luxury resort ÀNI and it was peak luxury.

While a series of terror attacks back in April 2019 forced travel warnings to be pushed out and tourists to steer clear, Sri Lanka has become somewhat safer over the past couple of years – and warnings have been downgraded significantly. Not only will you be aiding a country that depends on tourism hugely in its recovery by visiting this April, but you'll be able to experience the likes of Sigiriya Rock and Temple of the Tooth without the crowds. Beaches are beautiful, the food is divine and the wildlife is second-to-none. Elephant spotting in Udawalawe National Park, anyone?

7. ST BARTH'S, CARRIBBEAN

Average temperature in April: 29 degrees C.
Where to stay: Hotel Villa Marie Saint Barth, Maisons et Hotels Sibuet.

If you’ve done Barbados and want something similarly long haul (with seemingly endless hours of sunshine), consider the chic Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy (or St. Barth’s as the globe trotters of the world otherwise refer to it). Just eight square miles wide, it’s a dreamy destination for snorkelling and water sports – or simply kicking back on a lounger. Of course, after twin hurricanes Irma and Maria wrecked havoc with livelihoods and the tourism industry back in 2017, travel advice wasn’t particularly glowing. But the island has been rebuilt, and beach clubs, restaurants and hotels are more stylish than ever. You'll be avoiding the school holiday summer rush by visiting earlier in the season, and those paradisiac white sand beaches will be just that little bit quieter. A dreamy Easter holiday getaway.

8. TENERIFE

Average temperature in April: 23 degrees C.
Where to stay: Hotel San Roque.
BROWSE: Best hotels in Tenerife.

Lucky enough to be drenched in sun almost all year round, Tenerife is a hugely popular April holiday destination. It's the largest of the Canary Islands and boasts seemingly endless sandy beaches, friendly locals and breathtaking mountain scapes. Forget what you thought you knew: you don't have to flock to the tourist hotspots. Rather, consider the quieter towns of Garachico and Buenavista del Norte – or day trips to spots like the Anaga Rural Park – which sit off the beaten path.

9. KOS, GREECE

Average temperature in April: 21.4 °C.
Where to stay: OKU Kos
BROWSE: Best Greek Islands to visit in 2024.

Part of the Dodecanese Islands group and sitting pretty in the Aegean Sea, Kos has a Mediterranean climate and a balmy summer which kickstarts in the month of April. Temperatures will begin gradually rising from the start of the month, heading towards a comfortable peak of just over 21 degrees. That is: quite significantly warmer than it is in March. If the feta and sunsets aren't enough to persuade you to book a trip, the recent opening of stylish OKU Kos might be. It's a five-star adults-only resort located right on a sandy beach and 2.5 miles from the beautiful Marmari Village. Kick back in the spa, laze by the outdoor pool and refuel at the modern onsite restaurant.

Save when you book with these booking.com promo codes.

10. BANGKOK, THAILAND

Average temperature in April: 31 degrees celcius.
Where to stay: Chatrium Grand Bangkok.
BROWSE: Best hotels in Phuket Thailand.

Where is hot in April? Like, actually hot? The bustling Thai capital of Bangkok – where temperatures average at 31 degrees each day. There's no shortage of ultra-luxe hotels in the surprise-filled city to serve up that poolside glamour and spa-grade relaxation you're likely craving. But step outside and you'll be greeted by the lanterns of central Talat Noi, unassuming Chinese mansions, rooftop bars, a boat-filled Chao Phraya River and the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Expect exhilarating urban energy.

11. NUEVO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Average temperature in April: Between 19 degrees on a cold day and 29 degrees on a warm day.
Where to stay: Marival Distinct Luxury Residences & World Spa.
BROWSE: Best hotels in Mexico.

For an April holiday spent soaking up the Pacific Coast's beach life, head to Mexico's Nuevo Vallarta – a resort which boasts waterparks, marinas, plazas and family-friendly hotels aplenty. Temperatures range between 19 degrees on a cold day and 29 degrees on a warm day – and since April sees the most affordable room rates (and hardly any rain), it's a pretty good time to visit.

12. PALERMO, SICILY

Average temperature in April: 19 degrees.
Where to stay: San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel or Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel.
BROWSE: The best hotels in Sicily.

Home of The White Lotus, Sicily will serve up a slice of la dolce vita this April. A pleasing 19 degrees on average, there is plenty to explore without getting too hot – from historic coastal towns including Cefalu, Ragusa and Trapani, to sun-drenched vineyards and olive groves. Palermo is Sicily's capital – full of life and fantastically-good food – while the clifftop town Taormina boasts some incredible views of the Ionian Sea.

13. MALDIVES

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Average temperature in April: around 30°C.
Where to stay: The Nautilus Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi or Amilla Maldives Resort.
BROWSE: Best hotels in the Maldives, best affordable hotels in the Maldives and best family resorts in the Maldives.

A breath-taking, once-in-a-lifetime trip, April sees the end of peak season in the Maldives – ahead of a slightly rainier May. Forever coveted, this group of picturesque atolls scattered around the South Indian Ocean serve over-water villas, palm-tree lined white-sand beaches, underwater dining and water sports aplenty. A truly relaxing April holiday.

14. CYRPUS

Average temperature in April: 21 degrees C.
Where to stay: Amavi for couples, Parklane, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa for luxury or Columbia Beach Resort if you want to be by the coast.
BROWSE: Best hotels in Cyprus.

Better known as the “Jewel of the Mediterranean", Cyprus is Europe's sunniest island, offering the perfect mix of warm weather, sea and culture. Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Coral Bay, Pissouri and Kyrenia are just some of the most popular areas to visit in Cyprus, each one offering plenty of glorious coastlines and year-round sunshine. As for the food? A dreamy blend of Mediterranean, Turkish, and Middle Eastern – you're in for an explosion of flavour.

15. SEVILLE, SPAIN

Average temperature in April: 25 degrees.
Where to stay: Hotel Sacristía de Santa Ana, Unuk Hotel, Hotel Casa 1800 or Las Casas de la Judería.
BROWSE: Best hotels in Seville right now.

April is a gorgeous time to visit Seville – endlessly more pleasant than visiting in the height of summer when it's almost too hot to walk around. The food is, perhaps, the greatest reason to visit: family-owned tapas bars line the streets in their thousands, serving the perfect place to sit and people watch over Espinacas con Garbanzos, Boquerones and Pan Con Tomate. As for where to stay, countless ancient properties have been converted into cool hotels and Airbnbs, while more traditional properties are steeped in Spanish heritage.

For more from our Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.