April is a beautiful time to travel as spring flowers begin to bloom and temperatures start warming up. Here are my picks for where to travel in April.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 56°F high; 40°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
In April, Amsterdam is still cool but days begin warming up toward the end of the month. Days grow longer and the sun sets later in the day. There may be scattered showers this time of year so bring a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. But don’t let a little rain scare you off. There are plenty of fun events to attend this time of year that will make your trip worth the visit.
Key Events:
Amsterdam Tulip Festival: month-long celebration of tulips
King’s Day: one of the biggest and most colorful orange-filled festivities in the Netherlands (held on April 27
Kleinkunst Festival: Dutch cabaret performances
National Museum Week: museums all over the Netherlands allow free admission for the week in mid-April
World Press Photo: awards ceremony and event honoring photojournalism
Where to Stay:
Istanbul, Turkey
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 62°F high; 47°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
The weather in Istanbul during April can be very unpredictable. Like a typical spring season, it may be warm, cold, sunny, or rainy. If rain falls, it will likely be in the afternoons. Despite this, April is a lively month as winter comes to a close. At this time, crowds will likely be manageable and room rates will be average.
Key Events:
Istanbul Tulip Festival: month-long celebration of tulips
Istanbul International Film Festival: first and oldest international film festival in Turkey
National Sovereignty and Children’s Day: national holiday on April 23 commemorating the foundation of the Grand National Assembly
Where to Stay:
Antigua, Guatemala
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 80°F high; 58°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a warm month in Guatemala due to the humidity and temperatures. April is a popular tourist time to visit because of Easter parades, processions, and colorful carpets in the streets. Expect higher crowds and prices around this time of the month.
Key Events:
Semana Santa: Holy Week before Easter with parades, processions, food stalls, and colorful markets
Where to Stay:
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 63°F high; 33°F low
Season: rainy, fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
Late April is a nice time to visit Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. At this time, you can witness the dry salt desert as well as the giant mirror effect. At the start of each year, the Uyuni Salt Flats become the largest natural mirror in the world creating interesting optical illusions. It’s warmer than winter months and less rainy. Crowds and prices are manageable during this month.
Where to Stay:
Boston, MA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 57°F high; 41°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a pleasant time to visit Boston. Signs of spring are showing and it’s the Red Sox baseball season.
Key Events:
Opening Day at Fenway Park: first day of baseball season
Boston Marathon: annual marathon race
Patriot’s Day: annual event commemorating the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy (some of the first of the American Revolutionary War)
Where to Stay:
Charleston, SC
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 73°F high; 59°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
In April, temperatures are still warm and pleasant in Charleston, SC. It’s a good time to beat summer crowds and the summer heat. It’s a great time of year for outdoor activities including golfing, shopping, and exploring.
Kevin Events:
Credit One Charleston Open: formerly the Volvo Car Open and Family Circle Cup; a WTA Tour-affiliated professional tennis tournament for women held every year since 1973
Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens: largest fundraiser and educational event hosted by the Historic Charleston Foundation
Lowcountry Cajun Festival: full day of Zydeco music, Cajun and creole food, and Southern barbecue
Charleston Cocktail Week: 7-day festival that showcases award-winning bars and restaurants in the area
High Water Festival: 2-day music festival with Southern food, music, and libations at Riverfront Park in North Charleston
Charleston Jazz Festival: celebration of the Holy City’s rich jazz heritage and thriving jazz scene
Where to Stay:
Chicago, IL
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 56°F high; 43°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
Though some days in April still may be cool in Chicago, it’s a generally warmer time to visit compared to winter months. Weather can be unpredictable this time of year, so be prepared for chilly or rainy weather. In general, there’s 10 to 12 days in April in Chicago that are rainy.
Key Events:
Spring Flower Show: the Garfield Park Conservatory’s flower show running from late February to early May
Chicago Restaurant Week: 17-day celebration of the city’s award-winning culinary scene starting in late March and running into April
Golden-Con: a TV comedy fan convention, commemorating “Golden Girls”
One of a Kind Show: 3-day show featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of talented artists at Chicago’s mart
Where to Stay:
Crete, Greece
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 50°F high; 36°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a drier month than March in Crete and the temperatures should be comfortable enough to stroll along the beach. Though maybe still too chilly to swim, it’s still a lovely month for hiking, sightseeing, wine tasting, and other outdoor activities. April is considered shoulder season in Crete so crowds should be fewer and rates lower.
Key Events:
Feast of Agios Georgios (St. George): rural celebration with dancing and feasting on April 23
Orthodox Easter: nation’s largest holiday as most of the native population are Greek Orthodox
Where to Stay:
Cyprus
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 70°F high; 51°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
You can expect sunshine and not too much rain for the month of April in Cyprus. At this time of the year, the Mediterranean Sea begins to warm up. Nights still may feel chilly. April is a great time to visit Cyprus if you enjoy more mild temperatures.
Key Events:
Orthodox Easter: joyous occasion with masses, parades, and festivities
Where to Stay:
Augusta, GA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 48°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a great time to visit Augusta, GA. Augusta is the second busiest city in Georgia, next to Atlanta. It’s the second windiest month to visit however the wind will cut down on humidity levels. Spring is the second busiest season to visit Augusta so you will not experience peak price levels at this time. This is a popular spot for golf, making April a nice time to visit.
Key Events:
The Masters Augusta National: the Masters is the youngest of 4 majors in golf; it’s the only one played on the same golf course every year - Augusta National
Where to Stay:
Grand Canyon, AZ
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 61°F high; 29°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in April:
April is one of the best times to visit the Grand Canyon weather-wise. The temperatures are extremely pleasant both at the South Rim and inside the Canyon. As a result, this is considered the start of high tourist season. This is a great time of year to hike and go backpacking.
Where to Stay:
Havana, Cuba
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 85°F high; 69°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a moderately hot time of the year in Havana, making it an ideal time to swim and participate in other water activities. There’s little rain this time of year so you can expect mostly bright sunny weather.
Key Events:
International Cuban Dance Festival: unique international reunion where dancers, students, teachers, and choreographers gather and share a love of latin dance
Where to Stay:
Martha's Vineyard, MA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 55°F high; 39°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
In April, Martha’s Vineyard experiences more unpredictable weather however there will be less crowds and lower prices. Temperatures will still feel on the chilly side so pack appropriately.
Where to Stay:
Miami, FL
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 80°F high; 70°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a fun time to visit Miami as there are plenty of activities to do and it’s significantly less humid than the summer months. There may be some rain but not enough to deter you from visiting.
Key Events:
Miami Open: tennis tournament at Hard Rock Stadium between March and April
OUTshine Film Festival: Miami’s LGBTQ+ film festival
O, Miami Poetry Festival: month-long festival to bring poetry to the citizens of Miami
Miami Beach Pride Week: multi-day celebration of arts and culture in the LGTQ+ community
Annual Deering Seafood Festival: festival with music, art, seafood, and cooking demos
Miami Cattle Show: international show for agriculture, horses, and cattle
Redland Blues and Barbecue Festival: annual music and food festival featuring award-winning BBQ and blues & country musical performances
Where to Stay:
Moab, UT
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 73°F high; 42°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
Both spring and fall are good times to visit Moab to beat the summer heat and crowds. This is a good time to visit the Arches National Park, go hiking, or mountain biking.
Key Events:
Easter Jeep Safari: red rock 4-wheeler trail rides, mostly day long trips, departing from Moab for 9 days
Amasa Trail Race: 25k, 15k, and 10.5k running race through one of Moab’s most prized trail systems
April Action Moab Car Show: annual car show held in Moab annually
Where to Stay:
Naples, Italy
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 67°F high; 51°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a pleasant time to visit Naples. This is shoulder season meaning fewer crowds and lower prices. Temperatures are mild and it’s a great time to get into some outdoor activities.
Key Events:
Comicon: one of the most important comics festivals in Europe
Where to Stay:
Newport Beach, CA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 65°F high; 54°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
Like March, April is an enjoyable month to visit Newport Beach. It’s too cold to go swimming in the ocean without a wet suit but you won’t find crowds of tourists as much as in the summer when it’s warmer.
Key Events:
Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race: iconic yacht race hosted by the Newport Ocean Sailing Association
Where to Stay:
Peru
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 64°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in April:
Rain levels drop significantly in the Sacred Valley in April. High season does start around this time however you may be able to beat some of the crowds outside of Easter week. Expect sunny weather and beautiful visibility in Peru in April.
Key Events:
Semana Santa: Holy Week with elaborate processions, jubilant celebrations, and traditional cuisine
Where to Stay:
Puerto Vallarta, MX
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 82°F high; 66°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
April is one of the driest months of the year with little rain in Puerto Vallarta. Humidity will increase each week into April however. Temperatures will be pleasant and room rates should be more moderate than the winter season. The only drawback is that if you want to go whale watching, visit in December through March instead.
Key Events:
Maraton Internacional Puerto Vallarta: race in Puerto Vallarta with options to run 42.195 KM, 21 KM, or 5 KM
Where to Stay:
Brisbane, Australia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 80°F high; 64°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
April is a shoulder month in Brisbane, making it a great time to visit. It’s moderate autumn weather with little rainfall in April. At this time of year, hotel rates are more reasonable.
Key Events:
The MindBodySpirit Festival: Australia’s largest health and wellbeing event
Brisbane Cycling Festival: citywide celebration of cycling
Where to Stay:
Andalusia, Spain
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 74°F high; 51°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in April:
Temperatures are comfortable in Andalusia, Spain in April. There’s a small chance of rain but expect it to mostly be mild temperatures and sunny. Nights will be cooler this time of year.
Key Events:
Semanta Santa: Holy Week with processions of elaborately decorated floats
Seville April Fair: two weeks after Holy Week falling in April or May; one of Spain’s biggest parties with Flamenco dances, entertainment booths, bullfights, horseback riding, and merrymaking
Where to Stay:
Bangkok, Thailand
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 96°F high; 80°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in April:
Weather-wise, April is not the best time to visit Bangkok. But because of the hot and humid weather, you can expect fewer tourists and cheap rates. By visiting in April, you’ll beat the monsoon season, which starts in May.
Key Events:
Songkran: Thai New Year’s national holiday celebrated with their famous 3-day water festival
Where to Stay:
Virginia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 68°F high; 45°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
Weather can be somewhat unpredictable in April in Virginia so be sure to pack layers as well as some waterproof clothing in case of rain. If you like oysters, April is the best time to visit for all of the oyster festivals happening in the state!
Key Events:
Bull & Oyster Fest: oysters, barbecue, music, and fun in Lexington, VA
Gloucester Daffodil Festival: annual celebration in Gloucester County, VA
Stratford Hall Wine & Oyster Festival: Virginia wine tastings, coastal oysters, food trucks, breweries, and local artisan booths
Spring Valley View Hard Cider Challenge: 5K, 10K, and half marathon event
Be Bold 4 Miler: running event at Bold Rock Cidery
Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival: wine festival held in historic downtown Clarksville, VA
River City Connections Festival: festival with entertainment from poets, singers, MCs, comedians, and vendors
Appomattox Oyster Fest: music and food vendors gathering
Historic Garden Week: week of touring private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites across Virginia
Fairfax Veg Fest: showcasing the benefits of plant-based lifestyle
Where to Stay:
Hangzhou, China
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 71°F high; 54°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
Hangzhou is quite pleasant in April - arguably the most beautiful month of the year to visit. It’s warmer and less rainy than in March. It’s a beautiful time to walk through West Lake and admire the blooming flowers.
Key Events:
Qingming Festival: Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional Chinese festival when Chinese people visit ancestral tombs to sweep them and pay respects to the deceased
Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Festival: festival celebrating spring, picking tea, drinking tea, enjoying tea ceremonies, and walking in the countryside
Where to Stay:
Zermatt, Switzerland
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 40°F high; 30°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in April:
If you’re keen on skiing, April is a less predictable month in Switzerland. That being said, you will likely still be able to engage in snow-related activities due to the fact that Zermatt is at a higher elevation than other Swiss cities, like Zurich. Zermatt is one of the few resort towns in the world that remains open for skiing year-round thanks to Zermatt’s glaciers. Because April is not known as the best month for skiing, you’ll enjoy fewer people and lower prices.
Key Events:
Zermatt Unplugged: music festival over 5 days
Patrouille des Glaciers: team mountaineering race held every 2 years going from Zermatt to Verbier via Arolla in April/May
Where to Stay:
BONUS!
author bio
Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.
