Sick of dark days and cold temperatures? We have some warm, sunny escape inspiration for you.
The shoulder season month of April brings with it the advantage of fewer crowds and mild temperatures in many tourist destinations both in the US and abroad. With this comes lower accommodation and transport costs, and easier opportunities for sightseeing and touring.
These are the best warm weather destinations to visit in April.
Miami, Florida
Temperature range: 70-84; Average number of rainy days: 7
South Florida in April is exactly what you’d expect it to be: white sandy beaches, sunny skies, and fun nightlife. The warm weather and clear days make it a perfect reprieve from a snowy winter.
If you’re looking to scratch an art fix, spend half a day at Wynwood Walls arts district and grab lunch at a nearby cafe.
And if you want to extend your trip into even warmer climes, consider hopping on a cruise into The Caribbean, departing from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Sedona, Arizona
Temperature range: 42-73; Average number of rainy days: 4
April is a perfect time to visit the Southwestern United States, with daytime temps not yet reaching the scorching levels of the summertime.
Sedona offers eclectic restaurants, cafes and galleries, with well-established tourist infrastructure to make your stay comfortable.
You’ll want to rent a car and drive in from Phoenix or Flagstaff (also worth a one- or two-night stay), and drive to the many hiking trails both within and just outside of the town. One highlight is the Airport Loop Trail, which runs for three miles along the top of a big plateau with vistas of the town and dramatic mountain ranges that encircle the town.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Temperature range: 74-86; Average number of rainy days: 14
If you are looking for a combination of beachtime, colonial architecture and good food, then the capital of this U.S. territory is a great place to visit. After spending the day at one of San Juan’s pristine beaches, you can head into the old town for a happy hour cocktail and a scrumptious dinner.
Bored of the beach? A day trip to El Yunque tropical rainforest, a one-hour drive outside the city, will satisfy your nature fix. There, you can enjoy a guided hike, try some ziplining, and swim in cascading waterfalls.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Temperature range: 57-79; Average number of rainy days: 2
April is an ideal time to lounge by the pool at one of Vegas’ many hotels and resorts, catch an evening show, and try your luck at a round of blackjack. Better yet, if you can stay mid-week, you’ll escape a lot of the weekend crowds and find great rates at normally pricey hotels.
If you want to extend your trip, consider heading out to the Grand Canyon, or explore a hiking trail just outside the city.
Austin, Texas
Temperature range: 59-80; Average number of rainy days: 7
Clear skies and abundant outdoor activities make Austin a fantastic destination to visit in April. With bluebonnets in bloom, take a road trip out to the Hill Country, and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s many vineyards.
Back in the city, Barton Springs Pool is a must-do activity in April. It’s a natural pool located close to downtown with views of the skyline, and the water temperature is a constant 68 degrees year-round. Pro Tip: To avoid long lines, go to the South (rather than North) Entrance of the pool.
After your swim, check out nearby Terry Black’s Barbecue for lunch, and then enjoy an afternoon of shopping along hip South Congress Avenue.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Temperature range: 58-88; Average number of rainy days: 1
Mexico’s second-largest city is an often overlooked but highly recommended destination to visit. With a population of five million people, it has all the amenities of a large city—without the fast pace of Mexico City.
Must-sees are the main cathedral and surrounding colonial-style streets, the flea market at Tlaquepaque, and a day trip to the aptly-named town of Tequila, just one hour outside of the city.
Note that if you visit Mexico during Semana Santa (Holy Week), expect big celebrations but also higher accommodation prices and larger crowds. The dates for this week change every year, so do a quick Google search to see if your trip coincides with this time.
Andalucía, Spain
Temperature range: 52-74; Average number of rainy days: 6
The southern part of Spain offers tourists beautiful mountain ranges, the stunning Mediterranean coast, and gastronomical delights.
Be sure to spend a few days in the largest city in the area, Seville, which is easily reachable by high-speed train from the capital Madrid.
Then head over to Córdoba and Granada for beautiful cathedrals and Roman ruins. Cap your trip off with a couple of days in easygoing seaside Málaga and/or Marbella.
Sydney, Australia
Temperature range: 60-75; Average number of rainy days: 8
Australia’s largest city is a great place to visit in April. In April, Australia is just heading into the second month of fall, so the summer heat—and crowds—have subsided and the days are cooler but still comfortable.
Be sure to take a walk around Circular Quay to see the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Then jump on a ferry to hop over to Taronga Zoo, one of the most picturesque zoos in the world, or over to Manly Beach, which has a more local vibe than the more touristy Bondi Beach. Sea temperatures in April are still warm enough for comfortable swimming (although the water cools off towards the end of the month).
Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii
Temperature range: 67-85; Average number of rainy days: 9
One of the best months to visit the islands of Hawaii is in April. The peak tourist season is over, but the weather is still nice enough to enjoy the best of the islands’ beaches and outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for lush rainforest, take the drive to Hana, on the island of Maui and admire the many waterfalls that dot the route.
Going on a helicopter ride (you can choose with or without doors!) on Kauai will take you up over towering peaks, across to the world-famous Na Pali Coast, and then to some shooting locations for Jurassic Park. You’ll also enjoy a myriad of outdoor sports, including surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, waterskiing and kitesurfing.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Temperature range: 71-82; Average number of rainy days: 9
Brazil’s second-largest city and famed party destination is a great place to visit in April, in between the summer and winter seasons that attract the most tourists.
Base yourself in beachside Copacabana, Ipanema or Botafogo to be centrally-located. Don’t miss the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue and be sure to take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning city views.
Enjoy lounging on the famous Copacabana or Ipanema beaches, or head to the lesser-known Búzios, Ilha Grande and Paraty beach destinations after spending time in Rio.
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