Where's hot in April?

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With Easter’s bank holidays giving a boost to many people’s annual leave in spring, April is a key time for a getaway. And, understandably after a lingering winter, you’re likely to be craving a little sunshine.

Whether you’re looking for a short-haul winter sun holiday, or the reliable warmth and 30⁰C+ temperatures of a longer-haul destination, there are plenty of options for some sunshine in April.

But where should you go? Your choice is likely to be a combination of both where is hot and where is good value at this time of year. While southern Europe is warming up, offering some close-to-home winter sun holidays that make the most of the school holidays, longer-haul destinations such as Thailand and the Caribbean offer some out-of-peak-season deals with guaranteed sun.

If you’re ready to swap spring showers for sunshine, read on for our guide to where to go in April for sun, and a well-deserved break from the UK’s chilly weather.

Compare sunny April holiday deals

Dreams of spending April in the sunshine are entirely possible for both long and shorter-haul destinations. If you’re pushed for time and would like a shorter flight, destinations such as the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Crete and Malta offer a close-by glimpse of the sun. But it’s still spring, meaning cooler temperatures and temperamental weather are still possible.

However, if you’ve a little more time on your hands and the priority is spending hot, lazy days on the sun-lounger, long-haul destinations such as Mexico, Thailand or Egypt, might suit you better as the temperatures will be significantly higher.

Destination	Temperature	Sunshine	Flight time
Krabi, Thailand	34°C	8 hours	15h 0m
Hurghada, Egypt	28°C	10 hours	5h 20m
Tenerife, Canary Islands	20°C	8 hours	4h 35m
Valletta, Malta	19°C	8 hours	3h 15m
Cancun, Mexico	32°C	8 hours	11h 0m
Heraklion, Crete	19°C	8 hours	4h 0m
Paphos, Cyprus	21°C	9 hours	4h 40m

*Average temperature and sunshine in April

While the air in Paphos (Cyprus), Heraklion (Crete), and Valletta (Malta) finally hits a sunbathing-friendly 19°C to 24°C in April, the sea is still shaking off its winter slumber. Because water takes much longer to heat up than air, the Med and the Atlantic around Tenerife stay a bracing 17°C to 19°C - about the same as a cold tap!

If you want "bath-water" temperatures (25°C to 28°C) without the long-haul flight to Cancun or Krabi, Hurghada (Egypt) is your best bet, as the shallow Red Sea warms up rapidly in the April sun. For everywhere else in Europe, the rule remains: check the hotel description for a heated pool, or prepare for a very "refreshing" dip!

Short-haul vs long-haul

As Easter – and its two-week school holidays – falls during the first half of April in 2026, closer-to-home sunshine doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper.

Short-haul destinations including Tenerife, Paphos and Heraklion are likely to be in high demand. If you’re not travelling with the kids and can delay to later in the month, you may find some better deals. Also be aware that elsewhere across Europe, some resorts don’t open until the warmer weather of late May to mid-June – so do a little research.

For longer-haul destinations, places such as Mexico’s Cancun and Thailand’s Krabi are coming out of their peak seasons in April, but still offer reliably hot weather. With deals to be had, they can be some of best places to visit in April for affordable, guaranteed heat.

Top European destinations in April for warm weather

Wondering where’s hot in April when travelling short-haul? Though temperatures across Europe in April remain moderate, there are still a few hotter spots for a spring sun holiday. For good value family-fun in the sun, Tenerife is a safe bet with average maximum temperatures of 20⁰C. The coastal city of Paphos in Cyprus offers history and culture to complement lazy beach days. Or head to Heraklion in Crete for a Greek island getaway with idyllic natural beaches and ancient wonders. After relaxation? Visit Malta’s historic capital Valletta before the cruise ship crowds gather for the summer.

Paphos

Average maximum temperature in April - 21⁰C

Average hours of sunlight in April - 9 hrs

Paphos is more than just great beaches. Combining blue seas with ancient ruins, this city in the southwest of Cyprus is prized for its mix of local culture and year-round sun.

Home to the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, there’s numerous archaeological sites to explore alongside a wealth of luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly hotels and self-catering apartments that line the shores.

Though the peak summer heat of 30⁰C+ in July and August attracts families on their summer holidays, April is a great time to visit for fewer crowds. Expect daytime maximum temperatures of 21°C, though temperatures jump after April hitting an average maximum of 24°C in May and 28°C in June. These milder temperatures make spring an ideal time for more active breaks, where sightseeing, hiking, cycling or activities such as paragliding are a must.

Tenerife

Average maximum temperature in April - 20⁰C

Average hours of sunlight in April - 8 hrs

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is prized for its year-round sunshine and easy accessibility from the UK making it ideal for a value beach break. Just a four-and-a-half-hour flight away, numerous airlines and holiday companies serve the island, which helps to keep prices competitive.

Many hotels are concentrated in the south, which has a much drier, more arid climate than the north. In April, expect average maximum temperatures of 20⁰C, though it can reach the mid 20⁰Cs. And with April to June a shoulder season for the island, prices can be more reasonable than the peaks of July and August. However, check Easter school holiday dates as high demand will mean higher prices.

If sunbathing isn’t your thing, spot dolphins or pilot whales by day on a boat trip from Costa Adeje. Or stargaze from Mount Teide – Spain’s highest peak – come nightfall.

Heraklion

Average maximum temperature in April - 19⁰C

Average hours of sunlight in April - 8 hrs

Visit Crete’s capital in April for sea breezes rather than summer heatwaves. Heraklion is a popular summer beach break spot – especially during July and August when temperatures regularly hit highs of 29⁰C+.

But in April, average maximum highs of 19⁰C may make it a little cool for consistent sunbathing. Instead, it’s the perfect time to explore sites such as the legendary Palace of Knossos linked to the myth of the Minotaur, crowd-free. With wildflowers and green hills – compared to the drier vegetation of summer – it’s an ideal time for hiking too. In town, expect better access to restaurants and quieter beach time on those prized sunny days.

Be aware that some tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants may close in the winter season (generally from the end of October to early April) so check what’s open before booking at this time.

Valletta

Average maximum temperature in April - 19⁰C

Average hours of sunlight in April - 8 hrs

Home to remarkable ancient history, a spectacular coastline and one-of-a-kind culture, Malta is a small country with a big personality.

Most Malta holidays begin in the UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta. A former stronghold of the Knights of St John, the city is awash with grand 16th-century architecture. Spend a few days wandering its honey-coloured streets, where every corner reveals beautifully preserved buildings and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Though there’s no beaches in Valletta itself, numerous swim spots offer access to clear deep waters. Or use the city as a base to travel on to beach resorts across the island.

In spring, the city is just starting to warm up from an average maximum of 16⁰C in March to around 19⁰C in April. It’s also a great time to visit to avoid cruise ships, which dock year-round but reach their highest numbers from May to September. Be aware that events such as the Malta International Fireworks Festival – which runs from 18 to 30 April in 2026 – can increase prices across the city.

Top long-haul hot weather destinations in April

For reliably higher temperatures, a long-haul destination may be a better option. Hot destinations in April include Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Krabi on southern Thailand’s west coast, where you can expect tropical heat amid lush scenery. Or head to more arid destinations such as Hurghada – one of Egypt’s Red Sea resort cities.

Krabi

Average maximum temperature in April - 34⁰C

Average hours of sunlight in April - 8 hrs

Picture Thailand, and you’ll likely think of conical limestone peaks that rise suddenly from the sea, sprawling jungle and gleaming white-sand beaches. Krabi, one of Thailand’s most picturesque provinces, boasts all that and more.

Located on Thailand’s southern coastline, visitors attracted by its outstanding natural beauty can make the most of culture and cuisine on the mainland before exploring idyllic laid-back islands such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta just a short boat ride away. From night markets to world-class snorkelling, you won’t be short of things to do.

With peak season running from the drier months of November through to March, April is an ideal time to travel if you’re looking for a good deal and can cope with the heat. High temperatures and humidity make prices a little cheaper.

Cancun

Average maximum temperature in April - 32⁰C

Average hours of sunlight in April – 8 hrs

Need to cater for a family group that is looking for both sun and local culture? Located in southern Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun’s trump card is picture-perfect ice-white, powder-soft beaches lapped by the Caribbean Sea. Yet beyond the mega resorts that crowd the coastline, you’ll find ancient ruins and rainforest right on the doorstep too.

Peak season runs between late November and mid-April, when the weather is reliably hot. Though the Easter break gets particularly busy, a great time to visit Cancun is the end of April and early May, when crowds have dispersed, prices fall and the weather is still sunny and dry. This is for the sun worshippers; expect average daytime maximum temperatures of 32°C with high humidity.

Hurghada

Average maximum temperature in April - 28⁰C

Average hours of sunlight in April - 10 hrs

Visitors flock to Egypt’s Red Sea for its sparkling seas, incredible diving and consistently hot temperatures. Hurghada in eastern Egypt is no exception. Temperatures here remain over 30⁰C from May to October. April, however, is a little cooler generally reaching peaks of 28⁰C, making it an ideal time to visit if you’re fond of the sun, but can’t cope with sweltering heat.

With a 20-mile stretch of resorts catering to those who want to bask by the pool or the glittering ocean, there’s options to suit most budgets. But away from the beach, there’s world-class diving with bountiful coral reefs, wrecks and wildlife, snorkelling by the shoreline, as well as nightlife that keeps the adrenaline pumping all night long.

April weather around the world

April is a transitional time of year with mixed weather across both hemispheres. As early spring blooms in the Northern hemisphere, it’s autumn in the south. It’s also the end of the dry season in tropical areas, as temperatures rise and humidity is on the up. All to say that there’s heat to be enjoyed, even if seasonal weather patterns can mean it’s a little inconsistent. As always, for reliable heat, hotspots closest to the equator offer year-round warmth.

Europe

Spring is in full swing across Europe in April. Yet temperatures in southern regions can vary greatly from the cooler north. Across northern Europe, such as the Nordics (Norway, Sweden and Finland), temperatures reach maximums of around 8⁰C, but can still dip below freezing. And while western Europe (France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland) is generally mild, sitting in the mid to low teens, southern outposts such as the Canary Islands bask in sunshine and mild weather with average highs of 20°C.

Africa

Africa is vast. And accordingly, there is massive variation across the continent in April, with north Africa in the middle of spring and southern Africa in the midst of autumn. The hottest temperatures are to be found in countries such as Gambia at 35⁰C, Egypt (34⁰C) and Kenya (31⁰C). It’s a pleasant time to visit South Africa, where cooling temperatures sit at a pleasant 22⁰C. Meanwhile, you’ll find heat up to 30⁰C in island nations such as the Seychelles and Mauritius, but be prepared for high humidity.

Asia

April in Asia is a transitional month. Southeast Asia is experiencing extreme heat where temperatures in countries such as Thailand can exceed 35⁰C, backed by high humidity. Meanwhile East Asia is much milder – it’s cherry blossom season after all – with maximum averages of 17⁰C in Korea, 19⁰C in Japan and 20⁰C in China. April in Indonesia marks the transition from the wet to the dry season, offering warm, humid and increasingly sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 24⁰C to 33⁰C.

Caribbean & Central America

April marks the end of peak season in the Caribbean, when the dry weather and low humidity attract peak visitor numbers to islands such as Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia. But it’s not the wet season either, which runs from June to November. This shoulder season offers an ideal balance of good weather – with temperatures sitting at a maximum of 32⁰C – fewer tourists, and more moderate prices.

North America

For those seeking the best places to visit in April for sun, Mexico is a reliable go-to. At the tail end of the dry season – which begins in December – temperatures remain in the high 20⁰Cs. Yet, excluding the Easter holidays, hotel rates drop dramatically from April. Meanwhile in the North, Canada’s cities may be experiencing mild spring weather, with peaks around 13⁰C in Vancouver. But it’s still ski season in the mountains, and a great time to get cut-price lessons. Hills across the Rockies and British Columbia generally remain open into May.

South America

Southerly regions are experiencing autumn in April, with countries such as Chile, Argentina and Uruguay sitting at a moderate 19⁰C to 22⁰C. However, further north things are a little warmer with parts of Brazil reaching daytime maximum temperatures of 27°C, making it an ideal time for a beach holiday.

April in Bolivia marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season, so if you’re looking for those iconic reflective photos on the salt flats, you’re still in luck. There’s generally enough standing water for that mirror-like effect.

Ocenia

It’s mid-autumn down under in April, with mild, warm weather across most of the country. The tropical north enters its dry season with temperatures across Queensland sitting at an average maximum of 26°C. Meanwhile things are a little cooler in the south with cities such as Sydney and Melbourne ranging from 20⁰C to 23⁰C.

In New Zealand, things are cooler still with temperatures ranging from 19⁰C in northern cities such as Auckland, falling to as low as 13°C in New Zealand’s southern island adventure capital, Queenstown. It’s still warm enough to enjoy all the activities of summer, but you may occasionally feel a chill and experience some rain showers.

April sun: Your questions answered

FAQs

Where is the warmest place for an April holiday?

For the warmest April holiday, head to Southeast Asia with destinations such as Thailand regularly exceeding 35°C. If that’s a little too hot for you, try the Caribbean, where temperatures sit around 30⁰C.

Which short-haul destinations are hot in April?

Short-haul destinations such as the Canary Islands and Cyprus are warming up in April, with temperatures around 20⁰C. With numerous airlines and operators serving both, you’ll find prices outside of the Easter holidays are competitive. For a city break, try Seville or Athens before the summer rush.

Where can I find 25⁰C weather in April?

If you’re looking for short-haul warmth, Morocco is a good option, boasting daytime maximum temperatures of 24°C and nine hours of sunshine per day. Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are similarly toasty at this time of year, reaching a daily average of around 28°C.

Is it hot enough to sunbathe in the Canary Islands in April?

April temperatures in the Canary Islands average a maximum of 20⁰C with around eight hours of sunshine. Whether that’s warm enough to sunbathe depends on you but, with an average of five days of rainfall, the weather can still be a little changeable.

Where is the most reliable sun for an April beach break?

For the most reliable April sun, head to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada where temperatures sit around 28°C-30°C, with few cloudy days and an average of just one day of rainfall. Perfect beach or pool weather!

Which Caribbean islands are best for weather in April?

There’s good weather across the Caribbean in April, but the warmest destinations include Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Tobago which each average around 30⁰C. Islands such as Antigua, Cuba and St Lucia are only slightly cooler at 29⁰C. Sea temperatures are pleasant, too, at around 26⁰C-27⁰C.

Is the Mediterranean warm enough for the beach in April?

Yes, the Mediterranean is generally warm enough for sunbathing in April, particularly in more southerly locations such as Malta, Cyprus and Crete, with temperatures ranging from the late teens to early 20⁰Cs. However, this is still spring, with sea temperatures often too cold for swimming. Also be aware that many Mediterranean resorts don’t open for the season until May.

Which Greek islands have the best weather in April?

Temperatures across the Greek islands in April are broadly consistent, though can range from around 17⁰C - 20⁰C on average. The hottest spots include Rhodes and Kos, which have an average maximum of 20⁰C, or Corfu and Santorini at 19⁰C.

Is Thailand still good to visit in April before the rainy season starts?

Yes. If you’re looking for hot weather, Thailand is a great choice in April. High temperatures and humidity make prices a little cheaper after the peak season of November to March when things are also drier. Expect daytime maximum temperatures of around 35°C and just six days across the month with some rainfall.