Looking for the best places to visit in April this spring are? Here’s the lowdown. In April, warm weather tends to return in the Northern Hemisphere with plentiful opportunities for beach getaways. Plus, there’s plenty of heat to be found south of the equator, too.
The best places to visit in April: long-haul
So, where should you go abroad in April 2024? For those prepared to travel, you could find yourself exploring the Everglades of sunny Florida or pushing yourself to the limit trekking in Nepal.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
- Learn more: Bangkok travel guide
- Why visit in April? For Songkran (Thai New Year) celebrations from 13th – 15th April
In Thailand, New Year (known locally as Songkran) is a huge water fight that happens between the 13th and 15th of April. It sees Buddhists symbolically cleanse themselves of any bad luck experienced in the previous year. Bangkok essentially becomes one big party, with the tourist area of Khao San Road the epicentre of aqua-related combat. More traditional celebrations featuring floral float processions can be enjoyed in the Phra Pradaeng district, too.
For anyone who doesn’t like the idea of getting wet on their trip to Bangkok, visit after the festival ends. You can easily spend a week or so exploring the city’s many temple complexes like Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Saket in peace. On top of that, Bangkok is one of the best destinations in Asia for street food. For those really wanting to experience a taste of Thailand, you’ll have to try Jay Fai: the first street food vendor in the city to win a coveted Michelin star. With so many options, Bangkok is easily one of the best places to visit in April 2024 in the world.
2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Learn more: Ecuador travel guide
- Why visit in April? For mating and birthing season among the islands’ wildlife
Wondering where to go in April? Well, in the Galapagos Islands, April sees the rainy season come to an end, leaving the islands lush and green with vegetation. They’re also surrounded by a clear, calm ocean just waiting to be explored. Get out among the beautiful waters around the islands or get up close with the local wildlife on land.
Anyone who ever dreamed of swimming with sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions and more is definitely, coming to the right part of the world. There are plenty of incredible natural encounters to experience, including the birth of new life. Visiting the Galapagos islands in April means you’ll be there in time for mating season, so you can marvel at the strange courtship ritual of the waved albatross. Or keep an eye out for the inflated, crimson-throat-pouches of frigate birds as they try to snap up a mate.
The eggs of giant tortoises and land iguanas also hatch at this time of year on some of the islands’ beaches. The easiest way to get to the Galapagos Islands is from the port city of Guayaquil, which is worth visiting in itself for some stunning beaches and fascinating local history.
Find flights to Galapagos Islands
3. La Paz, Bolivia
- Learn more: La Paz travel guide
- Why visit in April? For various outdoor adventures, including exploring the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats)
Sitting at over 3600 metres above sea level in the Cordillera Real mountains, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and easily one of the best places to visit in April. This is the month when the rainy season has ended and magnificent sunshine and warm temperatures begin to dominate.
Those who wish to take in the city and Bolivia‘s surrounding mountains should definitely take a ride on the Mi Teleférico cable car. Want to feel a slightly bigger rush of adrenaline? Consider taking a mountain bike down The North Yungas Road – widely accepted as the most dangerous road in the world.
A day trip to Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, is also a must, as is an overnight bus journey to Bolivia’s number one tourist attraction: the Salar de Uyuni. These salt flats take on a surreal appearance in April with a layer of surface water creating a truly spectacular mirror effect and are definitely – one experience to tick off your 2024 bucket list.
4. Nepal
- Learn more: Nepal travel guide
- Why visit in April? For the perfect climate for trekking and wildlife spotting
What makes Nepal one of the best countries to visit in April? The Himalayan mountains may dominate the north, but the flat Terai region in the south is home to the Chitwan and Bardia national parks where you can get up close and personal with one-horned rhinos, tigers and elephants.
There is much more to see and do in Nepal other than the mountains. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit them at all. April is peak trekking season, with the climate well suited to exploring the stunning high-altitude trails with warm, sunny days and comfortable temperatures at night. Acclimatising to the notoriously high altitude in Nepal can be tricky though, so keep fit before you go!
The mountains also offer climbing, white water rafting and even bungee jumping. Or you could take a flight above the clouds to enjoy uninterrupted views of the awe-inspiring Mount Everest. If you wish to make the trek to base camp, you’ll need several permits. You could alternatively take a helicopter tour of Everest base camp if you fancy skipping out a big chunk of the trek and getting straight to the peaks.
5. Orlando, USA
- Learn more: Orlando travel guide
- Why visit in April? For unlimited sunshine
April is one of the sunniest months of the year in Florida, so what better time for a trip to Orlando and a chance to explore the Sunshine State? Orlando may be the gateway to many different theme parks and resorts but make no mistake – there’s more to Orlando than rollercoasters.
While most of the area around Orlando is wetland, this does create some stunning landscapes and some brilliant neighbourhoods to explore. Lake Eola, Downtown, Winter Park and Lake Nona are all excellent avenues to escape from the theme parks of Universal and Disney. Hike the Three Lakes Loop or venture to Wewikia Springs to explore the wilderness. There’s even the option of heading to the Central Florida Everglades for an airboat tour for anyone wanting a true taste of Florida. Because what better way is there to see the swamps than searching for alligators?
The best places to visit in April: Europe
Prefer to stick a little closer to home? You’re in luck as April is when most countries begin to warm up a little. As summer hasn’t quite arrived, though, you’ll still find Europe is relatively quiet. The only exception will be the very first week which sits within most Easter school holidays.
6. Paris, France
- Learn more: Paris travel guide
- Why visit in April? To admire colourful gardens and fully enjoy the city’s cafe culture
One of the most romantic cities in the world and easily one of the best places to visit in Europe in April – what’s not to love about Paris? Take a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. It sits between the iconic Louvre and the majestic Place de la Concorde and is full of fabulous flowers that burst into colour in spring. You can easily navigate the city either on romantic strolls or gentle bike rides, stopping off via the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Notre Dame and Champs Elysees.
Paris does indeed become the City of Lights once the evening begins. Wander around the bewitching streets of Les Marais, Montmartre, Montparnasse and Les Halles, diving in and out of various fantastic cafes, wine bars and brasseries. If you’re looking for some more secluded dining options though, head to spots like Le Derrière, Le Petit Prince or Cantine Primeur for an intimate experience.
7. Zermatt, Switzerland
- Learn more: Zermatt travel guide
- Why visit in April? For late-season skiing or snow-shoeing
What list of the best holiday destinations in April would be complete without an option for skiing? Zermatt is one of Europe’s premier ski resorts and is ideal for spring skiing. Thanks to its lofty perch high in the Swiss Alps, snow is guaranteed. Even without any powder falling from the sky though, the many glaciers in the area allow you to ski all year round if desired. The stunning Matterhorn glacier dominates the landscape and a trip taken up to the resort via the Glacier Express is a truly magical experience.
Should the snow be in shorter supply than you might like lower down, April is a fantastic month to take advantage of the many hiking and snow-shoeing trails off the slopes. You could be in for some sunny weather and warmer temperatures too, so make sure you pack some suncream. Switzerland is notoriously expensive to visit for skiing but April is a great time of year to take advantage of less expensive accommodation and flight deals after the end of the Easter Holidays.
8. Naples, Italy
- Learn more: Naples travel guide
- Why visit in April? Plenty of sunshine and sightseeing without the summer crowds
Giving you the true Italian experience and the best pizzas in the world, Naples is the best place to visit in April in Italy. The weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are far from their summer peak, making sightseeing more relaxed – especially if you’re there after the Easter period.
From the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to the must-see ruins of Pompeii, just 25 minutes from the city, there’s heaps to see. The National Archaeological Museum (among the world’s best) and the Pignasecca Food Market (the oldest in Naples and a source of amazing cheeses, bread and pastries) are two other sights that cannot be missed.
If you’re looking for a little more relaxation, a boat trip to Ischia is a solid choice to lap up the sun on the Mediterranean. Failing that, the Isca peninsula and the stunning island of Capri are just across the bay and ripe for exploration. Naples is likely to be quite warm the later you visit in April, which is all the more reason to take a trip after Easter is finished.
9. Toronto, Canada
- Learn more: Toronto travel guide
- Why visit in April? To enjoy the great outdoors, both in the city and beyond
Spring is in the air, which sees the flowers start to bloom, the days get longer, and the temperature consistently stays above freezing in Canada’s largest city. More importantly, spring brings lots of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the amazing parks, museums, and historical sights around Toronto.
Niagara Falls is a comfortable day trip. In the city itself, the Eaton Centre and Bloor Street provide shops aplenty. There’s also the CN Tower, the city’s defining icon, which provides breathtaking views of downtown and Lake Ontario. For those who might be hoping for a bit of late-season skiing tied in with a nice city break, Mount St.Louis is only a 90-minute drive away. It boasts a decent collection of slopes, including ones available for night skiing.
Failing that, Blue Mountain Canada is another fantastic resort that’s not too far away for a bit of skiing in April. However, the longer you leave it into the month to go skiing, the less likely your chances will be to hit the slopes. Particularly if the weather is milder.
10. Glasgow
- Learn more: Glasgow travel guide
- Why visit in April? Warmer temperatures and pretty blooms in the city’s parks
Last, but, certainly not least on my list is one of the best places to visit in the UK in April. Glasgow is Scotland’s proud second city and it’s absolutely teeming with brilliant things to do, no matter your interests. April brings about warmer weather and longer days once spring is in full swing.
While a shopping spree is always on the cards in the thriving city centre, I’d highly recommend heading west for a little culture and cuisine. Hop on the Glasgow Subway (locally nicknamed the ‘Clockwork Orange’ for its colourful seats and circular route) and get off at Kelvinbridge. You can then take a stroll through the blossoming Glasgow Botanic Gardens before heading south through leafy Kelvingrove Park. Your reward? The immense Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum whose eclectic exhibitions will keep you busy for at least a few hours.
Afterwards, there are plenty of places to eat nearby. Venture slightly further west to Partick – the city’s international neighbourhood – where you’ll spot Italian delis, Moroccan cafes, Vietnamese sandwich shops and cosy Scottish pubs. You’ll have no shortage of things to do in Glasgow, come rain or shine. However, you may well have to contend with both in April, so pack for all occasions.
Explore more In 2024
If you’re wondering where to go for sun in April, check out my list of where’s hot around the world or for some summer sun and fun, the best places to visit in May.
Whether you’re looking for awesome places to go in May or later in the year, KAYAK is on hand to give you all the information you need, including flights, hotels and great guides to explore your dream destination.
