Where to go in April for sun? In April, the three safe bets are Japan for cherry blossom, Vietnam for a full tour and the French Antilles for the beach. Japan is in full bloom early in the month, Vietnam is pleasant from north to south, and Guadeloupe and Martinique are finishing their dry season.
April is a turning-point month: southern Europe is warming up, the Indian Ocean is coming out of its rainy season, while East Africa enters its long rains and mainland Southeast Asia reaches its heat records. It is also the month of spring and Easter school holidays in many countries. Here are 12 destinations, with the official climate normals for each and what can disappoint.
Where to go in April: at a glance
- Sun and heat Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico (Yucatán), Costa Rica, the Maldives, the Philippines
- Culture and cities Japan (cherry blossom), Vietnam, Athens, Marrakech
- Better weather returning Mauritius, Bali, the Seychelles (shoulder season, calm sea)
- Mild and close to Europe Canary Islands, Madeira, Greece, Morocco, Croatia
- Best avoided Tanzania and Zanzibar, the west coast of Sri Lanka (rain)
Comparison: the climate of 12 destinations in April
| Destination | Max (April) | Rain (April) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (Tokyo) | 19.4 °C (67 °F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | Cherry blossom, culture |
| Vietnam (Hué) | 31.1 °C (88 °F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | Tour, central beaches |
| Maldives (Malé) | 31.9 °C (89 °F) | 127 mm (5.0 in) | Beach, diving |
| Bali (Indonesia) Denpasar | 34.4 °C (94 °F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | Rice terraces, beaches, culture |
| Mauritius (Port Louis) | 30.7 °C (87 °F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | Beach, honeymoons |
| Costa Rica (Liberia) | 35.9 °C (97 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | Nature, beaches, end of dry season |
| Mexico (Yucatán) Cancún | 32.1 °C (90 °F) | 37.1 mm (1.5 in) | Beach, Maya sites |
| Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) | 30.2 °C (86 °F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | French Antilles, beach |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 23.3 °C (74 °F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | Dry spring, sunshine |
| Madeira (Funchal) | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | Hiking, flowers |
| Greece (Athens) | 19.6 °C (67 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | Culture, ancient sites |
| Morocco (Marrakech) | 25.7 °C (78 °F) | 26.3 mm (1.0 in) | City break, Atlas |
These figures are averages over several decades: a given year can be drier or wetter. Total rainfall does not tell the whole story: 150 mm (5.9 in) falling in short late-afternoon showers is less of a nuisance than continuous drizzle.
Japan
In early April, the cherry trees are generally in bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto, then the blossom moves north through the country over the month. With a 19.4 °C (67 °F) average maximum in Tokyo, it is one of the most pleasant months for cities, temples and gardens. Cherry blossom makes this month a highlight: the best time to visit Kyoto often comes down to a few days.
Caveat: it is high season, and Golden Week (29 April to 5 May) concentrates domestic travel: trains and hotels are then saturated. It rains more than in winter (134 mm (5.3 in) in Tokyo). Golden Week or not, prices climb quickly: the best time to visit Tokyo avoids these Japanese peak days.
In April in Tokyo: 19.4 °C (67 °F) average maximum and 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Japan)
Vietnam
April is an excellent time for Vietnam: the centre is dry and hot (59 mm (2.3 in) in Hué), ideal for Hué, Hoi An and the beaches of Da Nang. The north is mild (28.5 °C (83 °F) average maximum in Hanoi) and the south is still fairly dry (57 mm (2.2 in) in Ho Chi Minh City).
Caveat: it is very hot in the south (34.5 °C (94 °F) in Ho Chi Minh City) and the rains return in the north (104 mm (4.1 in) in Hanoi). 30 April and 1 May are public holidays in Vietnam: beaches and transport are then very busy.
In April in Hué: 31.1 °C (88 °F) average maximum and 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Vietnam)
Maldives
April is the hottest month in the Maldives (31.9 °C (89 °F) average maximum in Malé) and the end of the dry season. The sea is often calm, and visibility is generally good for diving.
Caveat: the transition to the southwest monsoon is making itself felt: 127 mm (5.0 in) on average in Malé, against 49 mm (1.9 in) in March. Spring holidays keep rates high.
In April in Malé: 31.9 °C (89 °F) average maximum and 127 mm (5.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Maldives)
Bali (Indonesia)
In April, Bali comes out of its rainy season: 88 mm (3.5 in) in Denpasar, much less than in March (234 mm (9.2 in)). The rice fields are very green, the heat is steady and crowds are still moderate before the summer. Green rice fields and falling rain: our page on the weather in Bali in April details this shift towards the dry season, with prices before summer.
Caveat: showers remain possible, especially inland (Ubud, the mountains). For truly dry weather, the period from May to September remains a safer bet.
In April in Denpasar: 34.4 °C (94 °F) average maximum and 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Bali)
Mauritius
April marks the end of the rainy season in Mauritius: 87 mm (3.4 in) in Port Louis, a warm sea and a 30.7 °C (87 °F) average maximum. It is a good compromise before the cooler, windier southern winter.
Caveat: the cyclone season is not yet officially over; the UK FCDO says it usually runs from November to May (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026). The central plateau stays much wetter (176 mm (6.9 in) in Vacoas). Spring school holidays push prices up.
In April in Port Louis: 30.7 °C (87 °F) average maximum and 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Mauritius)
Costa Rica
April is the last month of the dry season in Costa Rica and the hottest in Liberia (35.9 °C (97 °F) average maximum, 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain). In 2027, with Easter on 28 March, April falls after Holy Week: crowds and prices come down.
Caveat: the first showers can appear at the end of the month. The heat is strong in Guanacaste: plan activities early in the morning.
In April in Liberia: 35.9 °C (97 °F) average maximum and 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Costa Rica)
Mexico (Yucatán)
April is hot and dry on the Yucatán: 32.1 °C (90 °F) average maximum and 37.1 mm (1.5 in) of rain in Cancún. In 2027, Holy Week falls at the end of March: April is therefore quieter than in years when Easter is late. That 32 °C (90 °F) in April remains bearable by the sea; our page on when to go to Cancún details the other months of the year.
Caveat: the heat becomes strong at the Maya sites inland. Sargassum generally arrives in spring on the Caribbean coast: find out before choosing your beach.
In April in Cancún: 32.1 °C (90 °F) average maximum and 37.1 mm (1.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Mexico)
Guadeloupe
April is the end of the dry season (« Carême ») in the Antilles: it is a little hotter (30.2 °C (86 °F) average maximum in Pointe-à-Pitre) and rain stays moderate (99 mm (3.9 in)). Neighbouring Martinique has similar conditions, with 109 mm (4.3 in) in Fort-de-France (see our guide when to go to Martinique). Those 109 mm (4.3 in) in Fort-de-France are detailed in our page Martinique in April, with the sea, crowds and events of the month.
Caveat: showers become more frequent at the end of the month, and spring holidays push up flight prices. Sargassum can affect some east-facing beaches.
In April in Pointe-à-Pitre: 30.2 °C (86 °F) average maximum and 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Guadeloupe)
Canary Islands (Tenerife)
April offers one of the best climate-to-price ratios in the Canary Islands: rain becomes rare (10 mm (0.4 in) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 4 mm (0.2 in) to 5 mm (0.2 in) in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria) and the maximum reaches 23 °C (73 °F). A good month for hiking and for the beach in the south of the islands. That 4 to 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain makes the island dry from this season: the best time to visit Lanzarote depends mostly on the wind and swimming.
Caveat: the sea is still cool for prolonged swimming. Spring holidays increase crowds in some weeks.
In April in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 23.3 °C (74 °F) average maximum and 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Canary Islands)
Madeira
In Madeira, April is the month of flowers: the gardens of Funchal and the levada trails are at their best, with a 21 °C (70 °F) average maximum and falling rain (45 mm (1.8 in)). The Funchal Flower Festival takes place in spring, after Easter.
Caveat: the north of the island and the summits are wetter and cooler than the south coast, and the sea is cool. The weekends of Easter and of the Flower Festival are in high demand: book early.
In April in Funchal: 21.0 °C (70 °F) average maximum and 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Madeira)
Greece (Athens)
April is a good month for cultural Greece: 19.6 °C (67 °F) average maximum and 26 mm (1.0 in) of rain in Athens, archaeological sites that can be visited without the summer heat, and Crete already mild (20.1 °C (68 °F) in Heraklion). Already mild in April, the island heralds summer: the best time to visit Crete often starts at the end of spring.
Caveat: the sea is still cool for swimming, and ferry links to the small islands are less frequent than in summer. In 2027, Orthodox Easter, a major national holiday, falls on 2 May: the days before it are in high demand.
In April in Athens: 19.6 °C (67 °F) average maximum and 26 mm (1.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Greece)
Morocco (Marrakech)
April is one of the most pleasant months in Marrakech: 25.7 °C (78 °F) average maximum, mild evenings and little rain. The medina, the gardens and excursions to the Atlas or the Ourika valley can be done in good conditions.
Caveat: the temperature gap between day and night is large, and the Atlas summits can still be snow-covered. Demand is strong during spring school holidays.
In April in Marrakech: 25.7 °C (78 °F) average maximum and 26.3 mm (1.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Morocco)
Planning an April trip
Spring and Easter school holidays occupy a large part of April in many countries: flights to the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and mild-weather destinations (Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco) are more expensive during those weeks. Compare fares from one week to the next if your dates are flexible.
April is a transition month in several tropical regions: the end of the cyclone season in the Indian Ocean, the start of the long rains in East Africa, peak heat in mainland Southeast Asia. Check the normals for the specific region you are visiting, and check the official advice for your nationality (for example travel.state.gov for US citizens and GOV.UK for UK citizens) for entry rules and health before booking.
Destinations to avoid in April
- Tanzania and Zanzibar: April is the wettest month (132 mm (5.2 in) at Kilimanjaro Airport, 409 mm (16.1 in) in Zanzibar), and the long rains make some tracks difficult.
- The west coast of Sri Lanka: 249 mm (9.8 in) in Colombo, with the arrival of the southwest monsoon. The east coast, on the other hand, becomes more favourable (55 mm (2.2 in) in Trincomalee).
- Thailand and the Nile valley, if you do not cope well with heat: April is the hottest month in Bangkok (35.7 °C (96 °F) average maximum, 36.7 °C (98 °F) in Chiang Mai), and Luxor reaches 35 °C (95 °F). In Thailand, Songkran, the Thai New Year (13-15 April), brings big water fights and pushes prices up.
- Cuba: the climate stays favourable in April (53.7 mm (2.1 in) in Havana). Check your government’s current travel advice before planning a trip; the climate details are in our guide to Cuba.
Toutes nos destinations idéales en avril (104)
Liste établie automatiquement d’après nos calendriers « quand partir » : destinations notées ✓ idéal pour ce mois. Température max. moyenne indicative ; détail et sources sur chaque guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you go for sun in April?
Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico (Yucatán), Costa Rica, the Maldives, the Philippines (33.8 °C (93 °F) and 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain in Manila) and central Vietnam offer hot, mostly dry weather in April. Closer to Europe, the Canary Islands average around 23 °C (73 °F) and Cape Verde around 25 °C (77 °F).
Where can you go in April for mild weather in or near Europe?
The Canary Islands (23 °C (73 °F) average maximum in Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Madeira (21 °C (70 °F) in Funchal), Marrakech (25.7 °C (78 °F)) and Greece (19.6 °C (67 °F) in Athens) are the most appealing options. In Croatia, expect around 18 °C (64 °F) in Split: a good month for sightseeing, not yet for swimming.
Where can you go during spring school holidays?
For the beach, the French Antilles (Guadeloupe, Martinique) remain a simple choice. For culture, Japan (cherry blossom early in the month) and Vietnam are at their best. Prices rise during these weeks: book early.
Is it a good idea to go to Thailand in April?
Yes, if you can stand the heat: April is the hottest month (35.7 °C (96 °F) average maximum in Bangkok). The Gulf (Ko Samui, 83 mm (3.3 in)) is then drier than the Andaman coast (Phuket, 135 mm (5.3 in)). Songkran, from 13 to 15 April, is a lively festival but a busy period.
Which April destinations have the driest weather?
Costa Rica (24 mm (0.9 in) in Liberia), the Canary Islands (10 mm (0.4 in) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Athens (26 mm (1.0 in)) and Marrakech (26.3 mm (1.0 in)) are among the driest on this page.
Our sources
- Official climate normals: Japan Meteorological Agency, 1991-2020 normals (Tokyo); IBST (Vietnam), standard QCVN 02:2022/BXD (Hué); WMO, 1991-2020 normals (Malé); BMKG via the WMO World Weather Information Service, 1961-1990 normals (Denpasar); WMO World Weather Information Service (Port Louis); Instituto Meteorológico Nacional of Costa Rica (Liberia); Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, 1991-2020 normals (Cancún); Météo-France, 1981-2010 normals (Le Raizet); AEMET via the WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Santa Cruz de Tenerife); IPMA, 1991-2020 normals (Funchal); Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), 1955-2010 normals (Athens-Elliniko); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Marrakech-Menara)
- Cuba: Cuban Institute of Meteorology, 1961-1990 normals published by the WMO (Havana), figures taken from our guide
- For destinations that already have a guide on our site, figures are taken from our « when to go » pages, which detail the 12 months
- Cyclone-season information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Mauritius (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026; read 26 October 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.