Best places to go on holiday in April

We’ve answered the conundrum of where to go on holiday in April. Japan is the golden child, thanks to cherry blossom season, but Europe is also soaked in wildflowers and plenty of not-too-hot sunshine. Elsewhere, winter sports are out and outdoorsy activity holidays are in: think cycling, yoga and walking.

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Best places to go on holiday in April

Flora fans can take their pick of destinations in April. It’s cherry blossom season in Japan, plus it’s party season in much of Asia, including New Year (songkran) in the southeast. Activity holidays in southern Europe are in full swing, thanks to great weather for cycling, hiking and watersports, and you’ll avoid the summer crowds. Tiger safaris in Asia are at their peak, while elsewhere in the world bears wake up from hibernation. You can start tracking them in April – and perhaps catch the glimpse of a cubs taking their first steps into the world. Small ship cruises start to emerge from their winter slumber, too.

Keep reading to find out the best places to go on holiday in April.

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Africa

We think that the weather is just about perfect in Morocco in April – hot and sunny, but not unbearable. This is a great place for an Easter activity break with kids.

The Americas & Caribbean

Costa Rica is dry and mostly sunny, so this is a solid time for wildlife and activity holidays. You’re still in the rainforest, though, so showers aren’t unheard of. Cuba is at its driest, but you’ll still avoid the summer rains and winter cold. Galapagos shelters in calmer seas and warmer weather, making April one of the best times to visit, despite the greater chance of rain. Much of Patagonia is still accessible in early April – and the penguins are starting to arrive. You’ll avoid the crowds and high prices, while still enjoying some pleasant weather.

Asia

Borneo can be visited year-round, but this is the driest season, so it’s the best time for visiting the rainforest and Mount Kinabalu. You’ll catch the best of the weather in China in April. The north has thawed from the winter chill, while the summer heat and humidity hasn’t yet kicked in down south. It’s an excellent time to walk the Great Wall of China. This is peak season for tiger safaris in India and Nepal. The climate may be unpleasantly hot, but this is the key because the tigers come out in search of water. Cherry blossom is in full bloom in most of Japan, which leaps from zero to hero in popularity during April. Take on the Nakasendo Way, Kumano Kodo Trail or the Golden Route between Tokyo and Kyoto. April is an good time to explore Jordan: think temperatures in the high teens and little rainfall.

Europe

It’s a fine time to walk Italy’s Amalfi Coast – and the cruise crowds are only just starting to dribble in. Quick! This is the time to hop on a small ship cruise in southern Croatia before the masses arrive. Greece is looking great minus the crowds and with the promise of bears in the north. Wildflowers carpet Romania at this time of year. Bears emerge from hibernation around now, too. Over in Spain, the aromatic orange blossom is out in Andalucia and the Picos de Europa are ready for walking while still offering a snow-dipped backdrop. More niche activity holidays like al fresco Spanish language lessons and wellness retreats are popular around now, too. Portugal is lovely right now, with wildflowers spritzing mountain meadows. April is also the best month for spotting as many species of whales as you can in the Azores. Migratory birds start to arrive in Scotland in April, so this is a great time for a wildlife holiday

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about where to go when or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Where not to go on holiday in April

The Amazon region of Ecuador and Peru could be flooded, causing travel disruption and more mosquitoes, as well as making wildlife harder to see. You can still visit the Brazilian Amazon – you’ll just be travelling by boat or canoe instead of on foot.

This is peak rain in Kenya and Tanzania. Wildlife disperses, some lodges and roads in more remote areas will close, and it’s a bad time to attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya.

Southern Vietnam and Myanmar are scorching.

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Written by Catherine Roberts

Best places to go on holiday in April