Found yourself Googling “where is hot in April"? Same. SAME. My flat is freezing, January is bleak and I'm currently sans a single holiday plan in 2023. But as is always the case in January, I don't have very much money (I have the January sales and cost-of-living crisis to thank for that). So, jetting off before Spring doesn't feel particularly attainable.
Every cloud: April isn't too far into the future, and there are countless benefits to going away when Spring is coming into full bloom. Not least the fact that April showers are plentiful in the UK at this time of year, and there are two (!) bank holidays to help you maximise your annual leave and enjoy a longer break. Tempted? You bet.
April sees the steady rising of temperatures across Europe, in destinations like the Algarve, Spain and Lanzarote, making it the perfect time for a city break, hiking holiday or – in some cases – a perfectly pleasant beach holiday. Further afield, temperatures in Australia are ~chef's kiss~, while the buzzy streets of Marrakesh can be explored at an average temperature of 25 degrees. Divine. Ahead, GLAMOUR's edit of the best destinations that are drenched in sun in April, alongside our pick of the chicest place to stay in each. You're welcome.
1. MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Average temperature in April: 27 degrees C.
“The city taught me colour,” Yves Saint Laurent once said of Marrakech. “Before Marrakech everything was black.” It's a city steeped in glamorous bohemian history, with bustling streets, Middle Eastern architecture and ornate riads aplenty complete with roof terraces and courtyard swimming pools. Boutique hotels and guest houses are emerging in substantial numbers – as well as big names such as The Oberoi, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental – each of which make perfect bases from which to explore the nearby medina, Atlas mountains and the Agafay desert. With short haul flights costing quite a lot less than many other destinations in this list – and average daily temperatures a balmy 27 degrees – you'd struggle to find a more tempting and vibrant April holiday destination.
Where to stay in Marrakech:Dar Rhizlane, Palais Table d'hôtes & SPA
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2. CAPRI, ITALY
Average temperature in April: 20 degrees C.
Though predictably sleepy throughout the winter, April sees the Italian holiday destination of Capri spring back to life – making it the perfect time to explore and beat the tourist. Temperatures tend to hit around the 20 degree mark each day, making it sunny enough to kick back on the beach – particularly if you book for the latter half of the month. At which point, may we add, all manner of luxe beach clubs and restaurants begin to open back up for the peak season. For an April holiday spent street wandering, carb-devouring and meandering through many-a lemon grove, Capri is the place to go.
Where to stay in Capri:Hotel La Palma Capri, an Oetker Collection Hotel
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3. MAURITIUS
Average temperature in April: 27 degrees C.
While the best hotels in the Maldives might be the top of your bucket list holiday list, a trip to Mauritius will serve up the same, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters – just with an extra helping of colour, history, majestic waterfall climbing and jungle trekking. Or zip-lining, if you're brave enough. As such, it's well worth considering for an April holiday. Taste your way through the hot curries of the island, visit tea plantations and temples or kick back in your hotel spa. Of which, you'll have plenty to choose from. Whether you're a beach bum or an adventure junkie, April might just be the best time to visit Mauritius.
Where to stay in Mauritius:Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort – All Inclusive
4. NEW ORLEANS, USA
Average temperature in April: 26 degrees C.
The best time of the year to visit this Louisiana city is the month of its Easter parades. That is: April. Stat. Flamboyant, colourful and street-shakingly loud, the fabulous Gay Easter Parade will have you admiring bonnets and processions aplenty – and totally immersed in New Orleans culture. That said, the city is - of course - so much more than its French Quarter – and a balmy April trip will serve up the chance to admire Garden District antebellum mansions, enjoy the vibrant live music scene and taste your way through a spicy cuisine that reflects the city's history as a melting pot of French, African and American culture.
Where to stay in New Orleans:Maison de la Luz
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5. PERTH, AUSTRALIA
Average temperature in April: 25 degrees C.
Long hidden in the shadows of cosmopolitan city and hip Melbourne, Perth - Australia's most isolated West Coast city - is really having a moment. And April, when temperatures average at 25 degrees each day, is the perfect time to visit. Think: street murals, countless galleries, riverside restaurants, beautiful beaches and easy access to the sparkling Ningaloo Reef. And of course, there's the added bonus of a direct flight from Heathrow transporting you there in as little as 16 hours. What's not to adore?
Where to stay in Perth:Crown Towers Perth
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6. SRI LANKA
Average temperature in April: between 25 and 33 degrees C.
While a series of terror attacks back in April 2019 forced travel warnings to be pushed out and tourists to steer clear, Sri Lanka has become somewhat safer over the past couple of years – and warnings have been downgraded significantly. Not only will you be aiding a country that depends on tourism hugely in its recovery by visiting this April, but you'll be able to experience the likes of Sigiriya Rock and Temple of the Tooth without the crowds. Beaches are beautiful, the food is divine and the wildlife is second-to-none. Elephant spotting in Udawalawe National Park, anyone?
Where to stay in Sri Lanka:Uga Jungle Beach
7. ST BARTH'S, CARRIBBEAN
Average temperature in April: 29 degrees C.
If you’ve done Barbados and want something similarly long haul (with seemingly endless hours of sunshine), consider the chic Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy (or St. Barth’s as the globe trotters of the world otherwise refer to it). Just eight square miles wide, it’s a dreamy destination for snorkelling and water sports – or simply kicking back on a lounger. Of course, after twin hurricanes Irma and Maria wrecked havoc with livelihoods and the tourism industry back in 2017, travel advice wasn’t particularly glowing. But the island has been rebuilt, and beach clubs, restaurants and hotels are more stylish than ever. You'll be avoiding the school holiday summer rush by visiting earlier in the season, and those paradisiac white sand beaches will be just that little bit quieter. A dreamy Easter holiday getaway.
Where to stay in St Barths:Hotel Villa Marie Saint Barth, Maisons et Hotels Sibuet
8. TENERIFE
Average temperature in April: 23 degrees C.
Lucky enough to be drenched in sun almost all year round, Tenerife is a hugely popular April holiday destination. It's the largest of the Canary Islands and boasts seemingly endless sandy beaches, friendly locals and breathtaking mountain scapes. Forget what you thought you knew: you don't have to flock to the tourist hotspots. Rather, consider the quieter towns of Garachico and Buenavista del Norte – or day trips to spots like the Anaga Rural Park – which sit off the beaten path.
Best hotel in Tenerife:Hotel San Roque
9. KOS, GREECE
Average temperature in April: 21.4 °C.
Part of the Dodecanese Islands group and sitting pretty in the Aegean Sea, Kos has a Mediterranean climate and a balmy summer which kickstarts in the month of April. Temperatures will begin gradually rising from the start of the month, heading towards a comfortable peak of just over 21 degrees. That is: quite significantly warmer than it is in March. If the feta and sunsets aren't enough to persuade you to book a trip, the recent opening of stylish OKU Kos might be. It's a five-star adults-only resort located right on a sandy beach and 2.5 miles from the beautiful Marmari Village. Kick back in the spa, laze by the outdoor pool and refuel at the modern onsite restaurant.
Where to stay in Kos:OKU Kos
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10. BANGKOK, THAILAND
Average temperature in April: 31 degrees celcius.
Where is hot in April? Like, actually hot? The bustling Thai capital of Bangkok – where temperatures average at 31 degrees each day. There's no shortage of ultra-luxe hotels in the surprise-filled city to serve up that poolside glamour and spa-grade relaxation you're likely craving. But step outside and you'll be greeted by the lanterns of central Talat Noi, unassuming Chinese mansions, rooftop bars, a boat-filled Chao Phraya River and the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Expect exhilarating urban energy.
Where to stay in Bangkok:Chatrium Grand Bangkok
11. NUEVO VALLARTA, MEXICO
Average temperature in April:
For an April holiday spent soaking up the Pacific Coast's beach life, head to Mexico's Nuevo Vallarta – a resort which boasts waterparks, marinas, plazas and family-friendly hotels aplenty. Temperatures range between 19 degrees on a cold day and 29 degrees on a warm day – and since April sees the most affordable room rates (and hardly any rain), it's a pretty good time to visit.
Where to stay in Nuevo Vallarta:Marival Distinct Luxury Residences & World Spa
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