Where is it hot in April? The seven best places to visit for a sunny Easter holiday

When April arrives, bringing with it the UK’s unsettled spring weather and the inevitable rain, many will look beyond our shores for warmer weather.

Fortunately, many attractions across Europe and elsewhere offer the promise of sunshine without the summer crowds.

The Greek islands really come into their own in the fourth month of the year, offering their famous beauty without the usual tourist crowds. For a Mediterranean escape close to home, consider Valencia, Spain’s third largest city.

Moreover, it is the shoulder season on the beautiful island of Bali, which promises a quiet experience. In addition, in Rio de Janeiro, visitors can still experience the contagious spirit of Carnival, long after the annual festivities have ended.

No matter what kind of holiday you’re looking for in April, here are the best places to enjoy the sun and the best things to do when you get there.

Read more: The best free holiday destinations from the UK

Best vacation spots in April

1. Valencia

Spain’s third city is seeing an increasing number of visitors, attracted by its many treasures. These range from the real – like the Holy Grail, which is said to be inside the city’s cathedral – to the symbolic, from its golden beaches to the beautiful City of Arts and Sciences, a modern symbol of Valencia with gardens, an Imax cinema, a science museum and one of Europe’s largest marinas.

Valencia’s main districts run in an almost straight line from south to north, from the old-fashioned, bohemian Ruzafa to Carmen, popular with locals and home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. In the center is the charming Old Town, which consists of three main squares, including Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen.

Although it’s nice to walk around the city for most of the month, April brings warm weather and very little rain means that all days at the beaches of Patacona and Las Arenas are possible, while it would be a mistake not to ride at least part of Turia Park, a six-mile park that snakes along the ancient bed of the Turia River.

Read more: Valencia is now open for business – why you should head to the Spanish city this spring

2. Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has become the tourism capital of Brazil thanks to its stunning scenery, infectious samba culture and some of the best beaches on the continent. There are few cities in the world that can compete for the number of sights and the amount of natural beauty that Rio has, from Sugarloaf Mountain to the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Some will come for the world-famous Carnival, but the party is always there in places like Copacabana Beach – where caipirinha cocktails are served until the night – or in the Lapa area, where the locals go to the party as soon as the sun goes down.

Throughout the city, a wide range of museums and galleries showcase the history and art of Brazil, while the Museum of the Future has exhibitions on stability, space and the challenges that humanity faces in the coming decades. Once you’ve studied the future, step back into the present with a soccer match at the Maracana, one of the game’s most famous venues.

Read more: The best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

3. Paphos

Paphos is one of Europe’s best options for good weather all year round, and in April you will find the best weather on the continent. Highs will remain around 20C, with little to no rain meaning you can enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean beaches such as Aphrodite’s Rock, Coral Bay and the Blue Lagoon.

Paphos is a Mediterranean seaside town, with an atmosphere, colorful buildings and a lively nightlife. However, it also has an amazing selection of ancient sites, the largest of which is the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park. They include the ruins of villas and mosaics, the 4th-century acropolis and the Odeon, an outdoor theater that still hosts music and theater performances.

The size of the island means that other towns and cities, such as Limassol and Larnaca, are close by for day trips, while vineyard tours and wine tasting are a popular way to spend the day.

Read more: The best places to visit in Cyprus for holidays 2025

4. Rhodes

Rhodes is in the northeast of Crete, near the southern coast of Turkey. The weather warms in April, and the early 20C showers make it easy to explore the Old Town’s narrow streets, well-preserved castles and sun-drenched beaches, from the stunning Apolakia and Fourni to family-friendly destinations like Saint Paul’s Bay, Ladiko and Kallithea.

Like Paphos, Rhodes is home to many historic sites, including the acropolis, the Medieval Street of Knights and the Gothic-era Grand Master’s House. Exploring the many white-washed towns and villages is a great way to see the island, while there are plenty of hiking trails, wineries and tavernas to try.

Read more: The best hotels in Rhodes from the shops on the beach to the Old Town

5. Cairo

The Egyptian capital is another city that boasts great weather throughout the year, and this tourist favorite continues to open more attractions, with the Grand Egyptian Museum – which houses 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts – already open.

Cairo’s position on the banks of the Nile means easy access for riverboats and trips hundreds of kilometers south to Luxor and Aswan, but for those who choose to stay in the city, they start at Al-Muizz, a main street with some of the city’s largest Muslim buildings. Nearby are the stalls of the Khan Al-Khalili souk, selling anything from fine jewelery to lamps and trinkets. For great views, head to the Cairo Tower.

Read more: Is it worth visiting the Great Egyptian Museum?

6. Brisbane

Brisbane is a popular destination all year round, and by April, autumn has arrived, with temperatures in the early 20Cs and the absence of summer humidity.

The city combines nature with an abundance of modern development, perhaps best seen in the skyscrapers that set back from the sands of the city’s beaches and the banks of the Brisbane River. The water surrounds the city, dividing it into different areas, including the central business district, the South Bank – home to major museums and galleries, such as the Queensland Art Gallery – or Fortitude Valley, the city’s nightlife hub.

The surrounding nature offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, from days at the beach and kayaking down the river to leisurely walks along the river’s boardwalk or New Farm Park. There are several options for a day trip, too, including Moreton Bay, Mount Coot-Tha or the Glasshouse Mountains.

Read more: The island was gutted by fires – here’s what it’s like to go back

7. Readers

April is the start of the dry season in Bali, which means temperatures remain warm, but the monsoon rains are replaced by small, irregular showers. Even when these do arrive, they will often provide a welcome respite from the rising humidity.

A trip to this Indonesian island puts you in the midst of stunning natural beauty, with equal parts fun and relaxation. Most of the island is covered in rainforest, with rice fields and many advanced, luxurious hotels dotted around. Towns like Canggu and Seminyak offer the party atmosphere that backpackers often crave, while places like Ubud – with its temples and palaces – offer an insight into the island’s culture, religion and history. Depending on the type of holiday you want, come back to the beaches and bars or walk the forest trails.

Read more: The most famous places in Bali support the revival of the ancient spirit

THis piece was first published in March 2025 and has since been revised and updated.