Where’s hot in April?

Hello spring! April’s when things start to warm up and bloom in the northern hemisphere and the Easter break brings bank holidays and festivals in a few places. Take those extra days and lock in a trip – this is when you can really make the most of shoulder season escapes to save your budget…

For April, Dubai and Oman are stars, as summer’s already happening in the Middle East. Morocco’s also great at this time of year, even before peak summer hits, while The Gambia is hot and heavy on sun and wildlife spotting, and Thailand’s hot pick in April is Bangkok. Don’t forget, you’ve always got our plot twist destination down the bottom… any guesses what it might be?

So, here’s your guide to the best places that are hot in April. If you’ve already spied your pick, then don’t wait for us… check out our deals page.

Morocco

Morocco is an all-year round destination but in April, the temperatures are easily in the mid-20s, perfect for sunbathing and exploring. Both Marrakech and the coast of Agadir and Taghazout average 25°C this month and have about 11 hours of daylight each day – you can almost sense summer solstice around the corner… Marrakech is great for shopping the souks, visiting botanical gardens and old palaces. Or, if you’re after a sand, sea and surf kinda trip, pick Taghazout. This cute fishing village is the perfect laidback vibe to help you come back feeling refreshed.

One of the best things about Morocco? It’s amazing value. So, if you’re still planning a big trip for summer, you don’t need to blow much at all on a visit here.

Thailand

Hottest pick – Bangkok

Thailand is just edging towards the end of dry season in April but temperatures average around 36°C in Bangkok, which is the city’s hottest month. Despite this, it’s actually just outside peak season so you can count on better value deals to go there, too. At night, things drop down to the mid-20s so it’s not super hot when you’re trying to get to sleep.

Hot or not, April is an amazing time to visit Thailand to celebrate its Songkran Festival in the middle of the month. It marks the Thai New Year and takes place over three days. At street parties, people throw water over each other to symbolically wash away the previous year. There couldn’t be a better way to cool off from the heat and get involved in the local culture at the same time!

The Gambia

The Gambia’s dry season runs from October to June and March and April mark the hottest months. This is when you get the longer sunshine hours and average temperatures around 34°C, so definitely hit up the beach resorts of Kotu and Kololi. The lack of rain at this time also means great conditions for spotting wildlife, as you can probably find all the animals by the watering holes. The River Gambia National Park is a highlight if this sounds up your street. The Gambia might be six hours away, but you’re still in the same time zone as the UK so you can level up your pre-summer tan game with none of the jet lag.

Dubai, UAE

Summer officially arrives in Dubai in April, with 10 hours of sunshine a day and an average temperature of 33°C. It’s a bit humid but there’s very little rain to worry about and it’s the perfect time to go swimming and spend some time at this city’s iconic beach clubs. Dubai can get into the mid-40s in peak summer, so now’s your time – much later and you’re more likely to be seeking out as much shade as possible… Peak season here ends in April, so you can catch the last of the most popular weather but also maybe some cheeky deals, too.

Muscat, Oman

The weather in Oman in April is sunny and dry, with very little rain. Similar to Dubai, it’s not too hot yet, averaging 35°C, but it’s still proper summer weather. Catch mid-30s temps in the capital, Muscat, and you can lay out on Qurum Beach while the cave pools and waterfalls of Wadi Shab are also in daytripping distance.

The sun might be one of the main reasons you travel at this time, but spring is well and truly springing here, so add a visit into the Jebel Akhdar mountains to your list – you’ll find the roses in full bloom. It’s also peak season for turtle migration, which sees around 20,000 turtles visit Oman’s beaches, particularly those in the east, to lay their eggs.

Plot twist…

Italy

Summer is coming to Europe, we promise, but while we’re waiting for things to really heat up, your best bet is to go as far south as possible. So, Sicily is a good shout, averaging 21°C in April. Claiming island status and making up the toe of the boot, it’s as close to the equator as you can get in Italy. Start Aperol season already and line up the beachside cocktails… we know that’s what you’re really waiting for (because same).