Sick of dark days and cold temperatures? We have some warm, sunny escape inspiration for you. The shoulder season month of April brings with it the advantage of fewer crowds and mild temperatures in many tourist destinations both in the US and abroad. With this comes lower accommodation and transport costs, and easier opportunities for sightseeing and touring.
These are the best warm weather destinations to visit in April.
Miami, Florida
Temperature range: 70-84; Average number of rainy days: 7
South Florida in April is exactly what you’d expect it to be: white sandy beaches, sunny skies, and fun nightlife. The warm weather and clear days make it a perfect reprieve from a snowy winter.
If you’re looking to scratch an art fix, spend half a day at Wynwood Walls arts district and grab lunch at a nearby cafe.
And if you want to extend your trip into even warmer climes, consider hopping on a cruise into The Caribbean, departing from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Where to Stay: Yotel Miami
Amenities: Central location, Fitness Center, Pet-Friendly
Quepos, Costa Rica
Temperature range: 75-85; Average number of rainy days: 14
April sits on the cusp of Costa Rica’s dry and rainy seasons, letting travelers experience the best the climate has to offer. High season for tourists winds down at the end of April, so travelers may start to see fewer crowds later in the month.
Quepos is home to several beautiful beaches like the popular Playa Espadilla and the more secluded Play Biesanz, but most travelers visit the town to explore nearby Manuel Antonio National Park. Home to capuchin monkeys, lizards, sloths, and more, Manuel Antonio National Park is open to visitors everyday except Tuesdays. Dozens of guided park tours are available, from an educational night walk to adventurous canopy tours.
Where to Stay: Oceans Two Resort
Amenities: Pool & Wetbar, On-site Bar, Pet-Friendly
Sedona, Arizona
Temperature range: 42-73; Average number of rainy days: 4
April is a perfect time to visit the Southwestern United States, with daytime temps not yet reaching the scorching levels of the summertime.
Sedona offers eclectic restaurants, cafes and galleries, with well-established tourist infrastructure to make your stay comfortable.
You’ll want to rent a car and drive in from Phoenix or Flagstaff (also worth a one- or two-night stay), and drive to the many hiking trails both within and just outside of the town. One highlight is the Airport Loop Trail, which runs for three miles along the top of a big plateau with vistas of the town and dramatic mountain ranges that encircle the town.
Where to Stay: The Bell Rock Inn
Amenities: Poolside Barbecue Area, Fitness Center, Outdoor Heated Pools & Jacuzzi
Castries, St. Lucia
Temperature range: 75-86; Average number of rainy days: 10-12
April is the end of high season for tourists in St. Lucia, with the weather remaining pleasant and drier in comparison to the rainy summer months.
Take a guided hike of the Pitons, the country’s twin volcanic mountains, for incredible views of the surrounding island. Afterward, kick back with a craft beer of the same name, a local brew inspired by the mountains themselves.
Travelers visiting toward the end of the month can extend their stay into early May to experience the 30th annual St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, a multi-stage musical, artistic, and cultural experience celebrating its triumphant return after a three-year hiatus.
Where to Stay: Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort
Amenities: On-site Spa, Scuba Diving Lessons, Guided Island Excursions
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Temperature range: 74-86; Average number of rainy days: 14
If you are looking for a combination of beachtime, colorful architecture and good food, then the capital of this U.S. territory is a great place to visit. After spending the day at one of San Juan’s pristine beaches, you can head into the old town for a happy hour cocktail and a scrumptious dinner.
Bored of the beach? A day trip to El Yunque tropical rainforest, a one-hour drive outside the city, will satisfy your nature fix. There, you can enjoy a guided hike, try some ziplining, and swim in cascading waterfalls.
Where to Stay: San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel
Amenities: Rooftop Dining, Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool
Las Vegas, Nevada
Temperature range: 57-79; Average number of rainy days: 2
April is an ideal time to lounge by the pool at one of Vegas’ many hotels and resorts, catch an evening show, and try your luck at a round of blackjack. Better yet, if you can stay mid-week, you’ll escape a lot of the weekend crowds and find great rates at normally pricey hotels.
If you want to extend your trip, consider heading out to the Grand Canyon, or explore a hiking trail just outside the city.
Where to Stay: The Palazzo at the Venetian
Amenities: Cocktail Club, Seven Pools, Attached Casino
Austin, Texas
Temperature range: 59-80; Average number of rainy days: 7
Clear skies and abundant outdoor activities make Austin a fantastic destination to visit in April. With bluebonnets in bloom, take a road trip out to the Hill Country, and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s many vineyards.
Back in the city, Barton Springs Pool is a must-do activity in April. It’s a natural pool located close to downtown with views of the skyline, and the water temperature is a constant 68 degrees year-round. Pro Tip: To avoid long lines, go to the South (rather than North) Entrance of the pool.
After your swim, check out nearby Terry Black’s Barbecue for lunch, and then enjoy an afternoon of shopping along hip South Congress Avenue.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Austin
Amenities: 1,000+ Guest Rooms, Award-Winning Spa, Complimentary Mountain Bike Rental
Negril, Jamaica
Temperature range: 76-85; Average number of rainy days: 8
When vacationers picture their perfect Jamaican getaway, the area that comes to mind is almost certainly Negril. Negril’s beautiful beaches, resorts, and laid-back atmosphere coupled with weather that rarely dips below 80 degrees makes this area ideal for those looking to defrost and unwind from the long winter months.
Here, relaxation is the name of the game. Take a stroll along the coastline of Seven Mile Beach, frequently touted as not only the best beach in Jamaica but in the Caribbean, named for its seven uninterrupted miles of white sands. Afterwards, kick back with a cocktail and watch the sunset from one of several beachside bars.
Carnival celebrations are also at their peak in April in Jamaica, so be on the lookout for masquerades, parades, and concerts held across the country.
Where to Stay: Riu Negril All Inclusive
Amenities: Beach-Volleyball and Tennis Courts, Water Sports, Swim-Up & Poolside Bars
New Orleans, Louisiana
Temperature range: 61-79; Average number of rainy days: 4
April in The Big Easy is jam-packed with festivals, food, and fine weather. Sweltering summer temperatures and humidity have yet to set in, with temperatures averaging a comfortable 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grab a beignet at Café du Monde, take a ride on one of the city’s iconic steamboats, and admire the colorful architecture of the French Quarter. April is also prime time for music lovers to check out the city, with The French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival both kicking off within the month.
Where to Stay: Hotel Monteleone
Amenities: Heated Pool, On-Site Spa, Fitness Center
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Temperature range: 71-82; Average number of rainy days: 9
Brazil’s second-largest city and famed party destination is a great place to visit in April, in between the summer and winter seasons that attract the most tourists.
Base yourself in beachside Copacabana, Ipanema or Botafogo to be centrally-located. Don’t miss the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue and be sure to take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning city views.
Enjoy lounging on the famous Copacabana or Ipanema beaches, or head to the lesser-known Búzios, Ilha Grande and Paraty beach destinations after spending time in Rio.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Amenities: 50+ Suites, On-Site Bar & Café, Pet-Friendly
Carol McPherson contributed to this story.
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