Where’s hot in April? The seven best places to visit for spring sunshine

From Valencia to Rhodes, here are the best places to get away to avoid the UK’s April showers
As April arrives, bringing with it the UK’s famously unpredictable spring weather and inevitable showers, many will be looking beyond our shores for warmer climes.

Fortunately, a range of enticing destinations across Europe and further afield offer the promise of sunshine without the crowds of summer.

Further afield, it's shoulder season on the spectacular island of Bali , promising a more tranquil experience.

Alternatively, in Rio de Janeiro , travellers can still tap into the infectious Carnival spirit, long after the annual festivities have concluded.

No matter what kind of holiday you’re seeking in April, here are some great destinations for fun in the sun and the best things to do when you arrive.

Read more: The best flight-free holiday destinations from the UK
Best holiday destinations in April
Spain ’s third city is seeing an increasing number of visitors, attracted by its many treasures.

These range from the literal – such as the Holy Grail, which supposedly lies in the city’s cathedral – to the figurative, from its golden coastlines to the magnificent City of Arts and Sciences, the avant-garde modern symbol of Valencia that contains gardens, an Imax cinema, a science museum and one of Europe’s largest aquariums.

Though walking through the city is a delight in most months, April brings temperate weather and very little rain means entire days at the beaches Patacona and Las Arenas are possible, while it would be remiss to not cycle at least part of the Turia Park, a six-mile long park that snakes along the old bed of the old Turia River.

Read more: Valencia is back open for business – why you should head to the Spanish city this spring
Rio de Janeiro has become Brazil ’s tourism capital thanks to amazing landmarks, an infectious samba culture and some of the best beaches on the continent.

There are few cities in the world that can compete with the number of sights and the abundance of natural beauty that Rio possesses, from Sugarloaf Mountain to the vast Christ the Redeemer statue.

Some will come for the world-famous Carnival celebrations, but the party is always present in places like Copacabana Beach – where caipirinha cocktails are served into the night – or the Lapa neighbourhood, where locals go to party once the sun sets.

Across the city, a range of museums and galleries showcase Brazilian history and art, while the Museum of the Future contains exhibits on sustainability, space and the challenges humanity faces in the next decades.

Once you’ve explored the future, head back to the present with a football game at the Maracana, one of the game’s most renowned venues.

Read more: The best things to do in Rio de Janeiro
Paphos is one of Europe’s finest options for year-round good weather and in April you’ll get some of the best weather on the continent.

Highs will stay around 20C, with little to no rain meaning you can enjoy beautiful Mediterranean beaches such as Aphrodite’s Rock, Coral Bay and the Blue Lagoon.

Paphos is a quintessential Mediterranean beach city, with an atmospheric promenade, colourful architecture and a lively nightlife scene.

However, it also possesses a dizzying selection of ancient sites, most of which lie in the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park.

They include ruins of villas and mosaics, a 4th-century acropolis and the Odeon, an outdoor theatre that still hosts music and theatre performances.

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

Read more: The best places to visit in Cyprus for a 2025 holiday
Rhodes lies northeast of Crete , near the southern coast of Turkey .

Its weather is reliably warm in April, with highs in the early 20Cs making it easy to explore the narrow streets of its Old Town, some well-preserved fortifications and a slew of sun-drenched beaches, from the dramatic backdrops of Apolakia and Fourni to more family-friendly areas like Saint Paul’s Bay, Ladiko and Kallithea.

Read more: Best hotels in Rhodes from beachside boutiques to Old Town stays
The Egyptian capital is another city that boasts great weather throughout the year, and this tourist favourite continues to open up more attractions, with the Grand Egyptian Museum – complete with 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts – now open.

Cairo ’s position on the banks of the Nile means easy access to river cruises and trips hundreds of miles south to Luxor and Aswan, but for those who choose to stay in the city, start at Al-Muizz, a main street filled with some of the city’s foremost Islamic architecture and mosques.

Nearby are the stalls of the Khan Al-Khalili souk, where stalls sell anything from precious jewellery to lanterns and trinkets.

For the best views, head to Cairo Tower.

Read more: Is the Grand Egyptian Museum worth visiting?

Brisbane is a popular year-round destination, and by April, autumn has arrived, with balmy temperatures in the early 20Cs and an absence of the summer’s stifling humidity.

Surrounding nature affords plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, from days on the beach and kayaking down the river to relaxed strolls 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: This island was ravaged by fires – here’s what it’s like to go back
April is the beginning of the dry season in Bali , meaning temperatures remain warm but the occasional monsoon shower is replaced by smaller, less frequent bouts of rain.

Even when these do come, they’ll often provide a pleasant respite to the rising humidity.

A trip to this Indonesian island puts you among striking natural beauty, with outdoor adventure and relaxation found in equal measure.

Much of the island is covered in rainforest, with terraces of rice fields and a plethora of sophisticated, luxe hotels dotted throughout.

Towns such as Canggu and Seminyak provide 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 and kick back at beaches and bars or trek through jungle trails.

Read more: Bali’s trendiest bars are championing the revival of an ancient spirit
T his piece was first published in March 2025 and has been revised and updated
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies