The Best Places to Visit in April for Couples: Weather & Travel Guide
If you live in a place with a cold winter, the effects of cabin fever may feel real as the ground thaws in the spring. Wanderlust makes for the perfect Rx. But where are the best places to visit in April? That depends on what you fancy. Though the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers," some areas, like DC and Amsterdam, are home to the most beautiful blooms and idyllic conditions this month. An April vacation is perfect for flower-peeping pairs who want to see the DC cherry blossoms or the tulips in the Netherlands.
Other countries to visit in April include those without many rainstorms. Mild Caribbean temperatures make April the best month to travel for couples who want to stick their toes in the sand but don't consider 100-degree thermometer readings honeymoon weather. These destinations are typically home to all-inclusive resorts, ideal for couples hoping to embrace one of the year's top travel trends (the all-inclusive revolution). In short, April vacations run the gamut, meaning every couple can find a spot for the romantic getaway they dreamt of when it was too cold to talk about. These are the best places to travel in April, whether you're headed on a honeymoon, anniversary trip or you're just ready to leave cabin fever in the rearview mirror on a road trip.
Amsterdam
Sorry, Paris, but you can make a strong case that Amsterdam is the best place to travel in April in Europe. Yes, "Paris in the springtime" has an elevated cache. But the capital of the Netherlands is at its most colorful starting in the middle of the month when tulip season peaks. Walk through seemingly never-ending rainbow-hued blooms, taking in the sights and smells of spring along with postcard-worthy windmills that double as art installations. When not snapping photos in tulip fields, rides through canals, a trip to the Red Light District and embracing the city's bike-everywhere culture are in order.
Things to Do: Attend the Tulip Festival, Anne Frank guided walking tour, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Rijksmuseum, cruise a canal, De 9 Straatjes, bike tour and Red Light District.
Places to Stay: Hotel Arena, Banks Mansion, Hotel 717, The Hoxton Amsterdam, Pulitzer Amsterdam, Ambassade Hotel, Conservatorium Hotel, Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Soho House Amsterdam and Amstel Hotel.
New Orleans
Mardi Gras season will have come and gone by April, taking the crowds and hiked-up hotel room rates with it. That said, jazz fans—perhaps you and yours included—will flock to the city at the end of the month, as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival typically occurs in late April. The weather should be ripe for listening to live music in a crowd. Expect highs in the low 80s (and some rain), unlike hazy-hot-humid summer days. Other must-dos: Walk through the French Quarter, where live jazz music and Creole cuisine can be experienced from the streets, offering a memorable multi-sensory experience.
Things to Do: Attend the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans Jazz Museum, French Quarter, National WWII Museum, Garden District walking tour, full-day city and swamp adventure, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.
Places to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, Maison de la Luz, The Windsor Court and Hotel St. Vincent.
Washington, DC
The peak of cherry blossom season is up to Mother Nature, but it typically happens around late March or early April. The annual rite of spring brings social events and art installations to the nation's capital and surrounding Maryland and Virginia areas. Of course, the jaw-dropping pink flowers commissioned by Mother Nature take center stage. Spring weather varies, so pack layers, sunglasses and umbrellas. Trips to the White House, Lincoln Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, and other historic sights are in order.
Things to Do: Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival, guided sightseeing tour, moonlit tour of the National Mall, and have an intimate French-forward dinner at Lutèce.
Places to Stay: The Dupont Circle Hotel (Dupont Circle), Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC (Georgetown), The Hay-Adams (Lafayette Square), Rosewood Washington, D.C. (Georgetown), The Jefferson, Washington, DC (White House) and The Darcy (Logan Circle).
US Virgin Islands
Stick your toes in sugary-soft white sand after a winter of slogging through snow. The US Virgin Islands' come-as-you-are, do-as-you-please attitude makes it one of the best places to vacation in April for any couple, whether their idea of a romantic getaway is adventure, relaxation or a combination of both. The three islands—St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix—each offer something different. St. John is a small, pristine and heavenly hideaway. St. Thomas is the easiest to access and serves as a good home base, while St. Croix offers history lessons and water sports. All three destinations, known as "America's Caribbean Paradise," provide an added perk for US couples—since they're a US territory, you won't need a passport.
Things to Do: Live music sunset cruise, learn to cook and the Crucian dialect, snorkel, kayak and shop on Main Street in Charlotte Amalie.
Places to Stay: Point Pleasant Resort, The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort, Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman's Reef, Autograph Collection and Gallows Point Resort.
Maldives
Generally, November through April is prime time to visit the Maldives, so you'll want to see the South Asian destination this month to cross it off your bucket list early in the year. The wet season brings storms (and possible monsoons) in what's considered spring, summer and early fall in the US. But April weather is generally warm, if not a touch humid, making it the best month for swimming in the Indian Ocean. Many resorts offer beach access and water sport equipment rentals.
Things to Do: Republic Square, The National Museum, Malé walking tour, scuba dive, snorkel and dolphin watch and Malé Fish Market.
Places to Stay: Angsana Ihuru, COMO Cocoa Island, Fihalhohi Island Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa, Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences, The St. Regis, Vommuli Resort and Lux* South Ari Atoll.
Spain
There's much to see in Spain, so couples can plan on returning to the country for an anniversary trip or a romantic getaway rather than exploring everything in one or two weeks. Where will you go? It's a choose-your-own-adventure country, with different cities and destinations offering distinct experiences. There are the laid-back-but-lively streets of Madrid, where open-air cafes will have outdoor seating come spring. Couples will appreciate the whimsical architecture and delicious cuisine of Barcelona or the history of Toledo, a small but stunning imperial city located just one hour away from Madrid. They could also enjoy a few days by the sea, where the best option for a sun-kissed glow is the nearby Canary Islands. Regardless of your choice, April falls outside of peak tourist season in Spain, which is summer, when temperatures can also hit triple digits.
Things to Do: Taste wine and tapas in Madrid, a full-day tour to Toledo from Madrid, Royal Palace, Museo Nacional del Prado, Seville Cathedral, Girona and Costa Brava tour from Barcelona, Barri Gòtic, Park Güell and La Sagrada Família.
Places to Stay: Hotel Regina Madrid (Madrid), Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid (Madrid), Hotel Arts Barcelona (Barcelona), El Palace Hotel Barcelona (Barcelona), Petit Palace Puerta de Triana (Seville), Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort (Marbella), Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa (Canary Islands) and Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection (Barcelona).
Bora Bora
A small French Polynesian island with no shortage of utterly jaw-dropping scenery, Bora Bora's warm waters and bevy of resorts make it a picture-perfect place to visit in April for couples ready to leave winter behind. Temperatures can creep into the 80s and the month is on the drier side. Rain on your beach day? There are no guarantees, but probably not. Couples can sail the Pacific in boats or enjoy underwater diving and snorkeling adventures.
Things to Do: Cruise and snorkel with sharks and stingrays, hike Mount Otemanu, jet ski and indulge in a Polynesian BBQ, Matira Beach, Coral Gardens and have a rugged adventure during a quad tour.
Places to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Bora-Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
The Bahamas
The first two weeks of April mark the end of peak season in the Bahamas, making it the perfect time to jet off to the Caribbean paradise. Expect cooler mornings and evenings, but warm-enough weather to take a dip in the water. Resorts offer beach access, water sport rentals, and chances to receive spa treatments inspired by the seafaring surroundings. Couples who are major foodies or those who want to relish in childhood wonder should consider booking a stay at Atlantis Paradise Island. The water slides are more fun than ever, and Michelin-starred chef Michael White opened Paranza to join the likes of Nobu and Fish by José Andrés. The chance of rain is pretty low in the Bahamas during an April vacation in the Bahamas, in contrast to what can be a dreary period in the US.
Things to Do: Snorkel and dive near Blue Lagoon Island, take to the water slides of Aquaventure, indulge in celebrity chef restaurants at Atlantis, explore the many Bahamian beaches (Cable Beach, Junkanoo Beach, Pig Beach, Pink Sands Beach and Clifton Heritage National Park).
Places to Stay: The Royal at Atlantis (Paradise Island), Kamalame Cay Private Island Resort, Rosewood Baha Mar (Nassau), Caerula Mar Club (South Andros Island), Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort (Long Island) and Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands' relatively dry weather and sub-90s temperatures make it a winner for couples looking for sunshine after a chilly winter. Like the US Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands is a trio of islands with distinct characteristics. (But here, American jet-setters will need a passport—this destination is a British territory.) The largest island, Grand Cayman, is a resort destination that invites relaxation and snorkeling adventures with Cushion sea stars. Cayman Brac is popular among the deep-sea fishing crowd, while Little Cayman is the smallest but a haven for seeing endangered wildlife like iguanas.
Things to Do: Snorkel, scuba dive, deep sea fish, Seven Mile Beach, Bloody Bay Wall, Stingray City, Cayman Crystal Caves, Bioluminescent Bay Tour and e-bike ecological tour.
Places to Stay: Palm Heights, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa and The Grand Caymanian Resort.
Italy
From the art in Florence and iconic sights in Rome to the more laid-back beachside locale of the Amalfi Coast, Italy has no shortage of backdrops for a romantic getaway. The beachside spots will be quiet in April but also chilly, so couples may want to stay closer to cities or embrace the intimate vibes early spring travel brings. Regardless, Italy's delectable eats and wealth of history position the country as a hotspot even when the weather is cold. Every dinner will feel special in a country known for the freshest pasta and sweetest gelatos. White Lotus fans will want to embrace set-jetting—the series filmed Season 2 at Sicily's San Domenico Palace in Taormina.
Things to Do: Piazza Navona, pasta class in Rome, Museo di Roma, Colosseum skip the line tour, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, see The David at Galleria dell'Accademia, Capri cruise including Blue Grotto, Positano, Vatican (you'll find the Sistine Chapel there), Tuscany wine tour, Valle dei Templi, Ancient Theatre of Taormina and Lake Como.
Places to Stay: San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Hotel Calimala, Hotel Albani Firenze, IL Tornabuoni Hotel - In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel and La Sirenuse.
Japan
Japan experiences mild spring weather in the 50s and 60s in April, which is also when the cherry blossoms bloom. For couples who have been there, done that in DC, Japan is one of the best places to visit this time of year for blossom-peepers—April is the tail end for Tokyo's full bloom, and Miyagi and Aomori flowers bloom throughout the month. The vast country offers an array of other experiences, from delectable tempura in lively Tokyo to landscapes that run the gamut and include mountains, volcanoes, forests, coastlines and more.
Things to Do: See cherry blossoms, enjoy Tokyo's nightlife, Tsukiji Fish Market food and culture walking tour, Tokyo Tower, shop downtown Tokyo, Kumano Kodo Trail, soak in a hot spring, Hiroshima Peace Museum, DisneySea, Fushimi Inari and Mori Museum.
Places to Stay: Aman Tokyo, Sankara Hotel and Spa, Park Hyatt Kyoto, The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, Nishimuraya Honkan, The Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz Carlton Reserve and Tokyo Marriott Hotel.
Austin, Texas
Wildflowers (read: bluebonnets) are in bloom in April in Austin, making the concrete jungle in the Lone Star State truly gorgeous this time of year. Because of the city's typically scorching temps, breezy, mild weather makes April one of the best months to visit. The hopping downtown is full of restaurants with live music (they don't call it the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing) and rooftop bars ready for al-fresco dining and happy hour, while plenty of parks offer opportunities to walk in nature.
Things to Do: Lady Bird Wildflower Center, Lady Bird Lake, shop Waterloo Records and other shops in the West Sixth District, Zilker Park, Hamilton Pool, Texas Capitol and Paramount Theatre.
Places to Stay: Colton House Hotel, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, The Driskill, Fairmont Austin, ARRIVE East Austin and Austin Marriott Downtown.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Celebrate your spring nuptials with a romantic honeymoon escape to Cabo—just be ready for potentially warm weather. The Mexican resort city at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula can hit temperatures in the 90s this time of year (all the more reason to spend your days swimming in the pool with a cocktail in hand). Beach days can be any day, and all-inclusive resorts offer plenty of opportunities to stick your toes in the sand and stare out at the water. The spot is also a hot one for couples who truly come alive and thrive after sunset—the nightlife scene is lauded.
Things to Do: Playa El Médano, Playa del Amor, El Arco, outback adventure with food and tequila tasting, sunset cruise, The Arch tour, ATV tour and sailing and snorkeling cruises.
Places to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal and JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort and Spa.