Consider April the gentle season of transition between winter and summer—for the northern hemisphere, at least. It’s no longer freezing but not yet sizzling hot or packed with peak-season tourists. For many places, it hits the sweet spot when the crowds are thin, the weather is pleasant, and prices are decent.
Some countries burst into bloom with spring flowers, while others shake off their rainy season to reveal lush landscapes. Wildlife sightings are at their best in Africa, and countless religious and cultural events are held in the East.
If you’re wondering where to travel this April, these countries are rated the best to visit this spring:
England
England in April is like an animal awakening from hibernation. The countryside is as green as it gets, and the cities buzz with energy and excitement for the long summer days ahead. April brings mild weather, and while by no means hot, each day feels warmer and longer.
If there is one thing England is known for, it’s its gardens. And with the English rose named after the country itself, you can only imagine how exquisite it is in spring. In the capital city of London, Kew Gardens comes alive with the Sounds of Blossom Festival. A highlight of spring, it’s a unique collaboration with the Royal College of Music that pairs blossoming flowers with live music performances.
Japan
When I think of cherry blossoms, my mind immediately jumps to Japan. The two are synonymous with one another. But did you know that Japan’s ‘Sakura’ season only lasts around two weeks? April is the peak, when the island nation transforms into a landscape of soft pinks and whites.
One of the best ways to experience the blossoms is at the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival. The Japanese call the art of looking at the flowers ‘hanami,’ and Ueno Park is one of the best spots for this. Ueno Park is home to over a thousand Sakura trees, some of which are more than 400 years old!
Botswana
While the northern hemisphere shifts from winter to summer, the southern hemisphere begins its transition from summer to winter. April in Botswana marks the start of the dry season. And if you know anything about safaris, you’ll know this is the best time to view wildlife. With limited watering holes, animals flock to specific areas in the country, making it easier to spot them.
Botswana’s most famous park, Chobe National Park, is one of the best places in the world to view the African elephant. On safari here, your chances of spotting the Big Five in their natural habitat are high. As the seasons shift, Botswana’s skies stay clear, the days get warmer, and luckily, the mosquitoes haven’t quite taken over yet.
Bolivia
On a similar line of latitude west of Botswana, Bolivia in central South America is also experiencing the end of its rainy season. This magnificent country is a haven for nature lovers, offering some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. For reference, it intersects the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, and the Amazon Basin Rainforest.
After a few months of heavy rain, the country is left lush and flourishing, especially around the edges of the Amazon. But one of the more unique geographical events occurs at the Uyuni Salt Flats. When a thin layer of water covers the vast, salty expanse, it creates a mirror effect, perfectly reflecting the sky above.
Honduras
For those craving a tropical escape, Honduras in April fits the bill. Located in Central America, it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific to the south. Somehow, Honduras is one of those countries that still feels largely untouched by tourism.
Although more off-the-beaten-track than its neighbors, this country is an absolute gem for diving and snorkeling. It is fringed by coral reefs and is part of the 625-mile-long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. April marks the start of the Equator’s dry season, contributing to perfect diving conditions in this tropical paradise.
Netherlands
The Netherlands in April is synonymous with one thing – tulips. Imagine yourself walking through fields of endless bulb flowers under the crisp blue sky, windmills in the distance, with a stroopwafel in hand.
As spring falls over northern Europe, the Netherlands comes alive with festivals, and parks overflow with Dutchies searching for some much-needed Vitamin D. There are tulips everywhere – in vases at street cafes and planted along the sidewalks. But the best place to view the flowers in all their glory is at Keukenhof Gardens – often dubbed the ‘Garden of Europe.’
The country also celebrates ‘Kings Day’ during April, a celebration to honor the Dutch royal family marked with street markets and parties.
China
China is so big that one part of the country could be buried by snow while another basks in tropical warmth. Regardless of where you visit, April is a wonderful time to explore the rich history and natural beauty of this mega country.
April brings spring greenery and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. It also offers an opportunity to experience festivals like the Peach Blossom Festival, all while the weather sits at a comfortable temperature.
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are well connected with the rest of the world. That said, I recommend traveling a little further to Hangzhou for beautiful spring flower scenes.
Turkey
Turkey is one of those bucket-list destinations everyone needs to visit. Straddling Europe and Asia, bordered by the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, It boasts some of the most exquisite natural landscapes. And don’t get me started on its history, marked by the rise and fall of the world’s most powerful empires.
With cooler weather, April is the best time to explore the country’s archeological and historical sites. Istanbul hosts its own Istanbul Tulip Festival in April, transforming parks and streets into an explosion of color. The best part? It’s nowhere near as crowded as it gets in summer.
Bhutan
The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is often called the ‘last Shangri-La’ because of its remote location and natural beauty. It’s a Buddhist Kingdom known for its monasteries, some of which are perched precariously on the edge of Himalayan cliff faces.
Winter is cold here—after all, it is the Himalayas. But by April, the frost and mist have burned off, revealing clear mountain views and blossoming spring blooms.
One of my favorite facts about this country is that it measures its progress by Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of traditional GDP. They put a big emphasis on local well-being, and you can really feel it when interacting with locals. Another cool fact is that it’s one of three carbon-negative countries on the planet!
Malawi
Malawi might just be Africa’s best-kept secret, and April is when it is at its most magical. April marks the tail end of the rainy season, which means the countryside and mountains are lush and green.
Malawi is home to Lake Malawi, one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world. While the rainy season fills the lake and surrounding waterfalls, the start of the dry season means that wildlife spotting is still great.
Liwonde National Park is the place to go to see elephants, hippos, and more birds than you can count. The newly rewilded Majete Wildlife Reserve offers a chance to see the Big Five without the safari vehicle traffic jams of more touristy countries.
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