The arrival of April is the long-awaited signal that spring is on its way and the weather is heating up. While images of poolside cabanas, sun-soaked beaches, and vibrant street festivals might dance in your mind, for Canadians, spring often means rainy showers and cool temperatures that keep summer just out of reach. 

If your eager, travel-loving heart just can’t wait for those long, sunny days and warm, breezy evenings, here are some of the top warm places to visit in April. These must-visit destinations offer the perfect escape, where you can soak up the sunshine, explore new cultures, and kick-start your summer tan.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

April is the hottest month of the year in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and marks one of the region’s most beloved holidays: Songkran. Celebrated across Southeast Asia, this multi-day festival marks the beginning of the New Year according to the solar calendar and is one of the most unforgettable April experiences in Thailand.

During Songkran, friends and family take to the streets to pour water on one another as a way to cleanse and refresh for the New Year. And the best surprise? This ritual typically comes in the form of a water fight – and everyone’s invited to the party. So whether you’re visiting as a solo traveller or you’re on the trip of a lifetime with your friends, grabbing a super soaker and hitting the streets is the ultimate way to experience the festival. Expect scorching days under the hot Thai sun, laughter-filled chaos, and even some blessings along the way. 

Chiang Mai’s Old Town is at the heart of all the action. For three days, streets fill with festival goers pouring buckets of water from the nearby moat on anyone who passes by. With daily high temperatures of 36°C, the wet refresher will be a welcome treat (just make sure to bring a waterproof bag to protect your belongings!). 

Songkran Festival makes Chiang Mai one of the best places to visit in April and turns it into a travel bucket-list experience you’ll never forget.

Split, Croatia

A spring trip to Split? Don’t mind if we do!. Located by the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia, this stunning coastal city is one of Europe’s top destinations to visit in April for an unforgettable pre-summer vacation.

While Split is typically packed with tourists during the summer months, traveling there in the shoulder season means fewer crowds, lower prices, and the perfect weather for springtime exploring. Highs during the day hover around 18°C, meaning you get to enjoy the warm, sunny weather without breaking a sweat.

Start your trip by exploring the heart of the city with a stroll through the Palace of Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to Roman times. For a short trek with plenty of picture-worthy views along the way, head up to Marjan Hill. You can rent a bike to cycle along the coastal paths, or wander through the well-marked trails that make it easy to navigate without a guide.

What’s a European spring getaway without a trip to the beach? Hop in a rental car and head to the southern end of Marjan Hill, where you’ll find Bene Beach, Kasjuni Beach, and the stunning Jezinac Beach. Here you can take in the views of crystal-blue waters, soak up the sun on the sand, or stroll along the gorgeous coastline.

Miami, USA

When those April showers start to set in at home, it’s time to book that flight and head down to Miami. Just a three-hour flight from Toronto and Montreal, Miami is the perfect long-weekend escape for Canadians. The streets are bursting with culture, the bustling beaches are the top spots in town to soak up the sunshine and the local scene, and the nightlife never ends.

With the high season running from December to March, visiting Miami in April means lower prices and fewer tourists compared to the peak season. A springtime trip lets you lounge the day away at a stylish South Beach hotel in peace or explore the city streets of Brickell without all the busy crowds.

If you want to take in some arts and culture after you’ve gotten your beach fix, head to the Wynwood Walls, home to some of the best street art in Florida. You can spend the whole day here exploring the exhibitions, then take a break at a local brewery, or refuel at the gorgeous Cerveceria La Tropical beer garden.

April is also prime time festival season in Miami, with Miami Pride as one of the highlights. Events run throughout the month at local bars, restaurants, and outdoor venues, with the main Miami Beach Pride Festival taking place at Lummus Park. This two-day celebration features live music, outdoor fun, and colorful events you won’t want to miss. For the latest information, check out the Miami Pride website.

Ready to start planning your spring adventure?

For more inspiration, check out these sun-soaked April travel destinations that could make for an unforgettable spring getaway.