Last reviewed: November 2026. Event dates are for 2027 where given. Check official sites and travel advisories before you book.
March and April are shoulder season in much of the Northern Hemisphere: flowers are out, the weather is warming up, and summer crowds and prices haven’t arrived yet. Easter and spring breaks make some weeks busy, so timing within the two months matters.
Here are the best places to travel in March and April, with what each is good for and what to book early.
Spring blossoms and flowers
Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossoms usually peak in late March or early April. It’s one of the busiest times of the year in Japan, so book hotels months ahead and visit popular spots early in the morning. Bloom forecasts appear from early March.
Washington, DC
The cherry trees around the Tidal Basin usually bloom in late March or early April, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival runs around the peak. The museums are free, too. Getting around is easiest on Metro; see my guide to DC Metro safety.
The Netherlands
Tulip season usually runs late March into early May. Keukenhof gardens open for a few weeks each spring and sell timed tickets, and the bulb fields between Haarlem and Leiden are best seen by bike.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
After a wet winter, the desert can burst into wildflowers between February and April. Blooms depend entirely on rainfall, so check the park’s wildflower updates before you go.
Festivals and celebrations in 2027
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Seville, Spain: processions through the city in the week before Easter, which is March 28, 2027. Hotels book up and prices rise, so reserve early.
- Holi in India: the festival of colors falls in March. India was at Level 2 in the US advisory; read the regional notes, and stick to well-organized events.
- Easter in Europe: expect closures on Good Friday and Easter Monday in many countries, and busy trains and flights.
Beaches and islands
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Hawaii
Spring is pleasant across the islands, and whale-watching season off Maui continues into March. Spring break weeks are busy, so compare dates.
The Caribbean and Mexico
The dry season continues through April. Prices drop after Easter in many places, making late April good value before the hurricane season starts in June.
Thailand
March and April are the hottest months, and April brings the Songkran water festival around the Thai New Year in mid-April. Beaches on the Andaman coast, such as Phuket, are still in season; my guide to Phuket safety covers what to watch for.
Adventure
- Patagonia: autumn in March and April brings fewer people, fall colors and calmer weather than midsummer, though days are shorter and some services close in late April.
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: the warm season runs roughly January to May, with calmer seas and warmer water for snorkeling. Visits are arranged through licensed operators and the national park rules.
- Utah’s national parks: spring is ideal for hiking in Zion, Arches and Canyonlands before the summer heat. Some parks have used timed entry, so check the NPS site.
City breaks
- Paris and Rome: mild weather and blossom in parks. Book the Louvre, Vatican Museums and Colosseum on official sites, as Easter weeks are especially busy.
- Lisbon and Porto: warm, sunny spring days and fewer people than summer.
- New Orleans: festival season, with mild weather before the summer humidity.
Busy spring weeks bring more scams and pickpockets around famous sights; my guide to avoiding tourist traps at major attractions covers what to watch for. For ideas for the rest of the year, see the best places to travel by month.
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Planning tips
- Check school holidays and Easter for your destination and your home country.
- Pack layers. Spring weather changes quickly in Europe and North America.
- Book blossom trips flexibly, with refundable rooms if you can.
Frequently asked questions
Where is warm in March and April?
The Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Southeast Asia and southern Spain and Portugal are all warm. Thailand is hot.
When is Easter in 2027?
Easter Sunday is March 28, 2027.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
Usually late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto, earlier in the south and later in the north.
Is April a good time to visit Europe?
Yes. It’s mild and less crowded than summer, apart from Easter week.
