Best Places to Go in Europe in April: A Data-Driven Guide

April in Europe is the cheat code most travelers ignore. While everyone's booking July flights at 2x the price, April delivers warm-enough weather, thin crowds, and shoulder-season rates that'll make your wallet weep with joy. I've crunched the numbers on weather data, average hotel prices, and crowd density across dozens of European cities — here's what the data actually says.

Why April Is Statistically Underrated

Let me throw some numbers at you. According to Eurostat tourism data, April sees roughly 40% fewer overnight stays than July across the EU. Meanwhile, average daily temperatures in Southern Europe hover between 15–22°C (59–72°F) — perfectly comfortable. You're paying less, waiting less, and sweating less. That's what I call a triple win.

Top Destinations for April in Europe

1. Seville, Spain

Weather: Average high of 24°C (75°F), 6 rain days Crowd Level: Medium (Semana Santa spikes, then drops) Daily Budget: $90–130

Seville in April is borderline unfair. You get near-summer temperatures without the face-melting 40°C+ heat that turns the city into a convection oven come July. The orange trees are blooming, and if you time it right (post-Easter), hotel prices crater.

Pro Tip: Book the week AFTER Semana Santa. Prices drop 30–40% and the city empties out, but the weather stays perfect.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Weather: Average high of 20°C (68°F), 8 rain days Crowd Level: Low-Medium Daily Budget: $80–120

Lisbon in April is the sweet spot. Tourist numbers are a fraction of summer, the famous pastéis de nata taste just as good, and you can actually get a table at Time Out Market without performing a blood sacrifice.

Pro Tip: Grab the 24-hour Lisboa Card. It pays for itself if you hit two museums and use public transit.

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Weather: Average high of 18°C (64°F), 9 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $85–130

Dubrovnik before cruise ship season is a completely different city. In April, you can walk the city walls without being sardine-packed into a human conveyor belt. Hotel prices are 50% cheaper than July. That's not a typo.

4. Athens, Greece

Weather: Average high of 20°C (68°F), 5 rain days Crowd Level: Low-Medium Daily Budget: $75–115

Athens in April gives you clear skies, comfortable walking temps, and the Acropolis without the suffocating summer crowds. Greek Easter often falls in April too, which means incredible food traditions if you're lucky with timing.

Pro Tip: The Acropolis combo ticket covers 7 archaeological sites and is valid for 5 days. Don't buy individual tickets like a rookie.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Weather: Average high of 14°C (57°F), 9 rain days Crowd Level: Medium (King's Day spike on Apr 27) Daily Budget: $110–160

Amsterdam in April means tulip season. Keukenhof Gardens is open, the canals look incredible, and you'll need a jacket but not a parka. Fair warning: King's Day (April 27) turns the entire city orange and chaotic. Plan for it or avoid it — no middle ground.

6. Rome, Italy

Weather: Average high of 19°C (66°F), 7 rain days Crowd Level: Medium Daily Budget: $95–140

Rome's eternal, sure, but it's significantly more enjoyable when you're not battling 35°C heat and 3-hour Vatican lines. April queues are roughly half of July's, based on Google Popular Times data I've tracked obsessively.

Pro Tip: Book Vatican tickets for 8:00 AM on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Lowest crowd density of the week, confirmed by data.

Budget Breakdown: What April Actually Costs

Here's the real talk on daily budgets across spending styles:

Flight prices from major US hubs to European capitals in April average $450–650 round trip. Compare that to $700–1,000+ in July. You're saving $250+ before you even land.

Getting Around Europe in April

Flights: Budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet run frequent intra-Europe routes. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best rates. Average hop: $30–80.

Trains: Eurail passes make sense if you're hitting 3+ countries. A 5-day-in-1-month Global Pass runs about $280. Individual tickets on high-speed routes (Madrid–Seville, Rome–Florence) cost $20–50 booked early.

Buses: FlixBus connects basically everything for dirt cheap. Comfort is... functional. Prices: $10–30 for most routes.

Pro Tip: For Spain and Portugal specifically, the Renfe and CP rail apps offer resident-like prices if you book early. I've scored Madrid–Seville for $12.

Packing for April in Europe

Layers. That's the entire strategy. Southern Europe will give you T-shirt weather by afternoon, but mornings are crisp. Northern Europe (Amsterdam, etc.) still requires a proper jacket. A compact rain shell is non-negotiable — April showers are a cliché because they're real.

FAQ

Is April a good time to visit Europe?

Yes — statistically one of the best. You get 40% fewer tourists than peak summer, 30–50% lower hotel prices, and comfortable temperatures across Southern and Central Europe. Northern Europe is still cool but manageable.

What's the warmest place in Europe in April?

Seville and the southern Spanish coast, with average highs of 24°C (75°F). Southern Sicily, Crete, and Cyprus are close behind at 20–22°C.

Is it too cold to swim in Europe in April?

For most of Europe, yes. Mediterranean water temps hover around 16–18°C. Unless you're Scandinavian, that's wetsuit territory. Head to the Canary Islands (22°C water) if swimming is a priority.

How far ahead should I book for April travel?

Flights: 6–8 weeks. Hotels: 3–4 weeks (except during Easter week — book 2+ months ahead for popular cities). The shoulder season gives you more flexibility than summer.

Can I see the Northern Lights in April?

Technically yes, in northern Scandinavia, but April is the tail end of aurora season. Your odds are significantly better in October–March.

You Might Also Like

• Best Places to Go in Europe in March — If April's not early enough for you
• Best Places to Go in Europe in May — When spring fully commits
• Best Places to Go in Europe in October — The autumn equivalent of April's shoulder season