Where's hot in April?

April is a good month if you love the kind of heat that makes you feel you’re in a Turkish bath. Cambodia and South India have constant humidity as well as long, sunshine-filled days at this time of year. If what you’re looking for is a spring-like warmth and freshness, consider South Australia, Peru, and parts of Malaysia.

April at a glance

Destination	Max. temp.	Sunshine hours	Average flight time
Cambodia	Max. temp.	91 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	21¾ hours (New York to Phnom Penh)
Malaysia	Max. temp.	93 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	22¾ hours (New York to Kuala Lumpur)
Peru	Max. temp.	89 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	10 hours 30 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Lima)

South Australia

As the summer heat (and rain) recedes, April is a great month for seeing the wildlife of South Australia. On Kangaroo Island it’s mating season for little penguins and the rare glossy black cockatoo. In Flinders Ranges, the temperatures are ideal for exploring this Outback region on bushwalks or by 4x4, looking out for wallabies, kangaroos, and emus.

Type of heat in South Australia in April: The fierce heat of summer has given way to a sunny, usually dry run of weather. There’s no humidity in the air. It’s T-shirt weather by day, but you’ll need layers come evening. Maximum temperatures at this time of the year are around 72°F.

Average temperature in South Australia in April: 68°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in South Australia in April: 7 hours

Average flight time to South Australia: 24 hours 10, dependent on airline (New York to Adelaide)

• Adelaide, South Australia
• Koala, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
• Emu, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
• Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
• Barossa Valley, South Australia

Cambodia

Temperatures soar in Cambodia in April, which is one of the reasons it’s so nice to flee to its coast. With the sea mirroring the blue skies above, you can enjoy the unbridled heat by taking dips in the sea and relaxing on Cambodia’s out-of-the-way beaches and private islands.

Type of heat in Cambodia in April: The sun is dazzlingly bright, there’s little rain, and the air is deliciously soupy, though on the coast you might also feel warm sea breezes. Maximum temperatures can reach 91°F.

Average temperature in Cambodia in April: 88°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Cambodia in April: 8 hours

Average flight time to Cambodia: 21¾ hours (New York to Phnom Penh)

• Sunrise, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Cambodia's south coast
• Floating villages, Tonle Sap, Cambodia
• Phnom Kulen National Park, Cambodia
• Koh Krabey, Cambodia

Malaysia

The sun shines brightly in April in Malaysia. In the lushly green Cameron Highlands, it’s warm but not oppressive, making it a good time of year to go walking here among the tea plantations, forests, and waterfalls. There’s the odd (refreshing) rain shower.

Type of heat in Malaysia in April: Humidity is high across the country, including the Cameron Highlands, nearly all year round, though in the highlands expect it to dip in April. You might also experience some breezes. The maximum temperature at this time of year is 93°F.

Average temperature in Malaysia in April: 82°F depending on region

Average hours of sunshine in Malaysia in April: 8 hours

Average flight time to Malaysia: 22¾ hours (New York to Kuala Lumpur)

• Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
• Pangkor Laut, Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
• Langkawi, Malaysia

Peru

April comes at the tail-end of Peru’s wet season, which means that humidity is decreasing and temperatures are pleasant. This spring-like weather lends itself beautifully to touring Peru’s cultural riches, where there’ll be far fewer visitors. Explore the Moche ruins of northern Peru, Cuzco’s Inca heritage and museums, and Lima’s culinary scene.

Type of heat in Peru in April: Expect dry and sunny days in Lima and northern Peru, with little rain and low humidity. It’ll be cooler in Cuzco, but you should be fine in a T-shirt (except at night: bring a fleece). In some areas, the maximum temperature can reach 90°F.

Average temperature in Peru in April: 77°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Peru in April: 8 hours

Average flight time to Peru: 10 hours 30 upwards dependent on airline (New York to Lima)

• Cuzco, Peru
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Sacred Valley, Peru
• Lake Titicaca, Peru
• Lima, Peru

South India

If you’re happiest in sweltering heat, the south of India has a lot to offer at this time of year, provided you’re okay with the occasional thunderstorm. You could explore the crucible of cultures that is Cochin, Kerala’s backwaters, and the mansions of Chettinad, or simply relax on Kovalam’s low-key beaches.

Type of heat in South India in April: Expect lots of sun and constant high humidity, broken only by the odd storm. The maximum temperature can reach up to 102°F.

Average temperature in South India in April: 91°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in South India in April: 8 hours

Average flight time to South India: 13 hours 50 (New York to New Delhi)

• Chinese fishing nets, Cochin, India
• Chettinad Palace, India
• Kovalam beach, India
• Backwaters of Kerala, India
• Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, India