Where to find great camping weather in April and May?
10 March, 2025
Slowly but surely, the days are getting longer again and the crocuses are starting to bloom. Time to start thinking about your camping plans for this year! April and May are perfect months to head out and enjoy your first camping adventure. But where can you find the best weather during this period for a successful holiday? I’ll share a few destinations with pleasant temperatures, plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. Ideal for pitching your tent or hitting the road with your motorhome or caravan. And don’t forget to bring your CampingCard ACSI along, as it allows you to camp at extra attractive rates during the low season!
Where to find great camping weather in April and May?
Summary
The best European travel destinations in April and May are Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. Average temperatures in these months range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Lovely sunny weather, without the extreme heat of the summer months! If you prefer a destination a bit closer to home, Southern France is also a good choice. It is often already sunny there, although temperatures are slightly lower and there is still a small chance of rain.
Who knows, you might be in Greece this April or May!
Italy: Sicily, Sardinia and Tuscany
Especially Southern Italy is a great camping destination if you are looking for warm weather in April and May. Tuscany is relatively close, about 1,415 km from Utrecht. Sardinia is about 1,800 km away, and Sicily around 2,450 km.
On average, temperatures on the islands range between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius in April, and there is still a chance of light rain. In Tuscany, the weather can be a bit changeable in April, with temperatures between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius in April and between 21 and 24 degrees in May. In Sicily and Sardinia, you can enjoy temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees in May.
Sicily and Sardinia offer the ultimate Italian holiday vibe. April and May are perfect months for discovering nature and culture. Warm and sunny, but still very pleasant! Ideal weather for exploring.
It’s wonderful to stay in Sicily during April and May.
For instance, climb Mount Etna in Sicily or take the cable car up, visit the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, or take a refreshing dip in the Bay of Zingaro. The water temperature here ranges between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius in April and May. On Sardinia, you can hike through the Gola di Gorropu, one of the deepest gorges in Europe, or walk to Cala Goloritzé beach. Still a bit too cold to swim? Then book a boat trip to the La Maddalena archipelago and enjoy the turquoise waters from dry land.
Prefer staying on the mainland? Then head to Tuscany. Here you can (even by bike!) explore the extensive vineyards and picturesque villages of the Chianti region, or visit cities like Florence, Pisa or Siena. If you love nature during your holiday, explore Val d’Orcia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the image that comes to mind when you think of Tuscany!
Campsites in Southern Italy
Spain: Canary Islands and Andalusia
Ready for a sunny holiday already in April and May? Then head to Spain. The Canary Islands and the region of Andalusia are excellent choices. Be aware that the Canary Islands are about 3,650 km from Utrecht. While the distance is considerable, the journey is definitely worth it. You could even combine it with a stopover in Southern France!
In Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, average temperatures reach 22 to 25 degrees Celsius in April and 24 to 27 degrees in May, making them some of the warmest European options. Andalusia, located in southern Spain (around 2,200 km away), is even slightly warmer: expect averages of 23 to 27 degrees Celsius in April and 27 to 32 degrees in May.
The Canary Islands offer stunning beaches, and the temperatures are ideal for exploring the beautiful nature. On Tenerife, visit Teide National Park and climb Spain’s highest mountain, or wander through the enchanting forests of the Anaga Rural Park.
Experience the magic of the Canary Islands on Tenerife.
In Andalusia, you’ll find beautiful cities such as Seville and Granada. In Granada, visit the impressive Moorish palace Alhambra, one of the most famous buildings in the world. In Seville, the Feria de Abril is a must-see festival featuring dancing, wine and delicious food. Note that the dates of the festival vary each year, so be sure to check ahead if you plan to visit.
Nature lovers should not miss Doñana National Park and Sierra Nevada National Park. These areas are perfect for walking, horse riding and wildlife spotting. Along the Andalusian coast, you’ll find towns such as Málaga, Marbella and Almería. Thanks to their coastal locations, temperatures here are slightly milder: around 19 to 23 degrees Celsius in April and 23 to 26 degrees in May.
Visit these campsites in Andalusia with your CampingCard ACSI
Portugal: Algarve
Portugal should also definitely be on your spring camping shortlist. The Algarve in particular is a great option. Average temperatures are around 19 to 22 degrees Celsius in April and 22 to 25 degrees in May. Some rain can still fall, but that shouldn’t spoil the fun. It’s about 2,400 km from Utrecht to Faro, easily combined with stopovers in France and Spain.
Discover the Ria Formosa nature park near the Portuguese town of Faro.
The Algarve is perfect for a road trip. Visit charming towns like Albufeira, Portimão or the small but lovely Faro. From Faro’s harbour, you’ll have a view over the special Ria Formosa nature reserve. Book a boat trip and explore it further! Or visit Lagos and book a trip to the famous Benagil Cave – maybe you’ll even spot dolphins – go surfing in Sagres, or simply relax in the sun. Lace up your hiking boots and walk along the cliffs at Ponta de Piedade.
Check out these campsites in Southern Portugal
Greece: Crete and the Ionian Islands
Greece is a wonderful camping destination in April and May. Here you can enjoy a mix of sun, beach, nature, culture, and delicious food. Especially Crete and the Ionian Islands are highly recommended in spring. With average temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, it’s pleasantly warm. Crete is about 3,200 km from Utrecht, and the Ionian Islands around 2,900 km.
Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Crete and visit the Balos and Elafonissi beaches. The latter is particularly special because of its pink sand! Hike through the Samaria Gorge, covering a trail of 16 kilometres — luckily, in April and May, it’s not too hot yet. You can also soak up culture at the ancient Knossos Palace and discover the historic Minoan civilisation.
The island of Kefalonia is wonderfully colourful.
There’s plenty to explore on the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos, and Zakynthos). Zakynthos, for example, is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Shipwreck Beach. If you’re up for some adventure, dive into the Blue Caves — stunning underwater caves. Kefalonia also boasts gorgeous beaches; Myrtos Beach is known for its white sand, turquoise water, and the surrounding beautiful mountains. On Corfu, a hike up Mount Pantokrator is highly recommended. In April and May, the temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities.
These lovely Greek campsites accept CampingCard ACSI
Southern France: closer to home, slightly cooler
Do the above options seem a bit far, and is slightly cooler weather not a problem for you? In Southern France — especially in the Provence and Côte d’Azur — the weather is already pleasant in April and May. Temperatures typically range between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius with plenty of sunshine. The Dordogne and Ardèche are also excellent choices, with temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Do bear in mind that April can still bring occasional rain.
While the chances of slightly lower temperatures and less stable weather are greater here, it is the closest destination if you’re seeking warm weather in April and May. The Dordogne (1,000 km from Utrecht) and the Ardèche (1,050 km from Utrecht) are the nearest, followed by Provence (1,165 km) and the Côte d’Azur (1,300 km).
You probably recognise this famous sight: the lavender fields of Valensole in the French Provence.
A true highlight in May are the blooming lavender fields in Provence — a truly special sight! The municipality of Valensole is particularly worth a visit and is often photographed. If you prefer luxury and glamour during your camping holiday, make sure to visit the Cannes Film Festival. Although you might not make it to the red carpet or big screen, you can certainly soak up the atmosphere. In 2025, the film festival will take place from 13 to 25 May.
Campsites in Southern France
Camping in the Low Season with CampingCard ACSI
With the CampingCard ACSI, you can enjoy even cheaper camping rates during the low season. This discount card offers reduced rates at more than 3,000 campsites across Europe. You can save up to 60% per night and always pay one of eight fixed prices: €13, €15, €17, €19, €21, €23, €25, or €27. This way, you can save on accommodation and spend your money on other fun things — like a fancy drink or an extra plate of tapas. Enjoy your holiday to the fullest!
Which places would you love to visit in spring? Let me know in the comments!
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