Weather
Temperatures start to warm up in April with average daily temperatures ranging from 54 degrees Fahrenheit in the west to 50 degrees inland, and 43 degrees up in the mountains. Though the snow has turned to rain, depending on the winter, higher elevations can still see snow (great for skiers!).
You’ll want to bring your umbrella and a waterproof jacket alongside your warm winter clothes, especially if you head to the western part of the country where it rains for half the month. Visitors planning on driving through the Julian Alps will be happy to know the Vršič Pass opens to cars toward the end of the month.
Crowds & Costs
April transitions from the low season to Slovenia’s shoulder season as businesses re-open for tourism and popular destinations are all accessible—roads that were previously closed due to inclement snowy weather are now open, like the Vršič Pass. A shoulder month, April sees few crowds and costs for hotels are at some of their lowest, the caveat being around the Easter holidays when you’ll want to book your rooms and make reservations ahead of time.
Where to Go
April’s warming weather and longer daylight hours make it a good month to explore Slovenia by foot or paddle with plenty of outdoor options for hiking, biking, and rafting. Most visitors begin or end their stay with a few days in Ljubljana to check out its historic core, castle, stellar restaurants, museums, and galleries. Other popular points of interest are Maribor on the Drava River and Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, in the eastern part of the country.
It’s always worth a visit to the uber-popular Lake Bled making a day trip to the not-as-famous but equally-as-beautiful Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park. From there a popular next stop is to head to Bovec, taking advantage of the recently opened Vršič Pass through the Julian Alps and into the Soča Valley for stunning sights of the rushing Soča River.
While on the short coastline of the Adriatic, consider visiting the compact towns that dot the coastline, like Portorož, Piran, Izola, and Koper. And if the weather turns sour, head "indoors" to a cave in the Karst region like Škocjan or Postojna. For more, read on about the Top Regions of Slovenia.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Although the weather may be unpredictable, now is a good time to head outdoors. Head west toward the Soča Valley where you’ll find Slovenia’s highest peak, Mt. Triglav, as well as the crystal-clear, emerald blue Soča River—the melting snow and ice contributing to the waters allure, a great time to go white water rafting and kayaking.
If raging water isn’t your thing, hiking along the Tolminka Gorge is just as good an option to experience the striking natural scenery. A trek to Boka Waterfalls, one of Europes’ best, shouldn’t be missed. History buffs will also appreciate a visit to the area surrounding Bovec for the number of World War I monuments marking the important events that took place as well as honoring fallen soldiers.
Another great hiking option is to discover the impressive and other-worldly Velika Planina, a sprawling shepherd settlement north of Ljubljana, where you can hike or take a ski lift up to the mountain trails available for walking and biking.
Fewer crowds to contend with in the shoulder months means renting a bike to explore Ljubljana’s cobblestoned streets and historic core. If the weather is cooperating, thrillseekers may enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride for unique views over the capital. For more ideas on what to do in Ljubljana, read 24 Hours in Ljubljana.
Events in April
Chocolate Festival. Visit Radovljica in mid-April for everything chocolate: cooking demonstrations, tastings, and kids workshops.
Spring Horticulture Fair. Outside of Kamnik in Volčji Potok, Slovenia’s largest flower and gardening show takes place.
St. George’s Fair. Head to Ptuj for a medieval celebration marking the beginning of spring.
National Resistance Day. Expect closures throughout the country on this day.
Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen). An outdoor food festival in Ljubljana that takes place every Friday.
Traveling to Slovenia in April? Check out these great itineraries.
Slovenia Ultimate Outdoor Adventure - 7 Days. Active travelers can cover the Slovenian countryside in all manners of transportation with this weeklong itinerary. You'll spend seven days hiking, biking, and rafting across varying terrain, sleeping in traditional Alpine huts, vineyards, and farms along the way. Top it off with a toast in the Goriška Brda wine country—you'll have earned it.
Highlights of Slovenia - 8 Days. Starting from the laidback riverside cafés of Ljubljana, you'll explore the fairytale shores of Lake Bled, rocky passes of the Julian Alps, rushing waters of Soça River, and rolling hills of Goriška Brda wine region. Enjoy alfresco activities that this small country is known for—hiking, biking, swimming, and river rafting—along with caves, castles, and centuries of history.
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