Things to Do in United States in April

April Weather in United States

21°C (70°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F) during peak trail hours - cool enough to avoid overheating on long mountain trails
Wildflower season begins in desert regions like Arizona and California, with desert marigolds and lupines creating spectacular photography opportunities
Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - typically 30-40% lower than summer peak rates, especially in national parks
Fewer crowds at major attractions before summer tourism kicks in, meaning shorter lines at popular spots like Grand Canyon viewpoints

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns with potential late-season snowstorms in mountain regions, especially above 2,000m (6,500ft)
Many high-altitude mountain passes and camping areas still closed due to snow, limiting access to alpine destinations
Daylight saving time transition can disrupt jet lag recovery for international visitors arriving early April

Best Activities in April

Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Tours

April is ideal for Smoky Mountain hiking with temperatures perfect for all-day treks and early wildflower blooms beginning. Snow has typically melted from most trails below 1,500m (4,900ft), but crowds haven't arrived yet. The famous synchronous fireflies won't appear until late May, making April perfect for peaceful trail experiences.

Booking Tip: Book mountain lodge accommodations 4-6 weeks ahead as this is when locals plan spring hiking trips. Day hikes typically cost nothing beyond park entry, while guided naturalist walks run $25-45 per person. Look for certified interpretive guides through park visitor centers.

California Wine Valley Cycling Tours

April offers perfect cycling weather in Napa and Sonoma valleys with morning temperatures around 10°C (50°F) warming to comfortable 18°C (65°F) afternoons. Grapevines are budding but tourist season hasn't peaked, meaning easier reservations and less traffic on scenic routes. Wildflowers bloom along vineyard edges.

Booking Tip: Book wine country bike tours 2-3 weeks ahead through established tour operators. Full-day guided tours typically cost $120-180 including bike rental and tastings. Self-guided bike rentals run $35-55 per day. Choose tours that include transportation back to starting points.

Arizona Desert Photography Expeditions

April is peak desert bloom season with temperatures perfect for sunrise and sunset photography sessions - morning lows around 13°C (55°F) and afternoon highs reaching 24°C (75°F). Saguaro cacti begin flowering, and desert marigolds create golden carpets after winter rains. Clear skies provide exceptional night sky photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book desert photography workshops 3-4 weeks ahead as this is prime wildflower season. Half-day guided photography tours cost $95-150 per person. Multi-day workshops run $400-650. Look for guides familiar with current bloom conditions and private land access permissions.

Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Walking Tours

Peak cherry blossom season typically occurs in early to mid-April when temperatures reach ideal walking conditions of 16°C (61°F). The National Cherry Blossom Festival brings cultural events, but smart timing allows you to see peak blooms before weekend crowds. Weather is perfect for all-day outdoor exploration.

Booking Tip: Cherry blossom timing varies yearly, so book flexible tours 10-14 days ahead once bloom predictions are announced. Free self-guided options available, while guided tours cost $25-40 per person. Peak bloom lasts only 4-7 days, so have backup indoor museum plans ready.

Florida Everglades Wildlife Expeditions

April offers ideal Everglades conditions with dry season wildlife concentrations at their peak and temperatures comfortable for airboat tours - highs around 26°C (79°F) with low humidity. Alligators are more active as water levels drop, and migratory birds haven't yet departed for northern breeding grounds.

Booking Tip: Book Everglades tours 1-2 weeks ahead through park-authorized operators. Airboat tours typically cost $45-75 for 1-2 hours. Full-day eco-tours run $120-180. Morning tours offer better wildlife viewing and photography light. Choose operators with naturalist guides, not just boat drivers.

New York City Rooftop and Outdoor Market Tours

April brings perfect weather for NYC's outdoor attractions with comfortable walking temperatures averaging 16°C (61°F) and minimal chance of winter storms. Rooftop bars reopen, outdoor markets flourish, and Central Park becomes ideal for picnics. Longer daylight hours mean more time for neighborhood exploration.

Booking Tip: Book specialty walking tours 1-2 weeks ahead as weather-dependent tours increase in April. Food market tours cost $65-95 per person. Rooftop experiences vary widely from $15 drinks to $200 multi-course dinners. Many outdoor activities are weather-dependent, so choose operators offering rescheduling options.

April Events & Festivals

Late March through Mid April

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington D.C.'s iconic festival celebrating the gift of cherry trees from Japan, featuring cultural performances, food vendors, and peak bloom viewing. The festival includes the Blossom Kite Festival and Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival with traditional arts demonstrations.

Mid April

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Major music festival in Indio, California featuring headliner acts across multiple genres, art installations, and desert camping experiences. The festival significantly impacts accommodation availability and pricing throughout the region.

Third Monday in April

Boston Marathon

Historic marathon held on Patriots' Day featuring 30,000+ runners and massive crowd support throughout the city. The event creates a festive atmosphere but also major traffic disruptions and accommodation booking challenges in Boston area.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack lightweight base layers, mid-weight fleece, and waterproof outer shell for 15°C (27°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Waterproof hiking boots if visiting mountain regions - trails can be muddy from snowmelt and spring rains

UV protection including SPF 30+ sunscreen and polarized sunglasses - UV index reaches 6 at higher altitudes and desert locations

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - April averages 10 rainy days with quick-moving spring storms

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities or high-altitude destinations where temperatures drop to 0°C (32°F)

Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics rather than cotton - 70% humidity in some regions makes cotton uncomfortable when damp

Portable battery pack for phone/camera - longer daylight hours mean more photo opportunities but increased battery drain

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - wet spring conditions create slippery surfaces on trails and city sidewalks

Light scarf or buff for wind protection - spring weather brings gusty conditions, especially in open areas and mountain passes

Insect repellent for southern and wetland regions where mosquitoes become active as temperatures warm above 10°C (50°F)

Insider Knowledge

Local 'mud season' affects mountain destinations - call ahead to confirm trail and road conditions as snow melts create impassable muddy conditions even when weather looks perfect

April is prime time for local farmers markets and food festivals as winter storage crops meet early spring vegetables - ask locals about weekend market schedules

Many national parks operate on reduced spring schedules with some visitor centers and facilities still closed - check current operating hours before planning daily itineraries

Hotel rates drop significantly after spring break ends but before summer bookings begin - mid-April often offers the best value for premium accommodations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - packing only for average temperatures without preparing for sudden cold snaps or late-season snow in mountain regions

Booking accommodations in college towns during graduation season without realizing April hosts many university commencement ceremonies

Assuming all hiking trails and scenic drives are accessible - many high-altitude roads remain closed due to snow conditions lasting through May