Florida in April

Spring is in full bloom in Florida during the month of April! The flowers are blossoming, the air is warm and crisp, the kids are still in school, and it is the last month before the rainy season arrives.

April is a very good time to visit Florida. It’s the last month of the dry season, with pleasant weather before the humidity sets in and rainy days become more likely. Additionally, spring break crowds are gone in the second half of the month, and prices drop.

Resources: Tours, Hotels, Best Guides (open in a new tab)

🎟️ Stunning Florida Activities & Tours | Tickets

🏠 Best Price Hotel Deals in Florida | booking.com

🌴 Best Florida Travel Guides (Amazon)

From our experience, this is one of the best months of the year to plan a vacation to the Sunshine State.

In this guide, we cover:

  • Weather in April
  • Water Temperature | Swimming
  • What to Pack | Outfits
  • Crowds and Rates
  • Best Things to Do in April (Attractions, Beaches)

💡 Looking for another month? Visit our guide to Florida in the spring.

April Weather

Weather and average high temperatures in Florida during April. The photo shows Miami

It’s no surprise that Florida is one of the most favored destinations for people to spend their retirement. This is the only state that keeps a subtropical climate throughout the whole year. Temperatures will vary in regions from north to south, but overall, Florida is hot.

During April, the average high temperature in Florida is 77-85°F (25-29°C). It’s still dry season with crisp weather, less wind, and more sunny days than during the summer months. Rainfalls are typically short in April, and it rains only 2.3 – 3 inches on average.

The weather isn’t that much different from city to city. The further north you go, the slightly cooler the temperature will be. This is particularly noticeable in the mornings and evenings.

Average Highs in April include:

  • Miami: 80°F (26°C)
  • Tampa: 84°F (29°C)
  • Orlando: 84°F (29°C)
  • Jacksonville: 80°F (27°C)
  • Destin: 77°F (25°C)

Florida temperatures can be a breath of fresh air for visitors from any state up north such as Minnesota, Illinois, or Michigan, where late winter frosts and rainy spring climates may still be taking place.

Rainfall

April is the final month of the ‘dry season.’ Meaning that rainfall during this time of year isn’t as likely, as it is in the months to come. However, thunderstorms do appear from time to time during spring.

Rainfall doesn’t last long, even if it does happen in April. Once on a trip to Panama City for spring break, we had storms most of the week, however, it usually only lasted an hour or 2. The average rainfall during this time of year is 2.2-3 inches and very rarely exceeds 5.5 inches. Cities on the Gulf side of Florida tend to see more rainfall, the warm waters help to create the occasional storms.

Heat/Humidity

Humidity is always high in Florida, a consequence of being so close to the Caribbean. The average humidity level in April is 69-72%, which is not bad compared to summer months where humidity can reach highs of over 90%.

Daily Weather Progression

Depending on where you are traveling to, there might be better things to do at certain times of the day. When visiting popular tourist attractions that are mostly outside, go early, beat the heat, and the crowds too!

Evenings tend to be chilly in April in Florida due to the light breeze, especially in more northern cities like Jacksonville or Destin. I remember when living in Florida in the Tampa Bay area, because of the wind, temperatures could get down to 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit in the late evenings.

Here is a Daily Progression of a southern location, Miami:

  • 8 AM: 73°F
  • 11 AM: 79°F
  • 2 PM: 82°F
  • 9 PM: 76°F

Water Temperature | Swimming

Sebastian Inlet State Park (Google Maps location)

For locals and frequent visitors, the general rule of thumb is that the ocean in Florida is warm enough for swimming anytime from April to October, depending on the location. However, die-hard water enthusiasts will be seen in the water all year round.

In South Florida, the water during April is warm enough for swimming and surfing without a wetsuit, particularly in the Miami area and the Keys. In the northern part of Florida, the ocean temperature is colder and wetsuits are advised. This applies especially to the Atlantic side.

The Atlantic side of Florida, including beaches such as Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, has an average sea temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit in April. The waters are warmer on the Gulf side of Florida around beaches such as Destin and Clearwater, with water temperatures around 70 degrees.

Kitesurfing: The conditions are perfect for visitors who come to the Tampa Bay area for kitesurfing. April brings the winds needed, and the water temperature is ideal for long days.

Miami/Keys: However, the warmest waters in all of Florida can always be found around the Southern tip by Miami and the Keys, averaging around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If warm water is a must for your water activities, the further south the better.

What to Pack | Outfit Guide

Beach weather calls for summer attire:

In April you wear shorts and t-shirts in Florida because it’s warm and pleasant beach weather. A light jacket or a sweater and loose pants or jeans can be useful in the early morning and late evening after sunset. Comfortable shoes are essential for any activity.

During the month of April, clothing and additional items in your suitcase should consist of:

  • Shorts
  • Capris
  • T-shirts & tanks
  • Sundresses
  • Light sweater (mornings, evenings, air condition)
  • Loose pants
  • Bathing suits/cover-ups, swim trunks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Small backpack for day trips

💡 Don’t forget the following essential items:

Comfortable Shoes
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Comfortable shoes are a must, no matter where you go. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you will be doing.

In particular, when going to Orlando and visiting the theme parks. Without comfortable walking shoes, you might end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day. Please don’t wear flip-flops in theme parks.

Sandals
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In addition to comfortable shoes, sandals with support are a good idea. They are a must when adding water rides in the theme parks to your activity list.

Light Rain Jacket
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Even though, April is still considered to be ‘dry season,’ an occasional downpour or thunderstorm is always a possibility in Florida. Please bring a raincoat as a precaution.

Special Tip | Restaurant visits: When visiting Florida, we always keep a sweater or light jacket handy throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Since the temperature outside is mainly hot, the air conditioners are on full blast. If you are someone who tends to get cold easily, this is a great tip to keep in mind.

Visitor report: ‘We usually visit Orlando during the last two weeks of April. Although it’s usually warm and hot, the nights are cooler, not cold though That’s why I pack a light sweater for the early mornings when it’s bright and crisp and for the night when it’s a little cooler.’

Packing Tips

A travel tip that we have learned from traveling in Florida is to always bring some medicine for a headache. The Florida heat is no joke and if you aren’t used to a warm climate, this could really bring a damper to your visit.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and Mickey Mouse ears for Disney!

Rates



Booking.com

April is the ideal time of year to take advantage of low prices, especially during the second half of the month! Spring breakers have left for the season and the piles of tourists aren’t due to arrive for a few more weeks. During this time, prices tend to decrease for major attractions and visitors will experience average accommodation prices ranging from $150-$500 depending on which city you are in.

Tip: Check low price deals on booking.com for Florida (sort by lowest price!).

Crowds

Kids are still in school so most family trips will happen over the summer, and most spring breakers are at the end of their vacations. Try visiting the parks, such as Disney or Universal, towards the end of the month when crowds aren’t as high. The heat and humidity are still low and the ocean water is still a bit chilly, making the beaches less crowded and more enjoyable.

Spring break crowds: The beginning of April can be a hit or miss when it comes to crowds. Most American spring breaks happen in March, but depending on when Easter falls, they frequently roll over into April too.

Beaches are by far the most popular thing for spring breakers to do, and they usually flock to the shores of Fort Lauderdale, Panama City, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville.

How bad are the spring break crowds in April? Spring break does cause crowds, and there are a few schools that break the first part of April, however, 75% of Universities have spring break in March, they linger through the first part of the month but the worst is over by then.

Snowbird areas: The main places where visitors are less likely to catch a break on the prices and the crowds are in cities where ‘snowbirds’ reside. Snowbirds are usually residents of the northern part of the United States or Canada who spend their winter months in Florida. During the months of October – April/May, snowbirds settle in a warmer climate, causing an increase in prices in some areas:

Miami, the Palm Beaches, Orlando Attractions area, Jacksonville, Daytona,St. Petersburg/Tampa, Naples, and Sarasota.

Things to Do/Attractions | Overview

Disney World, Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando
Disney/Universal

Disney World and Universal Studios are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. During the first part of April, spring breakers are still enjoying their time out of school and beaches aren’t the only place they gather. So depending on when Easter is, this will dictate the spring break dates as well as the crowds of students.

In general, towards the end of April, you can find fewer crowds and some of the cheapest prices of the season.

Disney crowds: Easter and the week before Easter is extremely busy at Disney World. Even the week after Easter is still busy. So, depending on which day Easter falls on, plan your visit accordingly if you want to dodge the crowds.

Find more tips about visiting Orlando, Disney World, and Universal below!

Florida Beaches

April is the first month of the year when the water starts to feel a little warmer in Florida, but the air is still crisp because the heat is not at its most powerful. Since it is still early in the year, beaches in the southern and gulf sides of the state tend to be the best options.

Tip: If you are looking for a more luxury stay or something more family-friendly, check out the Cultural Coast or the Treasure Coast, such as West Palm Beach. A personal favorite in the Cultural Coast is the hidden gem of Anna Maria Island. Located about an hour south of Tampa, this island is perfect for relaxing in nature and encourages walking and bike riding.

The Gold Coast, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, has the highest temperatures all year round and has a very diverse atmosphere of culture, food, and entertainment. This part of the state gives off a more lively and energetic vibe and is the most popular among tourists.

Fishing & Kayaking

Visitors come from all over the country to take part in some of the greatest fishing opportunities in the United States. April is one of the best months of the year because of the tarpon migration. In Southwest Florida, thousands of fish make an appearance in the Boca Grande Pass to mate and replenish, making this some of the best tarpon fishing in the world and a focal point for nature and outdoor lovers!

Festivals

Florida is the host of a ton of festivals during the month of April including the following:

  • The Florida Keys Island Festival
  • Pioneer Days
  • Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival
  • Florida Strawberry Festival

However, If you are looking for a weekend filled with live music and dancing, we suggest you check out the Blues Festival in Jacksonville, Sarasota Jazz Fest, or Sunfest in West Palm Beach.

Things to Do | Tips and Details

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Most visitors think about the major attractions in Orlando (Disney, Universal, Sea World) and the beaches across the state. However, beaches and theme parks aren’t the only way to enjoy Florida in April. There are countless options to immerse yourself in nature and the outdoors in the sunshine state during this month.

Visitors come from all over the country to take part in some of the greatest fishing opportunities in the United States. April is one of the best months of the year because of the tarpon migration. In Southwest Florida, thousands of fish make an appearance in the Boca Grande Pass to mate and replenish, making this some of the best tarpon fishing in the world and a focal point for nature and outdoor lovers!

Florida Beaches | Recommended

The coastline of Florida is a vacation hotspot all year round because of the gorgeous beaches. April is a superb time to visit the beaches if you are wanting to avoid crowds and humidity.

South Beach is one of our personal favorites this time of year. Last time we went we had fantastic weather, with a nice cool breeze most days.

West Palm Beach offers visitors more luxurious options and has some of the best shopping in the state, less crowded than its neighboring beaches of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It has average water temperatures of 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Anna Maria Island is a personal favorite and a hidden gem on the Cultural Coast. It is great for nature lovers and encourages walking and bike riding.

Jacksonville and St. Augustine will be the least busy, this is mainly because their northern location have cooler waters and temperatures.

Orlando

The average high temperatures in Orlando hover around 84°F (31°C). April is one of our favorite times of the year to experience all this city has to offer.

Crowds: It’s not too crowded in Orlando in April, other than the first weekend or so, while spring breaks are coming to an end. This is the last month to enjoy low crowds at theme parks due to kids still being in school.

Universal Studios | Orlando
Universal Studios: Breathing Dragon, Diagon Alley – Harry Potter

Universal Studios is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. Kids are still in school until mid- or late-May. This means April is a great time to take advantage of good weather, cheaper rates, and lower crowds.

Is the park-to-park ticket worth it? The park-to-park ticket allows you to roam between the three parks (see below) on the same day. You definitely should get it if you are a Harry Potter fan, as you can only ride the Hogwarts Express with this ticket.

Additionally, some visitors always get the park-to-park ticket as they love to move around, particularly if it’s too busy in one park (for example, if you visit on a weekend in April). It just gives you more flexibility.

Skip-the-line-ticket: The crowds in April are usually low enough to do Universal Studios without the express/skip-the-line ticket.

Three parks: Universal Studios is not just one park. There are a total of three Universal parks, each with its own theme and unique attractions:

  • Universal Studios Florida
  • Islands of Adventure
  • Volcano Bay Water Park
Walt Disney World | Orlando (Nearby)
Magical Castle in Magic Kingdom, Disney, Orlando

Disney World is Florida’s most prominent attraction and is perfect for a less crowded area in April when most kids are still in school. We have experienced many Disney World vacations, and the most enjoyable always happen in April. Epcot is also host to the Flower and Garden Festival every April as well.

While Disney World features multiple attractions, including water parks and golf courses, its main attractions are the four theme parks:

  1. Magic Kingdom
  2. Animal Kingdom
  3. Hollywood Studios
  4. Epcot

Tickets: For a hassle-free experience, get the base tickets in advance: Walt Disney World Orlando – Admission Base Tickets 2-7 days (mobile voucher or printed voucher)

How many days? 5-7 days are recommended for the best Disney World experience. If you only have two or three days, visit Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom or Epcot. Magic Kingdom is the best park as its rides and attractions have more magic than anything else.

In general, plan 1-2 days for each of the four parks in Disney World Orlando. Park experts recommend two days for each park, except Animal Kingdom, which can be easily done within a day.

SeaWorld | Orlando

When visiting SeaWorld in Orlando, you get the fantastic chance to see penguins, otters, dolphins, and other amazing sea creatures up close. The park won’t be too crowded in April, and the main event will be the Seven Seas Food Festival.

5 tips for a perfect SeaWorld visit in September:

  1. Make reservations in advance: While it’s not jam-packed in April, it’s still not fun waiting in a long line. Save time and money by purchasing (mobile or printed voucher) tickets in advance: Park Admission Ticket Reservation
  2. Pack a light sweater: While April offers pleasant temperatures in Orlando, the animal exhibits and aquariums which are not outside can get quite chilly in the evenings and early mornings. A sweater helps if you get cold easily.
  3. Arrive early at the shows: As the number of daily shows is limited, they often fill up quickly. In particular, the dolphin show, Dolphin Adventures, and Shamu’s close-up, Orca Encounter. Try to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before showtime, especially on weekends in April.
  4. Check the weather forecast: Check the forecast in the morning and prepare for your visit. Light rain showers are fine, as you can do many things indoors. However, many outdoor shows close due to bad weather (rainstorms or lightning). During one of those rare rainy days in April, you might plan to visit the Kennedy Space Center instead, for example.
  5. Bring rain gear: You can get wet easily during one of the water rides or in the splash zone of the shows. We recommend bringing some rain gear or wearing clothes that dry quickly.
Kennedy Space Center | Orlando (Nearby)

The Kennedy Space Center is worth visiting and is only a 50-minute-drive from Orlando. You can either buy the admission ticket (mobile or printed voucher) solo or one where you don’t have to worry about driving as it includes transport from and to Orlando (via GetYourGuide – safe booking)

April is an ideal time to visit the Space Center as it is not as crowded as in the summer. In particular, the shorter waiting lines make it even more enjoyable. However, try to avoid weekends as they are the busiest. Also, keep in mind that you will often spend some time waiting to enter or get onto things, even during the off-season in April.

Must-see attractions:

  • Watch a rocket launch
  • See a real space shuttle
  • Go behind the gates (NASA restricted areas)
  • Take the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center

Guided tour: You can explore everything on your own, but a guided tour is highly recommended since the area is overwhelming in its size and scope.

Tampa

In April, the average high temperature in Tampa is 83°F (28.3°C). It’s about 10 to 15 degrees colder in the early morning and late evenings.

Tampa Bay’s Sun Coast offers some of Florida’s best beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. Expect higher crowds in April due to the high number of ‘snowbirds’ in the area.

Besides hitting the beaches, Tampa has some great activities to offer for the whole family. Our tips:

Busch Gardens: Tampa’s huge theme park features intriguing wildlife with more than 2000 animals from around the world, huge roller coasters, live shows, restaurants, and games. Spend a full day at Busch Gardens. Ticket reservations (mobile voucher or printed): Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Ticket & Multi-Park Options

Florida Aquarium: The Florida Aquarium is located on the southeastern edge of downtown Tampa. It’s truly fascinating and has a huge collection of marine life, with 14,000 animals, including stingrays, moray eels, and turtles. Consider 2-3 hours for your visit. If you plan to visit on a weekend, get a skip-the-line ticket: The Florida Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entrance

Sarasota
Sarasota: Ringling Museum

Sarasota is a city on Florida’s Gulf Coast south of Tampa that was originally the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Average high temperature progression during April in Sarasota:

  • Early April: 80°F (26.6°C)
  • Mid-April: 81°F (27.2°C)
  • Late April: 85°F(29.4°C)

Early Morning: It’s 10-15°F degrees cooler in the morning (around 8 AM) in April compared to the afternoon.

Sarasota is a vibrant place with plenty of great things to do in April. From the white sandy beaches to golfing and shopping or nightlife activities.

The Mote Marine Laboratory, which is ideal for small children, and the historical Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are two of Sarasota’s main attractions.

Tours by bike or bus are a fantastic way to experience the city, but you can also do it on your own.

Must-see/recommended:

  • Ringling Museum: Perfect for a rainy afternoon in April.

Tip: To discover the main attractions as well as the hidden neighborhoods, book a Sarasota sightseeing tour. It covers the historic downtown neighborhoods of Gillespie Park, Burns Court, Laurel Park, St. Armands Circle, and the Rosemary Design District.

 

Everglades

The Everglades are comfortable in April, with an average high of 83°F (28°C) and an average low of 70°F (21°C). Humidity levels are at their lowest of the year. The dry season also has fewer mosquitos and bugs.

Please read our complete Everglades guide and find out why April is still a great month to visit.

As wildlife starts to disperse with the rising water levels, the mornings and evenings are the best times to spot animals in April. April tends to have higher crowds, especially on the weekends; too many visitors can often cause animals to stay in hiding. Shark Valley or Homestead entrances give visitors the best chance to spot wildlife.

Miami

In April, the average temperature in Miami is 80°F (26.6°C). This is a great month to visit as it’s almost perfect beach weather.

Crowds: It’s not as busy compared to previous and following months like March and May. It also has lower crowds compared to snowbirds’ favorites like Clearwater or Naples. Nevertheless, Miami is one of the most popular cities in all of Florida and will always have average crowds.

Read more more about Miami’s crowds and weather during April in our complete guide.

Activities: Keep in mind that there is more to experience than Miami Beach and South Beach. Our tips:

Florida Keys
Seven Mile Bridge, Key West

The Florida Keys is hands down one of the best places to visit when exploring Florida in April, and during any other month, of course.

In April the average temperature for the Keys is 82°F (27.7°C) and enjoys the most sunshine in the whole state, perfect for sunsets on the beach. April offers less winds than previous months and is great for boating and fishing.

The Florida Keys cater to various types of travelers and there is something for everyone. This area is great for sportsmen, beach lovers, foodies, and history buffs of all ages.

Activities around the Keys

  • Key West: The best beach for boating in April and one of our favorites in all of Florida. It’s warm and ideal for living the island life at its best!
  • Key Largo: Famous for being the Dive Capital of the world and being the site for the biggest artificial reef. Make sure to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during your visit.
  • Dry Tortugas National Park: The most southern National Park in the country, is the perfect place to learn about history. Take a tour to the island and learn about legends of sunken treasures, pirates, and ghostly civil war stories. Divers will also love this place because it has some of the least disturbed reefs in the whole country.
  • Snorkeling: There are countless world-class snorkeling spots all over the Florida Keys. You can take boat tours to various locations, or just walk right in the water and explore at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
  • Seven Mile Bridge: This is amongst the longest bridges in the world, connecting the Florida Keys islands. It was also featured in various television dramas such as Burn Notice. Drive down over the water for some of the most spectacular views of a lifetime!
  • Bahia Honda State Park: Bahia Honda State Park offers visitors an award-winning beach, a historic bridge, snorkeling tours, kayak adventures, and the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Keep in mind, that this park will close if it gets too crowded, to protect the environment and assure visitors enjoy their time. The park is open daily from 8:00 am until sunset.

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