When to go · United States
United States in April
Great month. Good month for the Southwest, Washington cherry blossoms, the South; mountain roads still closed.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- Medium
- United States
- Prices
- Medium
- United States
Verdict
Good month for the Southwest, Washington cherry blossoms, the South; mountain roads still closed.
Weather in April
- Northeast · New York, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Mainefine
Cold, sometimes snowy winters; humid 30 °C+ spells in July–August; late September to October is the pick for foliage and walking.
- Southeast and Florida · Miami, Orlando, the Keys, Savannah, Charlestonbest weather
Winter is dry and warm in South Florida; summer brings daily storms and heat; hurricane risk June–November, peak August–October.
- Gulf and Deep South · New Orleans, Houston, Nashville, Atlantabest weather
Spring and autumn are comfortable; summer is hot and humid; hurricanes reach the Gulf coast.
- Midwest and Great Lakes · Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolisfine
Hard winters (−15 °C cold snaps and lake-effect snow), warm summers; tornadoes in spring on the Plains.
- Rockies and national parks · Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Denvercool
High roads (Going-to-the-Sun, Beartooth, Trail Ridge) open only about June–October; snow possible any month at altitude.
- Desert Southwest · Las Vegas, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Death Valleybest weather
Spring and autumn are park season; June–August tops 40–45 °C in the low desert, and July–September monsoon storms bring flash floods in canyons.
- California coast · San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Big Surbest weather
Mild all year; San Francisco is foggy and cool in summer; wildfire smoke possible June–November; winter storms can close Highway 1 at Big Sur.
- Pacific Northwest · Seattle, Portland, Olympic, Mount Rainierrainy
Grey and damp October–May; July–September is dry and clear, with wildfire smoke in some years.
- Alaska · Anchorage, Denali, Kenai, Inside Passagecool
The visitor season is roughly mid-May to mid-September; winter is for northern lights in Fairbanks.
- Hawaii · Oʻahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauaʻibest weather
Warm all year; winter brings big north-shore surf and more rain on windward coasts.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Spring break big impact
March–April
Students fill Florida, Texas and Mexico beaches; parks busy.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · United States
- Medium
- Prices · United States
- Medium
What to pack
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in April
Rated best or good this month
Southeast and Florida
Best weather of the year (Miami, Orlando, the Keys, Savannah, Charleston)
Gulf and Deep South
Best weather of the year (New Orleans, Houston, Nashville, Atlanta)
Desert Southwest
Best weather of the year (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Death Valley)
California coast
Best weather of the year (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Big Sur)
Hawaii
Best weather of the year (Oʻahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauaʻi)
Mild and blooming; a good month.