Weather
On bright days in April, temperatures can hit double figures and feel pleasantly warm. This is a showery month though, with rains that can quickly blow over to reveal dazzling sunshine. The average temperature is 48°F (9°C), the minimum 43°F (6°C) and, if you’re lucky, it might warm up to 55.5°F (13°C) in Cardiff, so not exactly t-shirt weather yet.
Water temperatures are still cold (you’ll need a wetsuit for the sea unless you’re extremely brave). Up in the mountains of Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, the final snow has melted from the summits, leaving the higher trails accessible to hikers. Be prepared for unpredictable weather: wellies, waterproofs, and an umbrella are a must.
Crowds & Costs
Things are picking up in April in terms of tourism, though the cities, coast, and countryside are still far from crowded. If you want to dodge the throngs and secure good deals on flights and hotels, avoid the Easter school holidays (these change from year to year, so check exact dates before traveling). In comparison to summer, this is still an inexpensive time to travel and roads tend to be fairly quiet.
On the coast, the hotels, B&Bs, and campsites that were closed for the winter season are now reopening, giving you plenty more choices of where to stay. Season-driven restaurants and attractions also open for business in time for the Easter rush.
Where to Go
If you’re touching base in a city this month for a spot of culture, you’ll want to make sure it’s close to the outdoors. From the capital Cardiff you can easily explore the Vale of Glamorgan, with its rich coal heritage, vineyards, and pretty walks; from Swansea, hook onto the coastal road looping around the Gower Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the country’s most beautiful bays and beaches, backed by dunes and cliffs; and from laid-back university city Aberystwyth on the west coast, strike out along the wild, wave-lashed coast of Ceredigion.
Nature leaps back to life in April, making this a great time for hikes on uncrowded trails weaving over moor and mountain and along the coast. If you head for the Brecon Beacons, you could tie in your visit with Talgarth’s walking festival at the end of the month. On clear days in Snowdonia, you can now climb the country’s highest peak, Snowdon (3,559 ft / 1,085 m). Or walk a section of the 870-mile (1,400-km) Wales Coast Path, which takes in the full sweep of the country’s coast.
Arguably the loveliest section is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which is a delight in April, with its cliffs draped with gorse, wildflowers, and blackthorn blossom. You might even spot the first puffins returning to these shores.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
With drier, clearer conditions, April is a fine month for a road trip, whether you are keen to strike out on the 180-mile Wales Coastal Way, taking Cardigan Bay in its stride, slow tour the remote valleys of the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains, or venture deep into the mountains of Snowdonia. The Wye Valley beckons with the magnificent medieval Tintern Abbey, which has stirred the romantic souls of many poets and artists over the centuries, among them William Wordsworth.
Combine your drive with a walk in the country’s ancient woods, many of which are now carpeted with bluebells. Pack up a picnic and track down some of the loveliest at castle-topped Dinefwr near Llandeilo, the National Botanical Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire, Canaston Woods in Pembrokeshire, and Coed Y Felin in North Wales.
With sights open for the season again, seize the chance to visit one of Wales’ six Unesco World Heritage sites, which include showstoppers like Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal, formidable Caernarfon Castle, and Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenafon, which offers fascinating underground tours led by miner guides.
Events in April
Trailhead Get Jerky Devil's Staircase Ultra Trail Race. If puffing your way up one of Wales’ steepest mountain roads, the Devil’s Staircase, is your idea of fun, sign up for this 31-mile (50-km) ultra trail race in early April. The race kicks off in Llanwrtyd Wells.
Welsh National Rally Championship, Llanelwedd. The motorsport scene steps up a gear with this rally at the Royal Welsh Showground in early April.
Easter Egg Hunts. If Easter falls in April, kids (and big kids) love the chocolate egg hunts held at National Trust castles and gardens across the country, including Laugharne Castle in Carmarthenshire and Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey.
Chepstow Walking Festival. Sling on your hiking boots for this four-day walking festival in the Lower Wye Valley on the fourth week in April. Book guided hikes ahead.
Wonderwool, Builth Wells. If you’re a fan of all things Welsh and woolen, you’ll love this festival held at the Royal Welsh Showground on the fourth weekend in April. There’s everything from exhibits of sheep to yarn for knitting and textile art on display.
Machynlleth Comedy Festival, Machynlleth. The eco-friendly market town in the Dyfi Valley stages a line-up of top-drawer comedy acts at this festival on the last weekend in April.
Talgarth Walking Festival. On the edge of the Black Mountains, the pretty village of Talgarth is the trailhead for this three-day walking festival on the last weekend in April. The walks shine a light on local history, geology, literature, and nature.
Traveling to Wales in April? Check out these great itineraries
Walking in Beautiful North Wales: Snowdonia & Anglesey - 8 Days. Discover North Wales' rugged highlands, beaches, and historic villages on this self-guided walking tour through Snowdonia National Park, the Llyn Peninsula, and Anglesey Island.
Legends of Wales - 6 Days. Explore the Fortress of Isca, hike in the Brecon Beacons, and discover the prehistoric landscape of the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire Coast. Drive north to the rolling mountains of Snowdonia to explore King Arthur's legendary landscapes and politically rife Caernarfon Castle.
More Helpful Information
Wales in March
Wales in May
Best Time of Year to Visit Wales
How Many Days to Spend in Wales