Things to Do in Nicaragua in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Nicaragua
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season is still holding strong through most of April - you'll get maybe 10 days with rain, but it's usually brief afternoon stuff that clears quickly. The Pacific beaches are still in their prime window before the wet season really kicks in during May.
- Crowd levels drop significantly after Semana Santa (Easter week) ends - typically mid-April. After the holiday rush clears out, you'll find beaches, colonial cities, and volcano hikes noticeably quieter while still having excellent weather. Hotel prices drop 20-30% after Easter week ends.
- Sea conditions along the Pacific coast are ideal right now - water visibility for diving and snorkeling around the Corn Islands peaks in April, typically 18-25 m (60-80 ft). Ocean temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F), which is comfortable without a wetsuit.
- This is actually prime time for wildlife spotting before the landscape gets too lush. Sea turtle nesting season is ramping up on both coasts, and you can catch both the tail end of dry season bird migrations and the beginning of wet season arrivals. The drier trails make volcano hikes and cloud forest treks much more manageable than they'll be in a few months.
Considerations
- April is brutally hot, especially inland - Granada and León regularly hit 35°C (95°F) in the afternoons, and that 70% humidity makes it feel closer to 40°C (104°F). If you're not comfortable with serious heat, this might not be your month. Most locals avoid outdoor activities between noon and 3pm for good reason.
- Easter week (Semana Santa) dominates early April and completely transforms the country - beaches get absolutely packed with domestic travelers, prices spike 40-60% for accommodations, and you'll need to book months ahead for that specific week. If your dates overlap with Semana Santa 2026 (April 5-12), expect crowds and plan accordingly or avoid that week entirely.
- The landscape is pretty dried out by April after months without significant rain - everything looks brown and dusty compared to the lush green you'd see in the wet season. If you're coming for dramatic jungle scenery, you might be disappointed. The countryside won't green up again until late May.
Best Activities in April
Corn Islands diving and snorkeling
April offers the absolute best underwater visibility of the year around Little Corn Island - typically 18-25 m (60-80 ft) - before the wet season stirs things up. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 28°C (82°F), and you're likely to spot nurse sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles. The Caribbean side stays calmer in April than the Pacific, which can get choppy. After Semana Santa ends mid-month, dive sites are noticeably less crowded.
Volcano boarding and hiking at Cerro Negro
The dry conditions in April make this the ideal month for volcano activities - trails are firm, visibility is excellent, and you won't be sliding through mud. Cerro Negro's black volcanic slopes are perfect for the famous volcano boarding experience, and temperatures are manageable if you go early morning (before 9am). The 45-minute hike up to 728 m (2,388 ft) is much easier without rain. You'll hit speeds of 50-80 km/h (30-50 mph) coming down on the board.
Granada colonial city walking and kayaking
Granada is scorching in April afternoons - plan your colonial architecture walks for early morning (6am-10am) when temperatures are still tolerable around 26°C (79°F). The real advantage in April is kayaking through Las Isletas on Lake Nicaragua - water levels are stable, and you'll spot howler monkeys, herons, and egrets more easily in the drier vegetation. The 365 small islands are best explored in late afternoon (4pm onwards) when the heat breaks.
Sea turtle nesting tours on Pacific beaches
April marks the beginning of olive ridley and leatherback turtle nesting season along beaches near San Juan del Sur and La Flor Wildlife Refuge. You'll catch the early arrivals before peak season in June-August, which actually means fewer tourists competing for spots on night tours. The dry weather makes beach access easier, and new moon dates in April (around April 7 and May 6) offer the darkest conditions - best for turtle viewing since they're sensitive to light.
Laguna de Apoyo crater lake swimming and kayaking
This 200 m (656 ft) deep volcanic crater lake stays a constant 26°C (79°F) year-round, making it perfect for cooling off during April's heat. The water is incredibly clear - you can see 10-12 m (33-40 ft) down - and it's surrounded by forest where you'll spot parakeets and toucans. Located just 15 km (9.3 miles) from Granada, it's an easy day trip. April's dry conditions mean better road access and clearer water than you'd get during rainy months.
León colonial architecture and street art tours
León is Nicaragua's intellectual and artistic capital, and April's dry weather is perfect for exploring its revolutionary murals and colonial churches on foot - just go early morning before 10am when it's still bearable. The Cathedral (largest in Central America) stays relatively cool inside. The city has been adding more street art installations lately, particularly in the Sutiaba neighborhood. Rooftop cathedral tours offer views of surrounding volcanoes, best visible in April's clear conditions.
April Events & Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
This is the biggest holiday week in Nicaragua, typically falling in early-to-mid April (April 5-12 in 2026). The entire country essentially shuts down for beach vacations - expect massive crowds at San Juan del Sur, Pochomil, and other Pacific beaches. Granada and León hold elaborate religious processions with alfombras (colorful sawdust carpets) laid in the streets. It's culturally fascinating but logistically challenging - book everything months ahead or avoid this week entirely if you prefer quieter travel.
Revolution Day commemorations
April 19 marks the anniversary of the 1979 Sandinista Revolution's beginning. You'll see political rallies and commemorative events, particularly in Managua and León. It's not a major tourist event, but worth understanding the context if you're traveling that week - some businesses close, and you might encounter demonstrations or celebrations depending on the current political climate.