Things to Do in Nicaragua in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Nicaragua
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season conditions - only 3 rainy days average, perfect for volcano hiking and outdoor adventures without muddy trails
- Ideal temperatures for early morning activities (6-9am) when it's 24-26°C (75-79°F) before the intense heat sets in
- Excellent visibility for wildlife spotting - animals congregate around water sources as vegetation is less dense
- Perfect timing for Semana Santa (Holy Week) cultural experiences - Nicaragua's most important religious celebration with elaborate processions and traditional foods
Considerations
- Extremely high UV index of 11 requires constant sun protection and limits midday outdoor activities (11am-3pm)
- Dust levels peak in April, especially problematic for those with respiratory sensitivities on unpaved roads
- Higher accommodation prices during Semana Santa week (March 29 - April 6, 2025) with many hotels fully booked
Best Activities in April
Early Morning Volcano Hiking
April's dry conditions make volcano trails accessible and safe, with zero mud. Start at 5am to reach summits by 8am before temperatures hit 32°C (90°F). Concepción and Maderas volcanoes offer spectacular views with clear skies 85% of April mornings. The low humidity makes the strenuous climbs more comfortable than other months.
Granada Colonial Walking Tours
April's low humidity makes exploring Granada's colonial architecture comfortable in early morning (7-10am) and evening (4-7pm) hours. Semana Santa brings spectacular alfombras (sawdust carpets) decorating the streets and traditional processions. The dry weather ensures all outdoor colonial sites are accessible.
Masaya Volcano Night Tours
April's clear, dry conditions provide the best visibility for viewing Masaya's active lava lake. With minimal cloud cover and no rain interference, the glowing crater is visible on 90% of April nights. The comfortable evening temperatures of 26°C (79°F) make the experience pleasant without the stifling humidity of other months.
León Colonial Architecture and Art Tours
April's dry conditions are perfect for exploring León's cathedral rooftop walks and revolutionary murals. The low rainfall means all outdoor art installations and historical sites are fully accessible. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid the intense midday heat while afternoon tours (3-6pm) offer golden hour photography lighting.
Pacific Coast Surfing
April delivers consistent offshore winds and 3-6 foot swells along the Pacific coast. Water temperature reaches a comfortable 28°C (82°F) with excellent visibility. San Juan del Sur and nearby breaks have optimal conditions with minimal rain affecting surf sessions. Early morning sessions (6-9am) offer glassy conditions before afternoon winds pick up.
Río San Juan Wildlife Boat Tours
April's dry season concentrates wildlife around riverbanks as water levels drop, making bird and mammal spotting exceptional. Jaguars, river otters, and over 200 bird species are more easily observed. The lack of rainfall ensures boat access to all tributary channels and reduces insect activity compared to wet season months.
April Events & Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Nicaragua's most significant religious and cultural celebration featuring elaborate processions, traditional foods like rosquillas and cajetas, and stunning alfombras (decorative sawdust carpets) covering streets in Granada and León. Local families prepare traditional meals and welcome visitors to experience authentic Nicaraguan Holy Week traditions.
Festival de Poesía de Granada
International poetry festival transforms Granada into a literary hub with readings in colonial courtyards, live music, and cultural workshops. Local and international poets gather for intimate performances in Spanish and English, offering insight into Nicaragua's rich literary tradition including the legacy of Rubén Darío.