Can you swim at the Jersey Shore in April?

Swimming is not recommended in April. Ocean water temperatures are typically 48-54°F - too cold for comfortable swimming without a wetsuit. Surfers in full wetsuits are active. Most visitors enjoy beach walks and fishing rather than swimming.

Do you need beach badges in April?

No! Beach badges are not required at any Jersey Shore beach in April. Badge requirements typically begin on Memorial Day weekend (late May) and some towns start on June 1st. Spring visits are completely free beach access.

What is open at the Jersey Shore in April?

Many restaurants and shops begin reopening for the season. Boardwalk attractions are mostly closed until Memorial Day. Cape May attractions operate year-round. Fishing charters start running regular trips. State parks are fully open.

Is April a good time to visit the Jersey Shore?

April is excellent for visitors who want peaceful beaches, lower prices, and nature activities. Perfect for fishing (stripers arrive), birding (spring migration), and exploring without crowds. Not ideal if you want swimming or boardwalk rides.

What is the weather like at the Jersey Shore in April?

April weather is variable with average highs of 55-65°F. Ocean water is cold (48-54°F). Spring rain is common but sunny days are beautiful. Evenings are cool - bring layers. Late April can see warmer beach days.

Jersey Shore in April

April brings the shore back to life. Empty beaches, fishing season begins, spring bird migration, and the lowest prices of the year.

55-65°FAvg Temperature

FreeBeach Access

ArrivingStriped Bass

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Spring Awakening

Shore towns coming back to life

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Free Beaches

No badges required

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Fishing Season

Stripers arrive this month

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Best Prices

Up to 50% off peak rates

April Week by Week

Week	Weather	Water Temp	Highlights
Week 1 Apr 1-7, 2025	Cool	48-50°F	Early spring - still quiet Shore businesses reopening
Week 2 Apr 8-14	Mild	50-52°F	Striper season begins More shops opening
Week 3 Apr 15-21	Warming	52-54°F	Easter weekend crowds Spring break visitors
Week 4 Apr 22-30	Pleasant	54-56°F	Late spring warmth Pre-season testing at boardwalks

What's Open in April

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Beaches

Open - No Badges

All beaches open for walking, sunbathing, and fishing. No lifeguards on duty. Water too cold for swimming. Perfect for peaceful beach days.

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Boardwalks

Mostly Closed

Most amusement rides closed until Memorial Day. Some food stands and shops begin opening weekends in late April. Walking the boards is always free.

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Restaurants

Reopening

Many seasonal restaurants reopen in April with weekend-only hours. Cape May restaurants operate year-round. Call ahead to confirm hours.

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Fishing

Season Starting

Striped bass arrive in April! Charter boats begin regular schedules. Surf fishing picks up. Great month for both shore and boat fishing.

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Nature

Prime Season

Spring bird migration makes April excellent for birding. State parks open with spring wildflowers. Whale watching trips begin.

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Hotels

Open - Low Rates

Most hotels open with significantly reduced rates - up to 50% off peak season. Great time for a budget getaway. No minimum stay requirements.

April Events & Activities

Cape May Tulip & Garden Festival

Over 200,000 tulips bloom throughout town with garden tours, wine tastings, and trolley tours.

Mid-AprilCape May

Ocean City Doo Dah Parade

Quirky comedy parade with 300+ basset hounds, costumed participants, and irreverent floats.

Second Saturday in AprilOcean City

NJ Marathon & Half Marathon

One of NJ's premier running events finishing at Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch.

Late AprilLong Branch

Best Towns to Visit in April

Cape May

Year-round destination with open restaurants, birding, and Victorian charm. Best for April visits.

Learn more →

Asbury Park

Restaurants and bars open year-round. Music venues active. Good urban beach scene.

Learn more →

Spring Lake

Peaceful Victorian town perfect for a quiet spring getaway. B&Bs offer spring packages.

Learn more →

Long Branch

Pier Village shops and restaurants open. Good for a spring day trip from NYC area.

Learn more →

Plan Your April Trip

Planning a trip to Jersey Shore? Book your accommodations and activities.

Vacation RentalsTours & TicketsFishing Charters

Secure booking • Free cancellation on most reservations

Best Things to Do in April

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Striper Fishing

Striped bass arrive along the coast in April, marking the start of the fishing season.

Best spots: Barnegat Inlet, Sandy Hook, Delaware Bay

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Bird Watching

Spring migration brings thousands of shorebirds and songbirds through the region.

Best spots: Cape May Point, Forsythe NWR, Sandy Hook

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Beach Walks

Empty beaches are perfect for peaceful walks, shell collecting, and photography.

Best spots: Any beach - all are uncrowded

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Whale Watching

Humpback and fin whales are spotted as they migrate north along the coast.

Best spots: Cape May, Belmar

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Cycling

Spring weather is ideal for biking coastal trails before summer crowds arrive.

Best spots: Ocean City boardwalk, Cape May, LBI

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Kayaking

Calm spring days are great for paddling back bays and marshes.

Best spots: Barnegat Bay, Cape May marshes

April Bay Adventures

April is when the bays come alive. Barnegat Bay and Great Bay offer calm waters for early-season kayaking, and striper fishing begins in earnest. Ospreys return to their nests, herons and egrets start appearing in the marshes, and spring birding is excellent.