Cape May
Year-round destination with open restaurants, birding, and Victorian charm. Best for April visits.
Learn more →Jersey Shore in April
April brings the shore back to life.
55-65°FAvg Temperature
FreeBeach Access
ArrivingStriped Bass
April is the Jersey Shore shaking off winter's slumber. Beach towns that felt abandoned in February slowly stir back to life—a restaurant here reopening, a bait shop there restocking, seasonal workers returning. The ocean remains brisk but the air grows warmer, and those willing to bundle up find miles of empty shoreline for contemplative walks. This is shoulder season at its most authentic: unpredictable weather, limited amenities, but genuine peace and the shore's natural beauty on full display.
Weather
Air temperatures range wildly from 45-70°F—sometimes in the same day. Ocean water hovers around 45-52°F (too cold for swimming without a wetsuit). Expect a mix of sunny spring days, chilly rain, and occasional nor'easters. April's weather is famously unpredictable; layers and rain gear are essential.
Crowds
Virtually nonexistent on weekdays; light weekend traffic as day-trippers test the waters. You'll share beaches with joggers, dog walkers, and fishermen rather than sunbathers. Some towns feel almost deserted midweek, which can be either peaceful or slightly eerie depending on your preference.
Pricing
Off-season rates prevail. Weekly rentals are scarce as owners prepare properties for summer. Most beaches don't require badges yet. Restaurant options are limited as many remain closed until May, but those open offer shorter waits.
April at a Glance
Best for:
Birders, anglers, photographers, solitude seekers
Water activities:
Surf fishing, birding, beach walks (no swimming)
Must-experience:
Spring striper run, shorebird migration, Easter events
Insider tip:
Call ahead to confirm restaurant/attraction hours before visiting
Spring Awakening Alert: April is transitional—many businesses operate reduced hours or remain closed until late month. The shore is best appreciated for its natural beauty rather than its amenities. Perfect for a quiet retreat, but check business hours before planning around specific restaurants or attractions.
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Spring Awakening
Shore towns coming back to life
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Free Beaches
No badges required
🎣
Fishing Season
Stripers arrive this month
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Off-Season Rates
Off-season rates before Memorial Day
April Week by Week
| Week | Weather | Water Temp | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Week 1 Apr 1-7, 2026 | Cool | 48-50°F |
|
Week 2 Apr 8-14 | Mild | 50-52°F |
|
Week 3 Apr 15-21 | Warming | 52-54°F |
|
Week 4 Apr 22-30 | Pleasant | 54-56°F |
|
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What's Open in April
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Beaches
Open - No BadgesAll 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 ClosedMost 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
ReopeningMany 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 StartingStriped 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 SeasonSpring bird migration makes April excellent for birding. State parks open with spring wildflowers. Whale watching trips begin.
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Hotels
Open - Low RatesMost hotels are open, with rates below the summer peak.
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
View Complete Guide →Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival
20th & FINAL year of this legendary craft beer festival. 80+ breweries, live music, food, and entertainment at the Convention Center. 21+
April 11, 2026Atlantic City
View Complete Guide →LBI Spring Surf Fishing Derby
24th annual 79-day surf fishing tournament (Apr 4 - Jun 21) targeting striped bass and bluefish. $20 registration, 100% cash payout. Weigh-ins at Jingles, Fisherman's HQ, and Surf City Bait.
April 4 - June 21, 2026Long Beach Island
North to Shore Festival: Soul & R&B Night
Atlantic City's arts festival continues with Soul Night featuring 120 (Village Bridge), Show Tyme Brookes, and Lem Turner.
April 17Atlantic City
Easter at the Jersey Shore
20+ free egg hunts, parades, and brunches across the shore. Wildwood hosts 3 free hunts, Point Pleasant has Jenkinson's parade, and Cape May offers elegant brunches.
April 5 (Easter Sunday)Shorewide
View Complete Guide →Cape May Easter Fashion Stroll
Victorian-era inspired Easter promenade at Rotary Park. Judging categories include Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Couple, Best Family, and Best Easter Bonnet. Registration 12pm, stroll 1pm.
April 5, 2026Cape May
Girls' Weekend Ocean City
Girls' getaway weekend with shopping, dining specials, and special events throughout town.
Mid-AprilOcean City
CandyFest Atlantic City
Sugar-charged celebration at Showboat Resort with decadent treats, colorful confections, interactive tastings, and pure playful fun. $5-10 admission, kids under 5 free.
April 25, 2026Atlantic City
Spring Celebration at the Pier
Family spring celebration at Pier Village with Easter Bunny, village-wide egg hunt, DJ, games, balloon artist, inflatables, and face painting. 10am-3pm.
April 4, 2026Long Branch
Easter EGGStravaganZOO
Cape May County Park & Zoo transforms into a bunny wonderland with Easter Bunny hide and seek, scavenger hunt, HOPstacle Course, and entertainment. Easter Bunny photos Saturday only.
April 3-5, 2026Cape May Court House
Seashore Open House
Monmouth County Park System hosts hands-on activities that educate about the shore and sea at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center. Free, 1-4pm.
April 1, 2026Long Branch
NJ Beach Sweeps
Statewide volunteer beach cleanup at 80+ locations from Raritan to Delaware Bays. Participants collect debris and record data. 9am-12:30pm.
April 11, 2026Shorewide
Best Towns to Visit in April
Atlantic City
AC Beer & Music Festival (final year!), North to Shore Soul Night, casinos, and boardwalk. Great for a spring weekend.
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. Spring Celebration at the Pier. Good for NYC day trips.
Learn more →Plan Your April Trip
Review each provider's cancellation, payment and deposit terms
Easter 2026 at the Jersey Shore
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, kicking off spring at the shore with family-friendly egg hunts, parades, and brunches. Most events are FREE, making it an affordable getaway.
Wildwood
3 FREE egg hunts on April 4
Best for families on a budgetPoint Pleasant
Jenkinson's Easter Parade
Best parade experienceCape May
Congress Hall brunch + zoo events
Best for upscale experienceAtlantic City
Steel Pier + casino brunches
Best combo of activitiesBest Things to Do in April
🎣
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.
Book Your April Stay
Cape May
Victorian B&Bs and boutique hotels
Book early for EasterAsbury Park
Boutique hotels and music scene
Weekend getaway favoriteAtlantic City
Casino resorts and oceanfront hotels
Best value in AprilChoose your stay
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
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April Insider Tips
What to Pack
- • Layers - temperatures vary throughout the day
- • Light jacket or windbreaker for beach walks
- • Rain gear - April showers are real
- • Binoculars for bird watching
Best Experiences
- • Book a striper fishing charter
- • Visit Cape May for birding and dining
- • Walk empty beaches at sunrise
- • Score cheap hotel rates for a quiet getaway
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April at the Shore FAQs
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.
What Easter events are at the Jersey Shore in 2026?
Easter 2026 (April 5) features 20+ free egg hunts across the shore. Wildwood hosts 3 free hunts on April 4. Point Pleasant has Jenkinson's Easter Parade. Cape May offers elegant brunches at Congress Hall and zoo events. Atlantic City has Steel Pier celebrations and casino brunches.
What events are happening in Atlantic City in April 2026?
CandyFest at Showboat Resort (April 25) offers a family-friendly candy carnival. North to Shore Festival Soul & R&B Night takes place April 17.
Helpful Resources
🌤️
Weather Guide
Seasonal forecasts & tips
🌧️Rainy Day Activities
Indoor fun when weather turns
💡Local Tips
Insider advice from regulars
🌊Tide Charts
Plan around tide times
Popular Places to Stay
Related Guides
Ready for a Spring Getaway?
Book a weekend escape and experience the shore coming back to life.
This article was originally published on Jersey Shore Guide.
Source: https://www.shore-guide.com/planning/april/ | © 2026 Jersey Shore Guide. All rights reserved.
April Planning Guides by Town
Town-specific april guides — what's open, what to wear, what to skip.
- Cape May in April
- Wildwood in April
- Ocean City in April
- Atlantic City in April
- Asbury Park in April
- Point Pleasant Beach in April
- Seaside Heights in April
- Belmar in April
- Spring Lake in April
- Avalon in April
- Stone Harbor in April
- Sea Isle City in April
- Brigantine in April
- Long Branch in April
- Beach Haven in April
- Barnegat Light in April
- Margate in April
- Ventnor in April
- Manasquan in April