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?

Atlantic City hosts the 20th & final Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival (April 11) at the Convention Center with 80+ breweries - don't miss this last chance! CandyFest at Showboat Resort (April 25) offers a family-friendly candy carnival. North to Shore Festival Soul & R&B Night takes place April 17.

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 with hotel prices 40-60% below summer peaks. Weekly rentals are scarce as owners prepare properties for summer, but hotels offer excellent value. 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.

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

🌸

Spring Awakening

Shore towns coming back to life

🆓

Free Beaches

No badges required

🎣

Fishing Season

Stripers arrive this month

💰

Best Prices

Up to 50% off peak rates

April Week by Week

Week	Weather	Water Temp	Highlights
Week 1 Apr 1-7, 2026	Cool	48-50°F	Easter Sunday (April 5) - egg hunts across the shore Easter EGGStravaganZOO at Cape May Zoo (Apr 3-5)
Week 2 Apr 8-14	Mild	50-52°F	AC Beer & Music Festival - FINAL year (Apr 11) NJ Beach Sweeps at 80+ locations (Apr 11)
Week 3 Apr 15-21	Warming	52-54°F	Cape May Tulip Festival Doo Dah Parade (Apr 18)
Week 4 Apr 22-30	Pleasant	54-56°F	CandyFest Atlantic City (Apr 25) Pre-season testing at boardwalks

What's Open in April

🏖️

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.

🎡

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.

🍽️

Restaurants

Reopening

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

🎣

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.

🦅

Nature

Prime Season

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

🏨

Hotels

Open - Low Rates

Most hotels open with up to 50% off peak rates. Book early for Easter weekend - Cape May B&Bs sell out 6-8 weeks ahead.

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

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

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

Secure booking • Free cancellation on most reservations

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 budget

Point Pleasant

Jenkinson's Easter Parade

Best parade experience

Cape May

Congress Hall brunch + zoo events

Best for upscale experience

Atlantic City

Steel Pier + casino brunches

Best combo of activities

See All Easter Events →

Best 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

🦅

Bird Watching

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

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

🚶

Beach Walks

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

Best spots: Any beach - all are uncrowded

🐋

Whale Watching

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

Best spots: Cape May, Belmar

🚴

Cycling

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

Best spots: Ocean City boardwalk, Cape May, LBI

🛶

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.

Barnegat Bay

Spring kayaking, bay fishing, and osprey nesting season.

Great Bay & Mullica

Spring birding at Forsythe NWR, pristine paddling.

Fishing Guide

Striped bass season begins. Bay and ocean fishing.

Book Your April Stay

April offers the best hotel rates of the year - up to 50% off peak season. Easter weekend (April 5) books up early at Cape May B&Bs, so reserve now if visiting that week.