Things to Do in Orlando in April

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PricesModerate

April in Orlando is the last comfortable month before summer's heat and daily downpours take over. Daytime temperatures sit around 28°C (83°F), the humidity hasn't yet climbed to its suffocating June-through-September levels, and rainfall averages 91mm across roughly 9 days. That's the good news. The catch is timing. If Easter falls in April, the first half of the month still carries spring-break energy at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Hotel rates spike for those weeks, and queue times at the major parks can reach 90 minutes for headline rides. After Easter, though, crowds thin noticeably and prices soften.

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing through April, which tends to be when the outdoor kitchens and topiary displays hit their stride. Harry P. Leu Gardens peaks with azaleas and camellias in the earlier part of the month. The Florida Film Festival, held at the Enzian Theater in Maitland, typically runs for about 10 days in mid-April and draws a more local, cinephile crowd. Worth noting, April sits in a sweet spot between the cooler dry season (November through March) and the wet season that starts building in May. You might get an afternoon shower, but it's rarely the kind of torrential, hour-long thunderstorm that defines Orlando's summer. The evenings cool to around 17°C (63°F), comfortable enough for an outdoor dinner along Park Avenue in Winter Park or a walk around Lake Eola without wilting.

To be fair, April is not Orlando's single best month. October and November offer similar temperatures with fewer crowds and lower prices. But April is solidly good, especially in the second half when the spring-break wave recedes and you get warm, mostly dry days without the summer's punishing combination of 32°C heat, 80%+ humidity, and 250mm of rain.

Why visit in April

Warm days around 28°C (83°F) without the oppressive humidity that defines June through September, making full-day theme park visits genuinely bearable
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs through April with outdoor kitchens, topiary displays, and garden-themed concerts at the America Gardens Theatre
After Easter week, crowd levels at Walt Disney World and Universal drop significantly, and mid-week park visits become pleasant again
Evening temperatures around 17°C (63°F) make outdoor dining in Thornton Park, Winter Park, and along Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road comfortable
Florida's spring wildflower season is still active at places like Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and Wekiwa Springs State Park, with the natural springs holding a cool 22°C (72°F) year-round

Worth knowing

If Easter falls in April, the first 1-2 weeks see near-peak crowds and pricing at all major theme parks, with multi-day park tickets sometimes 15-20% above shoulder-season rates
Afternoon rain showers become more frequent compared to March, with about 91mm across 9 rainy days. They're short but can disrupt outdoor plans
UV index in Central Florida reaches 9-10 by April, high enough to burn unprotected skin in under 20 minutes, even on overcast days
Pollen counts from oak and grass peak in April. Orlando's tree canopy is dense, and anyone with allergies will likely feel it, especially around Lake Eola and the Winter Park chain of lakes

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 28° / 17°C 91mm rain · 9 rainy days · 69% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.1h/day · 93% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack Light, breathable layers. Cotton or linen shorts and tees for daytime, a light long-sleeve layer for air-conditioned restaurants and cooler evenings. Closed-toe shoes that can handle a sudden downpour if you're at the parks. A compact rain jacket or packable poncho is more practical than an umbrella at theme parks where rides and crowds make umbrellas awkward.

April in Orlando delivers warm, mostly sunny days with increasing afternoon shower activity. Mornings tend to start clear and dry around 20-22°C (68-72°F), climbing to an average high of 28.3°C (83°F) by early afternoon. Humidity sits around 69%, noticeable but nowhere near the 80%+ that makes summer feel like breathing through a warm towel. The 91mm of rainfall typically arrives as short, intense afternoon showers lasting 20-40 minutes, then the sun returns. Evenings cool to a pleasant 17.4°C (63°F). You'll get about 9 rainy days in the month, leaving roughly two-thirds of your days rain-free.

Seasonal caution

UV index reaches 9-10 in Central Florida by April. Sunburn can occur in under 20 minutes of unprotected exposure, even through light cloud cover. SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapplication every 2 hours is necessary, not optional
April sits at the very beginning of Atlantic hurricane season awareness, though actual tropical activity in April is extremely rare. The real concern is isolated severe thunderstorms, which can produce lightning. Orlando averages more lightning strikes per capita than almost anywhere in the US. If you hear thunder at a theme park, take the indoor-attraction detour seriously

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Orlando
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	20	10	52
Feb	24	13	60
Mar	27	15	73
Apr	28	17	91
May	31	21	128
Jun	32	23	240
Jul	32	24	225
Aug	32	24	263
Sep	30	23	338
Oct	28	19	108
Nov	25	16	83
Dec	23	13	59

Headline events

Citywide

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Early March through early July (April is peak bloom)

Disney's annual spring festival transforms EPCOT with over 100 Disney-themed topiaries, 20+ outdoor kitchens serving festival-exclusive dishes and cocktails, and weekend concerts at the America Gardens Theatre. The festival runs March through early July, but April is when the garden installations are at peak bloom and the weather cooperates for comfortable evening grazing across the outdoor kitchens. It's included with park admission.

#EPCOTFlowerAndGarden

Best things to do in April

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival grazing tour

food_and_drink

Walk through EPCOT's World Showcase sampling dishes from 20+ outdoor kitchens while passing over 100 Disney-themed topiaries in peak bloom. The evening hours, after about 5 PM, tend to be the most comfortable temperature for a long graze. The America Gardens Theatre hosts weekend concerts included with admission.

April is peak bloom for the topiaries and garden displays, and the weather cooperates for comfortable outdoor grazing before summer heat sets in.

Booking tipPark admission required. Weekday evenings after 5 PM tend to have shorter lines at the outdoor kitchens than weekends.

Kayaking the Wekiva River

nature

Paddle the Wekiva River from Wekiwa Springs State Park through a canopy of cypress and live oak. The spring-fed water holds at 22°C (72°F) year-round. You'll likely spot great blue herons, turtles, and possibly an alligator or two along the 8-mile run. The water is clear enough to see fish below you in the shallower stretches.

April's moderate heat and lower water levels make for ideal paddling conditions before the summer rains raise the river and the mosquito population explodes in June.

Booking tipWekiwa Springs State Park limits vehicle entry once the lot fills, which can happen by 10 AM on weekends. Arrive early or go mid-week.

Harry P. Leu Gardens visit

nature

These 50-acre botanical gardens on the shore of Lake Rowena feature one of the largest camellia collections in the eastern United States. The rose garden holds over 1,000 bushes across 200+ varieties. April catches the tail end of the camellia season and the beginning of the tropical plant displays.

Camellias and azaleas are still blooming in early April, and the butterfly garden reaches peak activity as temperatures climb. Late April begins the tropical plant transition.

Booking tipMonday mornings tend to be the quietest. The gardens close earlier than you might expect, so check current hours before heading over.

Airboat ride at Boggy Creek or Black Hammock

nature

Central Florida's airboat operators run through the headwaters of the Everglades system, weaving through sawgrass, cypress hammocks, and open marsh. April's drier conditions concentrate the wildlife around remaining water, so alligator sightings are more frequent. The roar of the fan behind you, the spray of marsh water, the sudden quiet when the captain cuts the engine in a cypress grove. It's loud and bumpy and very Florida.

Drier April conditions push alligators and wading birds to concentrate around water, improving wildlife sighting odds compared to the flooded summer months.

Booking tipEarly morning and late afternoon runs tend to see more wildlife activity. Midday heat makes the animals less active.

Winter Park scenic boat tour on the chain of lakes

sightseeing

A 1-hour narrated pontoon tour through 3 of Winter Park's interconnected lakes and 2 narrow, oak-canopied canals. You'll pass Rollins College's lakefront campus, waterfront estates dating to the 1880s, and the occasional anhinga drying its wings on a dock piling. The canals are tight enough that cypress branches brush the boat's canopy.

April's clear skies and 28°C warmth make the open-water portions pleasant rather than punishing, and the spring foliage along the canals is at its greenest.

Booking tipThe boats run on a first-come, first-served basis from the dock at the east end of Morse Boulevard. Weekend midday slots fill quickly.

Walk and dine along Park Avenue in Winter Park

food_and_drink

Park Avenue runs about 10 blocks through downtown Winter Park, lined with independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants under a canopy of live oaks. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, sits at the north end. Evening temperatures around 17°C make the outdoor patios comfortable.

The 17°C evenings are ideal for lingering at an outdoor table. By June, the humidity makes sidewalk dining feel swampy.

Booking tipWeekend dinner reservations along Park Avenue should be made a few days ahead, especially at the more popular spots.

Florida Film Festival at Enzian Theater

culture

This 10-day independent film festival in Maitland screens 150+ films across multiple venues, with the historic Enzian Theater as its anchor. The Enzian is a single-screen cinema with table seating where you eat dinner during the film. The festival leans toward independent and international features, with filmmaker Q&As after most screenings.

The festival typically runs for 10 days in mid-April. It's one of the few cultural events in metro Orlando that draws a primarily local, non-tourist audience.

Booking tipIndividual screening tickets sell through the festival website. Opening and closing night galas sell out first. Weekday afternoon screenings are the easiest to get into.

Lake Eola Park evening walk and swan boats

sightseeing

Lake Eola sits in the center of downtown Orlando, ringed by a 0.9-mile sidewalk with views of the skyline reflecting off the water. The iconic Lindy's Landing swan-shaped pedal boats operate until about sunset. The Sunday farmers' market (9 AM to 2 PM) wraps around the lake's south side with over 70 vendors.

April evenings at 17°C are comfortable for the full loop without the summer humidity that makes the lakeside walk feel like a steam bath after dark.

Booking tipSwan boats are first-come, first-served. The Sunday farmers' market gets crowded by 11 AM, so arriving closer to 9 AM gives a more relaxed experience.

What to eat in April

In season: fruit

Florida strawberries
Plant City, about 60 miles west of Orlando, is Florida's strawberry capital. April catches the tail end of the harvest season. You'll find them at the Winter Park Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings and at East End Market's vendors. They're smaller and more tart than California berries, with an intense fragrance.
Florida citrus (late season)
April marks the very end of Florida's citrus season. Valencia oranges are still coming in, and you might find the last of the season's grapefruits at roadside stands along US-27 heading south from Orlando. The Valencias tend to be juicier and sweeter this late in the harvest, with thin skins and heavy fruit.

On menus now

Stone crab claws
Florida's stone crab season runs October 15 through May 15, so April is one of the final months to get them fresh. The sweet, firm meat has a clean brininess that tends to pair well with a simple mustard sauce. You'll find them at seafood spots along Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road and at a few of the higher-end places in Winter Park.

Festival food

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival outdoor kitchen dishes
The festival's 20+ outdoor kitchens offer limited-run items you won't find the rest of the year. The menus rotate slightly, but expect dishes built around spring produce, tropical flavors, and garden herbs. Each kitchen focuses on a different cuisine or theme. Portions are small-plate sized, designed for grazing across multiple stops.

Regular events in April

Florida Film Festival

A 10-day independent film festival screening 150+ features, documentaries, and shorts at the Enzian Theater in Maitland and additional venues around metro Orlando. Filmmaker Q&As follow most screenings.

Mid-April (approximately 10 days)

Winter Park Sidewalk Art FestivalFree

One of the top-ranked outdoor juried art shows in the United States, spread along Park Avenue in Winter Park with over 200 artists. Typically held the third weekend in March, though it occasionally extends into early April depending on the calendar.

Third weekend of March (occasionally early April)

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra season performances

The Orlando Philharmonic's regular season runs through April at the Steinmetz Hall in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The 1,700-seat hall opened in 2022 and is considered one of the most acoustically precise concert halls in North America.

Various dates throughout April

Lake Eola Sunday Farmers' MarketFree

Every Sunday morning from 9 AM to 2 PM, over 70 vendors set up around the south shore of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. Local produce, prepared foods, baked goods, plants, and crafts. It runs year-round but April's weather makes it one of the most comfortable months to browse.

Every Sunday, 9 AM - 2 PM

Best places this April

EPCOT (Flower & Garden Festival)
theme_park
During April, EPCOT's World Showcase is transformed with over 100 Disney-themed topiaries and 20+ outdoor kitchens serving festival-exclusive small plates and drinks. The garden installations are typically at peak bloom. Regular park admission includes the festival.
Walt Disney World Resort
Harry P. Leu Gardens
garden
50-acre botanical garden on the shores of Lake Rowena, with one of the Southeast's largest rose gardens (1,000+ bushes) and a significant camellia collection. April catches the last of the camellia blooms and the start of tropical displays. The butterfly garden picks up activity as temperatures rise.
Audubon Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
nature
A first-magnitude spring pumping 42 million gallons of 22°C (72°F) water daily, surrounded by 7,800 acres of sandhill, hammock, and swamp. Swim in the spring head, kayak the Wekiva River, or hike 13+ miles of trails. April's lower water levels and moderate heat make it one of the best months for all three.
Apopka (northwest of Orlando)
Park Avenue, Winter Park
neighborhood
A 10-block stretch of independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants under a canopy of live oaks. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, housing the world's largest Tiffany glass collection, anchors the north end. The scenic boat tour departs from the east end of Morse Boulevard.
Winter Park
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
nature
A 440-acre preserve on the western edge of metro Orlando with 4 miles of trails through pine flatwoods and cypress swamp. April's wildflower season brings blooming tickseed and pawpaw along the trail edges. Less crowded than the state parks and often overlooked by visitors.
Dr. Phillips / Windermere
Enzian Theater, Maitland
culture
A single-screen independent cinema with dinner-and-a-movie table service during screenings. Home to the Florida Film Festival in April. The attached Eden Bar serves drinks in a courtyard under oak trees. One of the few non-chain cinema experiences in Central Florida.
Maitland
Lake Eola Park
park
Downtown Orlando's centerpiece, with a 0.9-mile lakeside path, the iconic Lindy's Landing swan boats, and the Sunday farmers' market (70+ vendors, 9 AM to 2 PM). The Walt Disney Amphitheater on the south shore hosts occasional free concerts.
Downtown Orlando
East End Market
food_market
A curated food hall in the Audubon Park Garden District with local vendors selling everything from artisan bread and craft chocolate to fresh produce and specialty coffee. Small and focused compared to Orlando's larger food halls. The Saturday vibe tends to draw a local crowd.
Audubon Park

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SPF 50+ sunscreenThe UV index hits 9-10 in Central Florida by April. Reapply every 2 hours, especially at theme parks where you're exposed for 8+ hours. Spray sunscreen is faster for reapplication on the go.Shop
Compact rain jacket or packable ponchoAfternoon showers hit about 9 days in April. They're short, 20-40 minutes, but intense. A poncho is more practical than an umbrella at theme parks where rides and crowds make umbrellas awkward.Shop
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoesTheme park days mean 15,000-25,000 steps on concrete. Shoes that can handle a sudden downpour without becoming soggy for the rest of the day are worth the thought.Shop
Light long-sleeve layerOrlando's air conditioning runs aggressively. Restaurants, movie theaters, and indoor rides can feel 10-15°C cooler than outside. A light layer prevents the shivering-to-sweating cycle.Shop
Refillable water bottleFree water cup refills are available at quick-service restaurants in Disney and Universal parks. Staying hydrated at 28°C with high UV exposure is not optional.Shop
Breathable cotton or linen clothingShorts, lightweight tees, and breathable fabrics for daytime. Evenings at 17°C are comfortable enough for the same, though a light layer is nice for outdoor dining.Shop
Sunglasses with UV protectionFlorida's flat terrain and reflective surfaces (water, pavement, white sand) amplify UV exposure. Polarized lenses help with glare off the lakes.Shop
Allergy medicationOak and grass pollen peak in April across Central Florida. If you have any history of seasonal allergies, pack antihistamines. You'll notice the yellow pollen dusting parked cars.Shop

Insider tips

The second and third weeks after Easter are typically the lowest-crowd window in April at Walt Disney World. If you can be flexible on dates, those mid-week days (Tuesday through Thursday) will feel like a different park compared to Easter week.
Winter Park's Saturday morning farmers' market on New York Avenue is smaller and more local than the Lake Eola Sunday market. Less crowded, more neighborhood feel, and you can walk to Park Avenue shops afterward.
Wekiwa Springs State Park fills to capacity and closes vehicle entry on weekends by mid-morning in April. Arrive before 9 AM or go on a weekday. Once you're inside, the spring itself is rarely as packed as the parking lot suggests.
The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival's outdoor kitchen lines are shortest right at park opening and again in the last 90 minutes before closing. The 11 AM to 2 PM lunch rush and 6 PM dinner rush see the longest waits.
Orlando's I-4 corridor is consistently ranked among the worst traffic in Florida. If you're driving between Disney (southwest) and Winter Park (northeast), allow 45-60 minutes during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), even though it's only about 20 miles.

Avoid these mistakes

Booking a hotel for Easter week at the last minute and paying peak-season rates when the same hotel might cost 25-40% less two weeks later with similar weather and dramatically fewer crowds.
Skipping sunscreen on overcast days. Central Florida's UV index reaches 9-10 in April, and UV penetrates cloud cover. Visitors who assume clouds mean protection end up with burns by mid-afternoon.
Spending every day at theme parks and never visiting Winter Park, Leu Gardens, or the natural springs. The non-park Orlando has real character, and April's weather makes it particularly pleasant to explore.
Not packing rain gear because the forecast says 'partly cloudy.' April's afternoon showers are often too localized and brief to show up in a 5-day forecast. They develop fast, dump rain for 20-30 minutes, and leave.
Driving to the parks during peak hours. The stretch of I-4 between downtown Orlando and Walt Disney World is notoriously congested. Using hotel shuttles, ride-share, or the Disney Skyliner gondola system (for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios) avoids the worst of it.

Practical tips for April

Book theme park tickets and dining reservations well before arrival. Disney's most popular table-service restaurants fill up 60 days ahead. Lightning Lane (skip-the-line) access at Disney and Universal Express passes are worth considering in post-Easter April when crowds are moderate but not low. For car rentals, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) location tends to have better availability than off-airport lots. If you're visiting the natural springs or nature preserves, arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid capacity closures. Grocery delivery to your hotel or vacation rental can save both time and money compared to eating every meal at the parks. The SunRail commuter train runs weekdays between Kissimmee and DeBary with a stop in downtown Orlando and Winter Park, which is a useful and uncrowded alternative to driving for those destinations.

FAQ

Is April a good time to visit Orlando's theme parks?

April is a good time, especially the second half of the month after Easter crowds clear out. Temperatures around 28°C (83°F) are warm but manageable compared to the 32°C+ and 80% humidity of summer. The main variable is Easter timing. If Easter falls in mid-April, the first half of the month carries near-peak spring-break crowds, while the last two weeks drop to moderate levels with shorter wait times.

How often does it rain in Orlando in April?

Orlando averages about 91mm of rain across 9 days in April. The showers are typically short afternoon bursts lasting 20-40 minutes, not all-day events. They tend to develop around 2-4 PM, drop heavy rain, and clear within the hour. You'll still get roughly 21 dry days in the month. A packable poncho handles most of them.

What should I wear to Orlando's theme parks in April?

Light, breathable clothing is the baseline. Shorts, a cotton or linen tee, and comfortable closed-toe shoes that can handle wet pavement. Bring a light layer for heavily air-conditioned indoor rides and restaurants, which can feel 10-15°C cooler than the 28°C outside. SPF 50+ sunscreen is non-negotiable with the UV index at 9-10.

Is it worth visiting Orlando's natural springs in April?

April is one of the best months for the springs. Wekiwa Springs State Park, about 30 minutes north of downtown, has spring water that holds at 22°C (72°F) year-round. The moderate air temperature makes the spring water feel refreshing rather than cold. Summer brings higher water, more mosquitoes, and afternoon lightning that clears the water. Arrive early on weekends, as the park closes to new vehicles once the lot fills.

How bad are the crowds at Walt Disney World in April?

It depends entirely on Easter. Easter week at Disney sees near-peak attendance, with wait times of 60-90 minutes for popular rides. The 2-3 weeks after Easter drop to medium levels, with weekday waits closer to 20-40 minutes for the same attractions. If you can visit mid-week in the second half of April, you'll see a noticeably calmer park experience.