Marshallislands in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Marshallislands

29°C (84°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

200 mm (7.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fishing season - yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi runs are at their strongest, with charter boats reporting 80% higher catch rates than dry season months
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 25-30% compared to peak dry season (December-March), with better availability at resort properties
Optimal diving conditions at outer atolls - calmer seas between storm systems provide 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility at sites like Bikini Atoll
Cultural festival season - traditional canoe races and first fruit ceremonies occur across outer islands, offering authentic cultural experiences typically closed to tourists

Considerations

Unpredictable inter-island flights - weather delays cancel 15-20% of Air Liberia Islands flights, requiring flexible schedules and backup accommodation funds
Limited restaurant hours - many local eateries close early (6-7pm) during rainy season, leaving dinner options mainly at resort properties with 40-50% higher prices
Rough lagoon crossings - afternoon storms create 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells that can make small boat transfers to outer islands uncomfortable or impossible

Best Activities in April

Deep Sea Sport Fishing Charters

April marks peak season for yellowfin tuna, with fish averaging 40-60 kg (88-132 lbs). Morning departures (5-6am) avoid afternoon weather, and catch rates are highest of the year. The transition between seasons brings baitfish closer to atolls, creating exceptional fishing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Reserve charters 3-4 weeks ahead through resort concierges or licensed operators. Full-day trips typically cost $800-1200 for up to 6 people. Book morning slots - afternoon trips face 60% cancellation rates due to weather. See current charter options in booking section below.

Bikini Atoll Diving Expeditions

April offers the calmest seas for reaching this UNESCO World War II underwater fleet. Visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft), and the USS Saratoga wreck is at its most accessible. Limited to 2-3 trips monthly due to logistics, making advance booking essential.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks minimum through authorized dive operators. Liveaboard expeditions typically cost $2800-3500 per person for 3-4 days. Advanced Open Water certification required. Weather contingency plans mandatory - see current expedition schedules in booking section below.

Traditional Outrigger Canoe Building Workshops

April coincides with traditional canoe construction season when master craftsmen prepare vessels for racing season. Villages on Majuro and Kwajalein welcome visitors to observe and participate in this 2000-year-old tradition using traditional tools and local hardwoods.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers or guesthouses 2-3 weeks ahead. Half-day workshops typically cost $150-250 per person including materials. Morning sessions (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon rain. Programs require minimum 3 participants.

Outer Island Homestay Programs

April's shoulder season makes outer island visits more affordable and authentic. Families on Arno, Aur, and Maloelap atolls welcome guests during first fruit season, sharing traditional fishing, weaving, and navigation techniques passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Book through Liberia Islands Visitors Authority 4-6 weeks ahead. Homestays typically cost $80-120 per day including meals and activities. Inter-island flights add $200-400 roundtrip. Flexible return dates essential due to weather delays.

WWII Historical Site Tours

April's lower humidity and frequent cloud cover create ideal conditions for exploring Kwajalein's battlefields and Majuro's war relics. Afternoon showers cool temperatures, making multi-hour walking tours comfortable. Local historians share stories passed down from witnesses.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 1-2 weeks ahead through local operators. Half-day tours typically cost $60-100 per person. Morning departures (8-9am) recommended before afternoon weather. Military base access requires 48-hour advance clearance.

Lagoon Snorkeling and Island Hopping

April brings optimal conditions for exploring Majuro and Arno lagoons. Calmer morning waters provide excellent visibility for coral gardens and WWII aircraft wrecks in shallow water. Traditional sailing canoes offer authentic transportation between uninhabited islands.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (7am-12pm) through resort operators or local boat owners. Half-day trips typically cost $120-180 per person including equipment. Afternoon tours face 50% weather cancellation rates. See current snorkeling options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Kurijmoj (First Fruits Ceremony)

Traditional harvest celebration marking the first breadfruit of the season. Communities gather to share food, perform traditional dances, and demonstrate ancient preservation techniques. Each atoll celebrates on different dates based on local harvest timing.

Late April

Outrigger Canoe Trials

Local racing teams test newly built canoes in preparation for inter-atoll competitions. Spectators welcome at Laura Beach and Arno Atoll lagoons. These trials determine which vessels will represent communities in major races.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - protects against coral cuts and UV while allowing rapid drying after afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with water reflection creates severe burn risk, and chemical sunscreens damage coral reefs

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat transfers and sudden rain squalls that can appear within 10-15 minutes

Lightweight rain jacket - breathable fabric for 29°C (84°F) temperatures with 70% humidity during frequent afternoon showers

Reef-safe snorkel boots - protects feet from sharp coral and sea urchins while walking on reef flats during low tide

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquitoes and no-see-ums are most active during twilight hours after rain

Cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10) - outer islands operate on cash economy and ATMs limited to Majuro and Kwajalein

Portable power bank - power outages common during storms and outer islands have limited charging opportunities

Seasickness medication - inter-island flights and boat transfers can be rough with 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells during weather transitions

Cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearably sticky in 70% humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights with flexible dates and extra funds - Air Liberia Islands cancels 15-20% of April flights due to weather, and rebooking can cost $100-200 additional

Eat lunch at local stores (11am-2pm) rather than dinner - most family-run establishments close by 6pm during rainy season, leaving only expensive resort dining after dark

Bring prescription medications for entire trip plus 7 extra days - outer islands have no pharmacies and medical flights to Honolulu cost $15,000-25,000

Download offline maps and entertainment before arrival - internet speeds rarely exceed 1-2 Mbps outside Majuro, making streaming or large downloads impossible

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking tight flight connections through Honolulu - weather delays are frequent and missing connections can strand travelers for 2-3 days with expensive rebooking fees

Expecting Western-style restaurant hours - most local eateries close by 6-7pm, and Sunday closures are universal outside resort properties

Underestimating cash needs - credit cards only accepted at major hotels and Air Liberia Islands, everywhere else requires US dollars in good condition