Goa in April
The Guide for Visiting Goa in April
Goa in April is sunny and hot. It is officially the beginning of the summer season that will last until the middle of June. If you are seeking a sunny holiday, then April could be a great month to visit Goa. Many tourists from the colder regions like Russia, Ukraine, and the UK visit Goa in April for its sunny weather. They like to sunbathe and get a gorgeous tan. It’s a good idea to visit Goa this month even if you are from somewhere else. Just avoid direct sunlight exposure between 11 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon.
There is another top reason for visiting Goa in April – fewer tourists. In the peak season (November to January), the most popular beaches like Baga, Candolim, and Calangute will all be crowded. This means, there will be a queue for water sports and you may face problems in finding an empty sun bed on the beach. The sea also will have a lot of swimmers. There will be a lot of people even in Anjuna, Colva, Vagator, and other places. Even some of the major tourist attractions like Aguada Fort will be packed. Not so in April. So, if you want privacy and if you want an empty beach where you can be one with nature, then this is a great month to visit Goa. If you want clean sea water, then visit Goa in April.
Don’t worry too much about the heat. The temperature won’t be that much higher compared to March. In March, the average daytime temperature is 32° C. In April, it is 33° C. There is a lot more rainfall in April as well. Goa gets 12 mm of rainfall in April compared to just 1.2 mm in March. There will be a shower whenever the temperature goes up, which will cool things down. The evenings are very pleasant, so you can sit down in a beach shack and enjoy the pleasant sea breeze while having your food and drink.
The tourist attractions – forests and wildlife sanctuaries, churches, museums, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the forts will all be open in April. You will get the full range of water sports activities too. Goa is 365 days of fun.
April Gallery
Luxury villa with direct access to the beach. 5* star service. Prime location of North Goa.
Villa for rent from 19 000 Rs. per night
Quick Overview
| Weather | 12 hours of sunshine daily. In the middle of the hot Indian summer, but the mornings and evenings are still pleasant. Intermittent showers. The probability of rain increases as the month progresses. The humidity also goes up. Make sure to stay in an A/C room, and use sunscreen – you should be alright. Wear light clothing to beat the humidity. Drink plenty of fluids. |
| Beach | Empty and clean beaches, even the most popular ones. Very few tourists. The top beach shacks, and nightclubs will still be open. However, there will be fewer street vendors. |
| Sea | Generally calm sea, but some days can be choppy. Mild water with long hours of sunshine and almost no rain. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. |
| Parties | This is not the peak party season. But the big nightclubs are still open thrilling all those who are going there. On some nights there are rain dances to beat the heat. Many nightclubs also have a special Easter Weekend Party. |
| Water sports | Enjoy diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, cruising, and speed boat rides. There are dolphin and crocodile watching tours too. The water is safe as there is very little rain. |
| Shacks | The big shacks, Martin's Corner, Britto’s, and the Fisherman's Wharf are open round the year. Most of the open shacks are in North Goa. |
| Festivals | Goa Food and Cultural festival, Lairai Zatra, Grape Escapade, Easter, Konkan Fruit Fest, Speedo Goa Swimathon, and the India Bike week. |
| Prices | The airfares will be significantly lower. Accommodation and car/bike rentals will cost less too. |
Weather in April
April is the hottest month. The average daytime temperature is 33° C. But do note that it never gets quite cold in Goa. Even in December, which is the winter season, it is 32° C. In the summer season, however, the average nighttime temperature will be higher. If you are worried about the heat, then visit Goa in the beginning of the month. The temperature is usually the highest in the last week. Make sure to stay away from direct sunlight exposure between 11 and 4 and you should be okay.
Goa also receives a lot more rain in April compared to March but the humidity is almost the same as March. There is 1% probability of rain at the start of the month, but it reaches 5% by the end of April. On some days, there is a chance of a thunderstorm. The sea will look lovely with the clouds and the rain.
| Climate in Goa | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high, °C | 31,6 | 31,5 | 32,0 | 33,0 | 33,0 | 30,3 | 28,9 | 28,8 | 29,5 | 31,6 | 32,8 | 32,4 | 31,3 |
| Average low, °C | 19,6 | 20,5 | 23,2 | 25,6 | 26,3 | 24,7 | 24,1 | 24,0 | 23,8 | 23,8 | 22,3 | 20,6 | 23,2 |
| Average precipitation mm | 0,2 | 0,1 | 1,2 | 11,8 | 112,7 | 868,2 | 994,8 | 512,7 | 251,9 | 124,8 | 30,9 | 16,7 | 2926 |
In an average year, Goa receives 12 hours of sunshine in April, which is 1 hour more than March. The average sea temperature is 29°C, which too is 1°C more than the last month. With a warm sea temperature and many hours of sunlight every day, you can spend a lot of time on the beach or the water. Just make sure to stay away between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
The cloud coverage too goes up as the month progresses. It is 14% in the beginning of April, which increases to 24% by April 21st. By the end of the month, the cloud coverage in an average year is about 30%. The last week is usually the cloudiest. There is 35% chance that the sky can be overcast. The humidity on Goa in April ranges between 42%, which is comfortable and 88%.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Goa in April
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Cheaper – There are fewer Indian and international tourists in Goa in April. There is thus a steep reduction in prices of almost everything – accommodation, restaurants, bars, water sports, and car/bike rentals. Even flight tickets cost less. Prices often go down by 30%, and sometimes even more. You will be able to save a lot of money this month. |
Weather – April is one of the hottest months in Goa. Both the average daytime and night time temperatures are high. The humidity is also on the higher side. The afternoons can be particularly high, so try to stay away from direct sunlight exposure. It may also rain sometimes. Make sure that you use a sunblock lotion when you are swimming or spending time on the beach. |
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Beach & Sea – The beaches will be empty and cleaner as there are fewer tourists. You don’t have to jostle for a sundeck. There are no kids shouting and breaking the silence. There is little rain so the water is safe for swimming. The Arabian Sea will also be much cleaner in April. |
Water Sports – Many of the water sports operators shut down in late March, only to open again in September after the monsoon. You can still ride the speed boat, banana boat, do parasailing, kayaking, and go on dolphin watching and sunset cruises. But the number of operators will be less. |
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Easy Bookings – You don’t have to worry about the availability of flight tickets. Similarly, most of the villas are available too in April. So you can plan a quick Goa getaway. For December, on the other hand, you will have to plan and book months in advance. |
Beach Shacks – Many of the beach shacks will also be closed. Only the permanent structures are likely to stay open this month in the busier beaches – Baga, Candolim, and Calangute. Fewer beach shacks are likely to be open this time of the year in South Goa. |
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No Traffic – There is no better time to ride or drive on the roads of Goa. In peak season (between November and February), there is heavy traffic near Panaji, Calangute and Baga. You will have the roads to yourself and will love those long rides in April. |
Limited Hours – On most days, it will be hot between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. It is difficult to stay on the beach or the sea at this time. Sightseeing might be uncomfortable as well. Try to make the best of the mornings and evenings. |
Top 4 Reasons for Visiting Goa in April
- Festivals – There are plenty of events and festivals to celebrate this month, like the Easter, the grape and fruit festival, an event for the avid bikers, a swimathon, and a food and cultural festival too, which you are sure to love. They will give you a unique insight into the Goanese culture and way of life.
- Privacy – Baga, Candolim, Calangute, and the other popular beaches are all packed in the peak season. You will have to jostle for a beach recliner. In April, there are fewer people, so you will be at peace. Enjoy nature as it is meant to be enjoyed. Watch the sea, feel the breeze, see the palms swaying gently. Get a massage and enjoy your drinks as you relax. Your chilled bear will taste even better this month.
- Low Prices – The cost of everything shoots up between November and January. In April, you will often get the same room, food, drinks, and bikes/cars at even half the price. You will make considerable savings.
- Better Service – Fewer people means you will always have better service, at your hotel or villa, at restaurants, shops, and even at the nightclubs and shacks.
Top 5 Things To Do In Goa In April
- The Beaches – There are so many great beaches in Goa that it is impossible to see them all in one visit. So select carefully. If you want an active beach with shacks and water sports, then visit Baga, Candolim, Calangute or Colva. If you want more nature, then choose Vagator, Cavelossim or Palolem. There are other good beaches too in the North and South. Remember, each beach has its own attraction. Just stay under shade between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon when it is the hottest.
- Wildlife – Goa is not just about the beaches and the parties. Go to the interiors and you will find plenty of beautiful hills and forests to explore that are rich with wildlife. Choose from Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mollem National Park. It will be very green and cool in the greens. Take a dip in a waterfall and feel the freshness.
- A Cruise – Do a sunset cruise with dinner on the Mapusa or the Mandovi River for a lifetime experience. There are luxury yachts on the Zuari River as well. Or else, you can go on a full-day or half-day dolphin watching or bird watching cruise. In these fantastic cruises, you will see a different side of Goa.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride – April is a great time for this new activity in Goa because the wind is stable this month. Balloon rides can get canceled if the weather is unpredictable. No chance of that in April. Go up into the air for a bird’s eye view of the sparkling coastline and the lush green fields. Balloon rides are organized early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
- Yoga or a Cooking Class – There are many yoga and meditation centers close to the beaches. They will still be open in April. Join a class or workshop and you will learn how to improve your health. As a bonus, you will be able to relax and de-stress. Alternatively, you can join a cooking class. Learn to cook authentic Goanese and Konkani cuisines.
Goa April Checklist – April is in the middle of the hot season in Goa. So make sure you have airy and light clothing to stay cool. Also include your cap, sunglass, and sunscreen lotion. Always apply the lotion and wear the cap and sunglass before going to the beach. Wear light clothing in the evening too.
Goa Festivals in April
- Cashew Trail – This annual event is organized in April since 2012 to celebrate the cashew fruit. It is held in April because this is the harvesting month. Participate in the fun cashew fruit stomping event. You can learn how the fruit is harvested and how it travels from the plantations to the table. Try the cashew liquor. There are two of them – Feni and Urrak.
- Easter Weekend Parties – About 25% of the locals in Goa are Christians and thus, Easter is a big event. All government offices and many businesses are closed. Many families will paint Easter eggs in different colors and designs and exchange them with their families and friends. Many restaurants offer a special menu.
- Konkan Fruit Fest – A fruit festival is organized by The Botanical Society of Goa between April 21st and 23rd. For these three days, it starts and 10 and ends at 8 in the night. You can try many fruits of Goa including rare ones. There is a fruit carving and fruit eating competition.
- The FabLabShow – This is the first “Science Theater” in India at Goa in April. In this 90 minutes show, you will see science in action and its practical applications at the live science stage. There is a lot of thinking, design, and creativity that goes into the show. Science is blended with everyday life through videos, presentations, innovative exhibits, structures, and graphic explanations. It’s a must see for those interested in science and students.
- Feast of our Lady of Miracles – Also known as the Milagres feast or Milagres Saibinn, it is held on April 24th and the St Jerome Church in North Goa’s Mapusa. A mass is held on the church on that date. It is popular even with the Hindus. You can also visit the nearby St Anthony Church, which is very beautiful.
April Gallery
Hotels in Goa in April
Grand Hyatt Goa
Very few tourists compared to the peak winter season, so all the hotels, resorts, and home stays have plenty of accommodation available. They are all open around the year, except a few home stays, so you will get the full service. The prices will be much cheaper because of the lower demand. You can even find a room on arrival, but it’s still best to book in advance, because the best rooms will be taken first. Sometimes there are special deals like a free night for booking 3 nights at a hotel or resort. Check for such deals online. You may be able to negotiate a discount on arrival as well.
Rent a Villa in Goa
The villas in Goa are available at a discount too in April because of the lower demand this month. So you can stay at the best villas at prices much below the peak season. Often, the price this month will be 20% to 30% less depending on the location of the villa and the duration of your stay.
We have hundreds of villas throughout Goa you can choose from. Many of them are beachfront or waterfront properties, while others are located in a nice and green neighborhood. Some of the Goa villas are just a few minutes’ walk away from the beach. Typically, beach front villas will cost more. The villas offer all the luxuries and amenities, comparable with star properties in Goa.
April is a hot month, so choose a villa with a private swimming pool where you can take a dip and relax during the daytime when the temperature goes up. Find a villa with trees and manicured lawns for the evenings. Sit with your group, enjoy some seafood, drinks, perhaps a barbecue, and let the sea breeze coming through the trees cool things up.
Villas for rent in April:
Beachfront 4-bedroom villa with its own private pool. Prime location of North Goa. From 20 000 Rs. per night |
Large family villa in quite area of North Goa. Private pool. Complete privacy. From 19 000 Rs. per night |
Luxury villa with direct access to the beach. 5* star service. Prime location of North Goa. From 19 000 Rs. per night |
* Price depends on arrival dates and duration of stay.
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