Things to Do in Venezuela in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Venezuela
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail-end means you'll catch mostly sunny days with occasional brief showers - perfect beach weather without the December-March tourist crush when prices spike 40-60% higher
- Angel Falls runs strong from wet season runoff - April actually gives you the best flow rates before May's peak rains make access flights unreliable, and you'll see the falls at roughly 80% capacity versus the pathetic trickle in dry February
- Wildlife viewing peaks in Los Llanos as animals concentrate around shrinking water sources - you'll spot capybaras, caimans, and anacondas without the June flooding that disperses everything across the plains
- Currency situation remains favorable for international visitors - your dollars or euros stretch significantly further than most Caribbean or South American alternatives, with quality meals running 8-12 USD and decent hotels 35-50 USD per night
Considerations
- April sits in transition between seasons so weather gets unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous days then a surprise afternoon downpour that cancels your Roraima trek departure, and rescheduling logistics in Venezuela require serious patience
- Easter week (Semana Santa) typically falls in April and Venezuelans take this seriously - beaches get absolutely packed with domestic travelers, prices jump 30-50% that specific week, and booking anything last-minute becomes nearly impossible
- Infrastructure challenges persist throughout the country - power outages still happen in smaller towns, internet remains spotty outside major cities, and you'll need serious flexibility when domestic flights get delayed or rescheduled with minimal notice
Best Activities in April
Los Roques Archipelago Beach Days
April hits the sweet spot for Los Roques - water visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) as the dry season winds calm down, but you're ahead of the May-August peak when posadas book out months ahead. The water temperature sits around 27°C (81°F), which is genuinely perfect for hours of snorkeling without a wetsuit. You'll see schools of tarpon and the occasional nurse shark around the coral formations. Weather's stable enough that boat transfers from the main island rarely get cancelled, unlike the sketchy conditions you sometimes get in November.
Angel Falls Expeditions
This is actually one of the best months for Canaima and Angel Falls before the heavy rains arrive. The falls run strong from recent wet season accumulation - you'll see proper volume without the June-July peak when flights get grounded for days. The 3-day standard trip involves a flight to Canaima, motorized canoe up the Churun River (about 4 hours depending on water levels), then a 1-hour hike through rainforest to the base. April weather means the river's navigable but not flooded, and afternoon showers cool things down without turning trails into mudslides. The indigenous Pemon communities run most operations and know exactly when conditions shift.
Los Llanos Wildlife Safaris
April is genuinely spectacular for Los Llanos - the plains are drying out so animals concentrate around remaining water sources, making wildlife spotting almost guaranteed. You'll see massive capybara groups, spectacled caimans stacked along riverbanks, and if you're lucky, anacondas hunting in shallow pools. Bird numbers peak with hundreds of species including scarlet ibis, jabiru storks, and roseate spoonbills. The heat sits around 32-35°C (90-95°F) during midday but early morning and late afternoon game drives stay comfortable. Most hatos (working ranches) offer 2-3 day packages with jeep safaris and boat trips.
Merida Andes Hiking and Paragliding
April weather in the Andes stays relatively dry with cool temperatures - you're looking at 15-22°C (59-72°F) in Merida town, dropping to 5-10°C (41-50°F) at higher elevations. The teleferico (cable car) runs most days when visibility cooperates, taking you up to 4,765 m (15,633 ft) at Pico Espejo. Paragliding conditions are actually excellent in April - thermals build consistently in afternoon without the excessive winds you sometimes get in peak dry season. Multi-day treks to places like Laguna Mucubaji or Los Nevados work well now before May rains make high-altitude camping miserable. You'll need layers - mornings start cold but sun exposure at altitude gets intense.
Morrocoy National Park Island Hopping
The beaches and cays around Morrocoy see excellent conditions in April - water's calm, visibility runs 15-20 m (49-66 ft) for snorkeling, and you're ahead of the July-August domestic tourism peak. Day trips involve boat transfers to various cays like Cayo Sombrero or Cayo Peraza where you'll find white sand beaches and decent coral formations. Water temperature hits 26-28°C (79-82°F), perfect for extended swimming without thermal protection. Weekdays stay relatively quiet while weekends see more Venezuelan families, especially during Easter week. The mangrove channels make for interesting kayaking when you need a break from beach time.
Caracas Urban Exploration and Day Trips
April weather makes Caracas manageable - temperatures hover around 24-28°C (75-82°F) with occasional afternoon showers that clear quickly. The city itself offers interesting museums like the Museo de Bellas Artes and the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, plus the teleferico up to El Avila provides excellent city views when visibility cooperates. Food scene remains surprisingly strong with everything from arepas at local spots to upscale dining in Las Mercedes or Altamira. Day trips to coastal towns like Galipan (accessible via cable car and jeep) or the beaches at Macuto work well from the capital. That said, you'll want local guidance on which neighborhoods to visit and current safety considerations.
April Events & Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Easter week typically falls in April and Venezuelans observe this seriously - expect beach destinations, islands, and popular tourist spots to fill completely with domestic travelers. Many businesses close Thursday through Sunday, and coastal towns like Morrocoy or Margarita Island see prices spike 30-50% with accommodations booking out weeks ahead. The upside is witnessing genuine Venezuelan holiday culture - families gathering at beaches, traditional foods appearing everywhere, and processions in smaller towns. If you're visiting during Semana Santa, book everything at least a month ahead and expect crowds.
Feria del Sol (Merida)
If the dates align, Merida sometimes hosts cultural events and bullfighting festivals in April, though the main Feria del Sol traditionally occurs in February. Worth checking current year schedules as April occasionally sees smaller cultural celebrations in the Andes region - folk music performances, artisan markets, and traditional food festivals pop up around university towns. The cooler mountain weather makes April pleasant for exploring Merida's cultural scene regardless of specific events.