There are over 700 islands, islets, reefs and cays in the Caribbean (not all inhabited, of course), so it can be challenging to decide where is best to vacation. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best Caribbean islands to visit in April, giving you a mixture of tiny hidden gems and some of the more developed spots.
The Caribbean region has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, 5-star retreat, a hiking adventure exploring rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes, or a sailing experience of a lifetime, you’ll find it on one of these paradise islands.
Is April a Good Time to go to the Caribbean?
Yes! April is the perfect time to go to the Caribbean as it’s the back end of the busy tourist season. The crowds begin to subside a little, the temperatures are warm but not unbearable, and the ocean temperature is rising, making it perfect for swimming! Also, April is in the dry season, so rains and hurricanes won’t be a risk.
The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in April
1. Jamaica
First up on the best Caribbean islands to visit in April is Jamaica. The home of reggae comes alive because April is when the carnival comes to town. Usually, Carnival in Jamaica runs in Apil, and there will be plenty of events happening before, during and after the official dates given. During the main week of festivities, there will be plenty of action and colour in the capital, Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Besides carnival, Jamaica is a beautiful destination for ultimate luxury and relaxation as well as adventure and exploration. Known as the land of wood and water, Jamaica is one of the larger Caribbean islands, boasting sensational beaches, like the 7-mile Beach in Negril, lush rainforests and beautiful waterfalls like Dunns River Falls.
We really enjoyed our visit to Jamaica, and if you’re an all-inclusive kind of traveller looking for 5-star luxury, Jamaica is a great choice!
🏡 Places to Stay in Jamaica
- Sandals Royal Plantation All Inclusive – Couples Only – Luxury all inclusive, adults-only, oceanfront, personalised butler service, in Ocho Rios
- S Hotel Jamaica – All-Inclusive – Trendy all inclusive resort with beachfront luxury, spa, and cuisine, in Montego Bay
- Riu Palace Tropical Bay – All Inclusive – Family-friendly, beachfront, all inclusive hotel with fine dining, water sports and lively entertainment, in Negril
You can find more amazing places to stay in Jamaica here.
🎒 Things to Do in Jamaica in April
- Experience a Rasta ATV Safari
- Take a private south coast tour (YS Falls, floating Pelican Bar, Black River safari and Appleton Rum)
- Venture to Chuck Norris Secret Falls
- Tour Appleton Rum Distillery with tastings of Jamaica’s famous rum
- Go Bamboo Rafting along the Martha Brae River
- Explore Negril by cliff jumping at Rick’s Cafe and swimming at Seven Mile Beach
You can find more things to do in Jamaica here.
✈️ Find: Cheap flights to Jamaica
2. The Bahamas
The Bahamas is high on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. When people think of crystal clear waters and pristine white sand beaches, most people will name the Bahamas as a go-to destination – and it definitely is! It’s one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April (and many other months) because of these beautiful waters that are great for sailing, snorkelling, and diving.
Also, you’ll find an abundance of luxury resorts on the islands, so if that’s your vibe, then the Bahamas is probably the destination for you. It’s not cheap, but nowhere in the Caribbean is.
April is also a great choice because the Bahamas hosts its spring Junkanoo (its version of carnival that is celebrated a few times a year). While the main event occurs around Boxing Day and New Year, spring is still incredibly lively, with people travelling far and wide to experience this carnival that is a real clash of cultures. This celebration is one of the reasons Bahamas has made it onto our list of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April.
🏡 Places to Stay in the Bahamas
- Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – Luxury resort overlooking white sand Cable Beach, Nassau; featuring the Caribbean’s largest casino and exclusive dining experiences
- Kahari Resort, a Peace and Plenty Resort Property – Located on Stocking Island; offers intimate beachfront luxury, exclusive access to barrier reefs and the famous Chat ‘N’ Chill beach bar
- Grand Isle Resort & Residences – Elegant beachside villas on Great Exuma, with stunning sea views, a championship golf course, and a relaxing spa
You can find more amazing places to stay in the Bahamas here.
🎒 Things to Do in the Bahamas in April
- Swim with pigs at the famous Pig Beach and visit other iconic beaches
- Go on an Exuma full day excursion, swimming, snorkelling and experiencing all the best sites
- Snorkel around Pablo Escobar’s plane crash wreck
- Take sightseeing to a new level in a pirate Jeep
- Taste Bahamian cuisine on a food tasting and cultural walking tour
- Escape the crowds and relax at a private ocean view cabana at Pearl Island
- Discover the capital of the Bahamas on Nassau’s only Segway tour
You can find more things to do in the Bahamas here.
✈️ Find: Cheap flights to the Bahamas
3. British Virgin Islands
Made up of 50 islands and cays, the British Virgin Islands is a paradise for sailors and the wealthy. We won’t sugar coat it – the BVI isn’t cheap, but it makes up for it with some of the most beautiful scenery, landscapes and waters in the region. We’ve spent over 6 months in total in the BVI, and we love it for its great mix of experiences.
The BVI is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April because there is a selection of events going on, particularly the BVI Food and Wine Festival, the Spring Regatta and the Easter Festival on Virgin Gorda.
- The main island of Tortola, the busiest of the inhabited islands, boasts beautiful beaches, restaurants, and hiking.
- Over on Virgin Gorda, you’ll find an island scattered with giant boulders (a landscape like nothing we’ve ever seen), a laid-back vibe, more traditional Caribbean vibe.
- Jost Van Dyke, home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s, is an idyllic getaway that feels like being transported back in time.
- Finally, Anegada, a flat island with some roads that are still sand, is the closest you will ever feel to being on a deserted island. It feels like you’ve been dropped into a TV show or movie that’s set on an island cut off from the world – it’s incredible!
So, if you’re into island hopping and want a vacation with plenty of different experiences, we recommend the BVI as one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April.
🏡 Places to Stay in the British Virgin Islands
To help you decide where to stay in the British Virgin Islands, here are a few places we’d recommend.
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay – 5-star luxury hotel with soft white sand beach and stunning grounds. This is where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip vacationed and stayed
- Almost Heaven Villa – Convenient location between iconic White Bay home to Soggy Dollar Bar, and Great Harbour, where you’ll find the famous Foxy’s
- Long Bay Beach Resort – Beachfront luxury rooms looking out to pristine white sand beach, rolling waves and peaks of other islands
You can find more amazing places to stay in the British Virgin Islands here.
🎒 Things to Do in the British Virgin Islands in April
- Go on a full day boat charter island hopping around the BVI
- Experience kayaking in the mangroves in Beef Island Lagoon
- Visit secret beaches and go snorkelling along coral reefs
- Hike in Mount Healthy National Park
- Head out on a powerboat to Virgin Gorda and snorkel spots
- Trek through Brewers Bay to the BVI’s only pineapple farm
- Wander the Botanical Gardens and Fahie Hill Murals
You can find more things to do in the British Virgin Islands here.
✈️ Find: Cheap flights to British Virgin Islands
4. Sint Maarten/St Martin
Sint Maarten is part of a binational island, with half of the island (Sint Maarten) being a Dutch territory and the other half (Saint Martin) belonging to the French. Even if you don’t know this island, you probably know one of the reasons it’s famous – there is a beach right at the end of the runway with planes landing just above people’s heads (see the picture below).
This gem of an island is a real fusion of cultures, with architecture and food showing the coming together of Dutch, Caribbean and French. So, why is it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April? Carnival! Possibly the most looked-forward-to period on the island, the island comes alive with events, fetes and masquerades.
On the Dutch side of the island, you’ll find nightlife, casinos and shopping. Whereas Saint Martin, the French side, is more nature-based activities. However, both Sint and Saint have great beaches and places to eat.
So, if you’re considering the best Caribbean islands to visit in April and you’re wanting a quieter trip, head to Saint Martin. If a lively atmosphere is what you’re after, Sint Maarten is your stop.
You Might Love: The 10 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in March
🏡 Places to Stay in Sint Maarten/St Martin
- Sonesta Ocean Point Resort – Adults-only, all-inclusive luxury on Maho Beach, St Maarten, featuring a private beach, infinity pools, and fine dining
- Karibuni Boutique Hotel – Offers secluded bayside villas on St Martin, with personalised service and access to private islands and dining
- Esmeralda Resort – Nestled on Orient Bay, St Martin; known for its 18 luxurious villas, private pools, and exclusive beach access
You can find more amazing places to stay in Sint Maarten/St Martin here.
Top Tip: For a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, stay in Saint Martin (the French side). If you’re seeking convenience and vibrant nightlife, opt to stay in Sint Maarten (the Dutch side).
🎒 Things to Do in Sint Maarten/St Martin in April
- Hop on a speed boat and go beach hopping and snorkelling with turtles and sting rays
- Discover the island on a private sightseeing tour to see the hotspots
- Go on a day trip to Anguilla Island and it’s beaches Meads Bay, Sandy Island, and Rendezvous Bay
- Explore Pinel Island & it’s huge population of iguana’s
- Watch the sunset on a sunset catamaran cruise
- Go scuba diving around St Maarten’s reefs and wrecks
You can find more things to do in Sint Maarten/St Martin here.
✈️ Find: Cheap flights to Sint Maarten/St Martin
5. Antigua
Three things come to mind when many people think about Antigua: beaches, cricket, and sailing. Well, if you’re into sailing, you’ll love why Antigua is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April. There are two major sailing events that usually take place – the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week.
However, if sailing isn’t your vibe, it’s still an amazing time to visit. The island will be a hive of activity, with sailors from around the region (and the world) making their way here. Even with the bustling atmosphere, you’ll be able to find a quiet corner of relaxation in paradise because there are a total of 365 beaches on the island and some incredible things to do in Antigua away from the sailing.
🏡 Places to Stay in Antigua
- Carlisle Bay – Secluded, beachfront family-friendly upscale resort with options for all inclusive and breakfast only
- Curtain Bluff – Premier, all inclusive with two beaches, world-class tennis, and dining
- Hermitage Bay – 5-star eco-friendly hotel with beachfront suites, farm-to-table dining, and personalised spa services
You can find more amazing places to stay in Antigua here.
🎒 Things to Do in Antigua in April
- Go on a complete circumnavigation tour of Antigua (see 365 beaches in one day!)
- Hop on a boat to secluded islands Maiden Island and Bird Island
- Go hiking across the coastline of Antigua
- Explore the rainforest and beaches on a Tuk-Tuk
- Take an Antiguan jerk’ cooking class or rum cooking class
- Enjoy a full day tour of Antigua to see Devil’s Bridge, Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights and more
You can find more things to do in Antigua here.
✈️ Find: Cheap flights to Antigua
6. Barbados
Barbados is the most developed of the Eastern Caribbean islands, with more choices for accommodation, restaurants, groceries and shopping than any of the others. It’s become the most budget-friendly of the eastern Caribbean islands for this reason (particularly if you’re travelling from the UK).
The island is relatively flat, so it doesn’t boast the lush rainforests and mountains of other islands, but it makes up for it everywhere else. Welcoming locals and a vibe that can be as lively or as chilled as you like, make this an island that people return to year after year.
There is never a bad time to visit Barbados, but it’s one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April for two reasons: Oistins Festival and Barbados Reggae Festival.
- Oistins Fish Fry is a Bajan institution. This little fishing town comes alive every Friday night with vendors cooking up fresh catch and locals and tourists mixing, drinking, and dancing. In April, there is an official celebration of this tradition, where the event is taken up a notch – it’s not to be missed!
- The Reggae Festival doesn’t need much explanation. Reggae is synonymous with the region, and this festival attracts some well-renowned acts and lasts 5 days, usually at the end of April.
🏡 Places to Stay in Barbados
- Sweetfield Manor – Charming, boutique hotel with peacocks, lagoon style outdoor pool, near Carlisle Bay
- Savannah Beach Club – Beachfront family-friendly hotel with Miami-style architecture and modern rooms
- Cobblers Cove – Elegant, British colonial-style hotel with gourmet dining, complimentary boat day to swim with turtles, and tropical gardens
You can find more amazing places to stay in Barbados here.
🎒 Things to Do in Barbados in April
- Go swimming with turtles at Carlisle Bay shipwrecks
- Explore the whole island on a private (and customisable) tour
- Spend the day on a Catamaran Cruise Excursion
- Adventure through Harrison’s Cave
- Discover the remote and rugged Bathsheba beach and other off-the-beaten track coastlines
- Taste Barbadian rum at Mount Gay Rum Distillery
You can find more things to do in Barbados here.
✈️ Find: Cheap flights to Barbados
7. Saint Lucia
St Lucia is a dream destination to visit any time of year. Known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, such as the Pitons, sensational waterfalls, a mixture of white and black sand beaches, and being a hotspot for chocolate-making, this island is a paradise for romantics, adventurers, and families. For these reasons, it’s undoubtedly one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in April.
We spent around 6 weeks on St Lucia and it was such an adventure – we loved every minute of it. While there are some incredible resorts on the island, we recommend doing everything you can to get out and explore. If you don’t, you won’t see the real St Lucia, feel the welcome of the amazing people, and see some of the most incredible landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on. We decided to rent a car in St Lucia, and can 100% recommend it.
Also, it’s a great time to visit for jazz fans and artists because it’s St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, one of the mouse anticipated music events in the region. (it’s been running for 30 years!). This 14-day event usually kicks off at the end of April and runs into May.
🏡 Places to Stay in St Lucia
- Jade Mountain Resort – Iconic, luxury St Lucia resort with open-wall suites, private infinity pools, and stunning Piton views
- Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort – Luxury beachfront resort nestled between Pitons with spa and villas with private pools
- Bel Jou Hotel – Affordable adults-only hotel with rooftop dining, wellness activities, and views over Castries, gardens and the Caribbean Sea. Read our review.
You can find more amazing places to stay in St Lucia here.
🎒 Things to Do in St Lucia in April
- Trek the UNESCO Pitons on a guided hike
- Learn about cacao and make your own chocolate at Project Chocolat (we recommend the Tree to Bar Experience)
- Spend the day on a private boat trip to Soufriere and St Lucia’s west coast
- Explore the worlds-only drive in volcano and Sulphur Springs mud baths
- Experience colourful marine life by SNUBA or Scuba Diving
- Sail around the island on a full-day Catamaran cruise
You can find more things to do in St Lucia here.
✈️ Find: Cheap flights to St Lucia
FAQs About the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in April
What is the weather like in the Caribbean in April?
The weather in the Caribbean in April is generally warm, sunny, and inviting, making it a popular time for visitors. April falls within the dry season for most of the Caribbean, which typically runs from December to May. During this month, you can expect minimal rainfall and average temperatures to range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24°C to 29°C).
Is April hurricane season in the Caribbean?
No, April is not part of the hurricane season in the Caribbean. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th.
Does it rain a lot in the Caribbean in April?
In April, the Caribbean generally sees less rainfall as it’s within the dry season. Average rainfall can vary by island but is typically lower than in the wet season.
Which Caribbean island has the best weather in April?
The Caribbean boasts excellent weather in April, with warm temperatures and low rainfall across the region. Generally, the southern Caribbean has slightly drier and more stable conditions due to its closer proximity to the equator. In contrast, the northern islands may see a bit more variability, including occasional brief showers.
Can you swim in the Caribbean in April?
Yes, you can swim in the Caribbean in April. Sea temperatures are usually around 27°C to 28°C, which is warm and comfortable for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities. The water starts to warm further in April as the region moves closer to summer, making it ideal for longer swims or simply relaxing in the sea. Conditions are generally calm, especially in sheltered bays, and April still falls within the dry season, so you’ll get plenty of sunshine and clear water.
Where is the best place to go in April for a tropical holiday?
The Caribbean is one of the best regions to visit in April for a tropical holiday. The weather is warm, the sea is ideal for swimming, and it’s still the dry season across most islands. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a budget, luxury or adventure traveller. And, April tends to be slightly quieter than the peak winter months, so you can still enjoy good weather without the crowds.
Which is the best Caribbean island to visit in April?
Having spent many springs in the region, we think the best Caribbean islands to visit in April are Jamaica, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten/St Martin, Antigua, Barbados, and Saint Lucia. Honestly, no Caribbean island is bad to visit in April. The region is warm, dry and sunny across the board, so it really depends on what kind of holiday you’re after.
The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in April Summarised
Overall, April is an incredible time to visit the Caribbean. The weather is ideal, the high-season crowds have departed, and there are so many events and festivals taking place. Whether you’re looking for ultimate luxury in a resort or an experience that gets you off the beaten path, one of the islands we’ve recommended will give you exactly what you’re looking for!
The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit by Month
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