Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.
Spring is in full swing in April, with the countryside and gardens awash with colourful wildflowers.
Look for bluebells and wild garlic in the woodlands, cherry blossoms in Kingston Lacy’s Japanese garden, or enjoy the blooming camellia, magnolias, and other spring blooms at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. It’s a great time of year to hit the coast paths, with trails still fairly quiet and mild, mostly dry weather ideal for hiking. The Easter Holidays usually fall in April, meaning busier attractions and higher prices, but it’s still a quieter and more budget-friendly time to visit than the summer.
At-a-Glance: Dorset in April
- Average temperature: 14.2°C high / 4.3°C low
- Rainfall: 58 mm
- Daylight hours: ~13.5 hours
- Sea temperature: ~9–10°C
- Tourism Level: Moderate (Easter holidays bring a noticeable bump)
- Best For: Hikers, families, countryside breaks.
Weather in April
April is a noticeably milder month, with average highs in the mid‑teens and longer, brighter days. It’s one of the sunniest months of the year, but also famously changeable: expect a mix of sunshine, showers, and breezy spells. Rainfall is relatively low in Dorset this month, but short, sharp showers are common. Overall, it’s a fresh, lively month that feels properly springlike, with plenty of good weather for walking, biking, and exploring the coast and countryside.
What to Expect in Dorset in April
Dorset is in full spring mode in April, with fresh greenery and colourful blossoms sweeping the countryside. Visitor numbers rise over the Easter holidays, but outside of those dates, it’s still a fairly quiet and calm month to visit.
Gardens, nature reserves, and coastal paths are at their best this month, and April is when many attractions fully open for the season. It’s a great time for outdoor adventures and enjoying Dorset’s spring landscapes.
Highlights
- Blossom, wildflowers, and vibrant spring scenery
- Easter brings a short busy spell
- Most attractions are now open for the season
- Great month for walking and nature spotting
- Longer days for exploring
Events & Festivals in April
- Easter holidays (30 Mar-10 Apr 2026)
- Abbotsbury Food Fair (3-4 April 2026)
- Bournemouth Writing Festival (24-26 April 2026)
- Sherborne Abbey Festival (30 April – 7 May 2026)
- Easter Adventures at Kingston Lacy (21 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Forde Abbey Easter Trail (28 Mar – 9 Apr 2026)
- Easter egg hunt at Corfe Castle (28 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Easter at Farmer Palmers Farm Park (28 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Stampede By The Sea Trail (28 March – 25 May 2026)
Best Things to Do in April
- Bluebell spotting: The iconic springtime wildflower usually begins blooming in Dorset around mid-April. Read my guide to the best spots here.
- Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park: Meet lambs, kid goats, and other baby animals at this lovely children’s farm – you can even hand-feed the sheep and goats in the Big Barn!
- Easter Activities: Many local attractions host Easter Trails, egg hunts, and other special activities during the Easter Holidays. National Trust locations like Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy always have something special, as do country parks such as Durlston, Upton, and Moors Valley.
- Birdwatching: April is the height of Spring Migration, and a great time for birdwatching in Dorset. Head to Portland Bill, Poole Harbour, Durlston Country Park, or the RSPB reserves at Arne, Lytchett Fields, Radipole, and Lodmore.
- Coastal Walks: April is a stunning month to hit the South West Coast Path in Dorset and soak up the sights of the Jurassic Coast. Waterproofs and good footwear are highly recommended!
Top Tip: Popular trails can get busy during the Easter holidays, but there are still plenty of lesser-known trails where you can escape the crowds: try my Houns Tout and Chapman’s Pool Walk or my Dancing Ledge Walk.
Wildlife Highlights in April
April is a brilliant month for wildlife in Dorset, with spring migrants arriving, birds nesting, newborn animals on the farms, and the countryside bursting into life. It’s also one of the best months for birdwatching across Dorset.
Key species & where to see them:
Spring Blooms: Bluebells, tulips, cowslips, magnolias, camellias, hyacinths, and more. Star-shaped wild garlic brings a heady scent to the woodlands.
Spring migrants: Swallows, house martins, and sedge & reed warblers returning to coastal paths and wetlands.
Ospreys: Generally return in April, although the resident breeding pair at Arne in Poole Harbour returned in March last year.
Bitterns: Listen out for their distinctive “booming” in the reedbeds; a sound like “someone blowing over the top of a milk bottle”, according to RSPB. Find them at RSPB Radipole Lake.
Waders: Many passage species stop over in Poole Harbour and Fleet Lagoon.
Reptiles: Adders and sand lizards can be seen in April/May, basking in the sun on heathlands and coastal areas. Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve is a particularly good place to spot them.
Butterflies: The orange-tip butterfly is one of the first species to emerge, and are a common sight in meadows, woodlands, and hedgerows. Brimstones and speckled woods are also common.
Quick Tips for Visiting in April
- Plan for a mix of sunshine and showers. Waterproofs are a must-pack, even if the forecast looks good!
- Book accommodation for the Easter Holidays as early as possible.
- Popular walking trails, like the walk from Lulworth to Durdle Door, can be busier during the school holidays.
- Parking availability at coastal hotspots fills up fast on sunny days. Arrive early, or use public transport.
- Layers are useful, especially on coastal paths, which can be breezy.
Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer stay, April is a lovely time to visit Dorset. With its springtime scenery, Easter events, milder weather, and newly reopened seasonal attractions, there’s plenty to see and do for every kind ot traveller. If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore my other Dorset guides to help you make the most of your trip.
Related Posts
← Last month
Next month →
Coming soon
FYI: weather averages are taken from the Met Office’s official climate station page for Bournemouth Airport/Hurn. Source for daylight hours: timeanddate.com. Sea Temperature Source: Channel Coastal Observatory records for Weymouth.
Booking Your Trip
Airports Guide – An in-depth guide to the best airports for Dorset, including travel info for each one.
Booking.com – The best booking site for all types of accommodation. It usually has the lowest prices and the widest range. I highly recommend downloading the app to manage your bookings and search on-the-go (app prices are sometimes slightly cheaper, too).
Get Your Guide – Find and book tours and attraction tickets for your trip.
Discover Cars – Easily search for and book car hire for your Dorset trip.
Airalo – If you’re coming from overseas, buy a pre-paid eSIM for the UK to get online without roaming fees. Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first purchase.
