Palau in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Palau

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season with minimal rainfall - only 0.0 mm (0.0 inches) total but 10 light shower days that clear quickly, perfect for diving visibility reaching 30-45 m (98-148 ft)
Optimal water temperature at 28-29°C (82-84°F) with calm seas - best conditions for swimming with jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake and exploring Blue Holes
Post-spawning coral recovery period means busy colors and active marine life without the murkiness from March breeding season
Shoulder season pricing with 15-25% lower accommodation rates compared to peak December-February period, plus easier dive permit availability

Considerations

Intermittent trade winds create choppy surface conditions 3-4 days per week, making boat transfers to outer reefs uncomfortable for those prone to seasickness
High UV index of 8 combined with crystal-clear water creates intense sun exposure - sunburns happen within 15 minutes without SPF 50+
Tourist volume increases mid-month as Easter holidays approach, with dive sites becoming crowded between 10am-2pm daily

Best Activities in April

Blue Corner Drift Diving Expeditions

April's calm currents and 30+ m (98+ ft) visibility make this Palau's premier shark encounter site accessible to intermediate divers. Water temperature at 28°C (82°F) means longer bottom times. Grey reef sharks, whitetips, and occasional hammerheads patrol the corner in predictable patterns during April's post-spawning period.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through PADI-certified operators. Full-day trips typically cost $180-240 USD including tanks and weights. Morning departures (7am) avoid afternoon trade winds and crowds. Look for operators with Nitrox capability for extended dive times.

Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling Experience

April's stable weather means consistent boat access to Eil Malk Island. Lake temperature at 30°C (86°F) creates perfect conditions for millions of golden jellyfish. The 200m (656 ft) swim to the lake center requires moderate fitness but rewards with otherworldly encounters. Entry permits limited to 100 visitors daily.

Booking Tip: Combine with Rock Islands tour for better value - packages typically $120-160 USD including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book 10-14 days ahead as daily permits sell out. Afternoon tours (1-5pm) offer softer lighting for photography.

Kayaking through Rock Islands

April's variable conditions create perfect paddling weather - minimal rainfall and moderate winds. Navigate through 70-million-year-old limestone formations and hidden lagoons. The 4-6 hour tours cover 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) with stops at secluded beaches. Water clarity allows spotting giant clams and reef fish from surface.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range $85-120 USD including equipment and guide. Choose tours departing before 9am to avoid midday heat and afternoon winds. Look for operators providing dry bags and sun shelters. No experience necessary but basic swimming skills required.

World War II Wreck Diving Adventures

April's excellent visibility reveals Palau's underwater museum of 60+ WWII wrecks. The Japanese Zero fighter at 15 m (49 ft) depth and Iro Maru cargo ship offer penetration opportunities for advanced divers. Cooler morning water temperatures keep marine growth busy on the wrecks' structures.

Booking Tip: Specialty wreck courses available for $200-280 USD over 2 days. Advanced Open Water certification required for deeper wrecks like the Teshio Maru at 40 m (131 ft). Book technical diving operators for trimix capabilities on the deepest sites.

Cultural Village and Traditional Fishing

April coincides with traditional fishing season when locals demonstrate ancient techniques using stone fish traps and spear fishing. Village tours include traditional bai (meeting house) visits, local handicraft workshops, and authentic Palauan storytelling. Experience preparation of traditional foods using taro and fresh reef fish.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours typically cost $45-75 USD for half-day experiences including traditional lunch. Book directly with Palau Visitors Authority certified guides. Tours operate Tuesday-Saturday with morning starts preferred. Some villages require advance permission - operators handle permits.

Lighthouse Reef and German Channel Snorkeling

April's calm conditions provide access to Palau's most pristine shallow reefs. German Channel's manta ray cleaning station sees increased activity as plankton blooms from April rains attract feeding mantas. The 30-minute boat ride from Koror offers dolphin spotting opportunities in deeper waters.

Booking Tip: Full-day snorkeling packages range $95-140 USD including lunch and gear. Manta ray encounters best between 11am-3pm during incoming tides. Choose operators with hydrophones for listening to whale songs during transit. Snorkeling experience required due to strong currents.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Palau International Coral Reef Center Marine Science Festival

Annual celebration of marine conservation featuring coral restoration workshops, traditional fishing demonstrations, and underwater photography exhibitions. Local marine biologists lead tide pool explorations and explain coral spawning cycles. Free educational programs perfect for families.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen (UV index 8 plus water reflection doubles exposure) - zinc oxide formulations protect coral reefs

Lightweight long-sleeve rash guard with UPF rating - prevents jellyfish stings and sun exposure during 4-6 hour boat trips

Waterproof dry bag (20-30 liter capacity) - protects electronics during boat transfers and unexpected rain showers

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear in dark colors - light colors show sand and salt stains after multiple reef visits

Reef-safe snorkeling gear if experienced - rental gear often poor quality, visibility reduces safety at sites like Micronesia

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 15-20 minutes but arrive suddenly during boat trips

Closed-toe water shoes with good grip - essential for rocky entrances at dive sites and slippery boat decks

Electrolyte supplements or tablets - 70% humidity plus physical activity causes rapid dehydration

Waterproof phone case with lanyard - capturing underwater shots at Jellyfish Lake requires submersion-rated protection

Anti-seasickness medication - trade winds create choppy conditions during 45-60 minute boat rides to outer reefs

Insider Knowledge

Book diving and tours for early in your trip - weather can deteriorate quickly and operators cancel outer reef trips with minimal notice, leaving less time to reschedule

Bring cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10 USD) - many local operators and restaurants don't accept cards, and ATMs in Koror frequently run empty on weekends

Purchase the $50 USD Rock Islands permit immediately upon arrival at the airport - buying later costs $10 more and delays morning tour departures while guides arrange permits

Stay in Koror despite higher prices - Airai accommodations require 45-60 minute drives to dive shops and tour operators, eating into limited daylight hours for activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure intensity - the combination of equatorial sun, water reflection, and high altitude boat rides causes severe burns within 20 minutes even on cloudy days

Booking tours through hotel concierges instead of directly with operators - markup typically 20-30% and you lose flexibility for weather-related changes

Overpacking dive gear and clothing - everything stays damp in 70% humidity, and most accommodations lack proper drying facilities or air conditioning