Everything You Should Know About April!
By April, spring has finally sprung, and if we’re lucky, the weather will reflect that! We hope that your sky is bright and clear and your grass is growing green. See your April weather forecasts, the many spring holidays and festivals this month, seasonal recipes, garden tips, and more!
The Month of April
The month of April gets its name from the Latin word aperio, meaning “to open [bud],” because plants really begin to grow now. Read more about how the months got their names.
April Calendar
- April 1 is All Fools’ Day—otherwise known as “April Fools’ Day.” Where did this silly day come from?
- April 12 is the start of Passover, which begins at sundown.
- April 18 is Good Friday. Learn more about Good Friday.
- April 20 is Easter Sunday. (May 5 is Orthodox Easter.) Did you know that Easter’s date is related to the full Moon?
- April 22 is Earth Day. To celebrate, see some Earth Day ideas and activities.
- April 24 is the birthday of Robert B. Thomas, the founder of The Old Farmer’s Almanac!
- April 28 is National Arbor Day. Find out who started Arbor Day and how we observe this day honoring trees.
“Just for Fun” Days
Read Next
- Apr. 5 (first Saturday in April): International Pillow Fight Day
- Apr. 7 (first Monday in April): Sweet Potato Day
- Apr. 7: National No Housework Day
- Apr. 10: Gopher Tortoise Day (Florida)
- Apr. 17: Blah, Blah, Blah Day
- Apr. 20 (third Sunday in April): Go Fly a Kite Day
- Apr. 26: National Richter Scale Day
- Apr. 26 (last Saturday in April): National Sense of Smell Day
How Many Days Are in April? April has 30 Days!
April Astronomy
The Pink Moon
April’s full Pink Micromoon will rise on Saturday, April 12, reaching peak illumination at 8:22 P.M. Eastern Time. Learn more about April’s full Moon here!
April Weather
“A cold April the barn will fill.”
This month brings us some capricious weather! April rains bring verdant pastures but also umbrellas and rain boots!
See your 5-day forecast and long-range weather forecast to plan ahead.
Recipes for the Season
Springtime brings the first crops of the season. See a few of our favorite seasonal recipes:
See all our Spring Recipe Collection using seasonal ingredients from across North America!
Gardening
Does the warmth of spring turn your thoughts to gardening?
- Make a Container Gardening Planter
- Growing Guides for Vegetables, Herbs, Flowers, and More
- Learn how to garden step-by-step!
Everyday Advice
Are you daunted by the thought of a top-to-bottom spring cleaning? Here are some tips to help.
Birds & Fishing
Enjoy the signs of spring!
April Birthstone & Birth Flower
Birthstone: Diamond. Read more about diamonds!
Birth Flowers: Daisy and Sweet Pea. Read about April’s birth flowers.
April’s Quiz
Which event did not happen in April?
A. “Shot heard ’round the world”/Battles of Lexington and Concord
B. Mutiny on the HMS Bounty
C. First transcontinental railroad completed at Promontory Summit in Utah Territory
D. Harrowing flight of Apollo 13
See the answer below!
Rhyme Time
April cold with dripping rain
Willows and lilacs brings again,
The whistle of returning birds,
And trumpet-lowing of the herds.
–Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82)
Oh, how fresh the wind is blowing!
See! The sky is bright an clear,
Oh, how green the grass is growing!
April! April! Are you here?
–Dora R. Goodale (1866–1953)
ANSWER TO QUIZ: C, on May 10, 1869. (A. April 19, 1775; B. April 28, 1789; D. April 11–17, 1970)
Catherine Boeckmann
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Ramadan ends on April 20/21
When giving the date of someone's birth, could you please also give that person's death date, if appropriate?
April Fools! :D
Thanks for a good chuckle. While I believe the saying is "A cold April, the barn will fill", I can picture the owners of local watering holes checking the Almanac for upcoming cold days and getting their stock ready for the influx of chilly patrons.
I rather like the updated version.
It makes me so happy to read Old Farmer's Almanac. Thank you!!
for taking a moment to let us know! We appreciate YOU—and that’s no foolin!
Great information. I really love The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Today and every day! Thank you, Chris!
You have packed so much into this site. It is really wonderful to read all of the topics each month. Thank you for sharing all of your insight. We will definitely be back to see more in the future.
Good to see this category back!
I like that the topics are focused on a monthly collection.
Thank you!
