You’ve seen the photos. Those sun-drenched terraces in Positano where everything looks like a high-saturation postcard. If you’re planning a trip, you probably think April is the start of that perpetual summer.
Well, yes and no.
Honestly, the Amalfi Coast temperature April vibe is a bit of a wildcard. One minute you’re peeling off a sweater because the Mediterranean sun is hitting your face at a perfect 18°C (64°F), and the next, a breeze kicks up from the Tyrrhenian Sea that makes you wish you’d brought a heavier coat. It’s shoulder season. It’s beautiful, it’s moody, and it’s definitely not "lay on a towel for eight hours" weather.
The Reality of the Thermometer
If we’re looking at the hard data, the average daytime high usually sits around 18°C (64°F). But averages are liars.
On a clear, cloudless Tuesday in Amalfi or Maiori, it can easily feel like 22°C (72°F). The sun in Southern Italy has a certain bite to it even in early spring. However, the nights are a different story. Once that sun dips behind the Lattari Mountains, the temperature plummet is real. You’re looking at lows of 8°C to 11°C (46°F to 52°F).
That is "teeth-chattering on a ferry" territory if you aren’t prepared.
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Rainfall and the "April Showers" Cliche
It isn't a rainforest, but it isn't the Sahara either. You can expect about 10 to 13 days of some rain throughout the month. Usually, these aren't day-long washouts. It's more of a dramatic, heavy downpour for forty minutes that clears up to reveal a double rainbow over Ravello.
Basically, the sky likes to keep things interesting.
Can You Actually Swim?
I’ll be blunt: probably not.
The sea temperature in April hovers around 16°C (61°F). To put that in perspective, that’s "invigorating" for a polar bear and "absolutely not" for most humans. You might see a few brave souls (usually Brits or Scandinavians) diving off the rocks in Praiano, but for the rest of us, it’s a toe-dipping experience at most.
If your heart is set on swimming, book a hotel with a heated pool. Most of the beach clubs aren't even fully set up with their iconic umbrellas until closer to May anyway.
What to Wear (The "Onion" Strategy)
Locals call it vestirsi a cipolla—dressing like an onion. Layers are your best friend.
- The Base: T-shirts or light linen shirts for the afternoon sun.
- The Mid: A light merino wool sweater or a denim jacket.
- The Outer: A trench coat or a windbreaker.
- The Essential: A scarf. Italians use scarves like a multi-tool. It blocks the wind on a boat and covers your shoulders if you decide to pop into the Duomo di Amalfi.
Don't bother with heels. The combination of wet cobblestones and 300-step inclines in Positano is a recipe for a twisted ankle. Stick to sneakers with good grip or broken-in loafers.
Why April is Secretly the Best Time
Despite the "is it warm or is it cold?" guessing game, April is arguably the most aesthetic month on the coast.
This is when the wisteria blooms. If you go to the Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, the purple vines are literally dripping off the pergolas. The scent is everywhere. Also, the lemon trees are heavy with fruit, and the "Path of the Gods" hike is actually doable without suffering from heatstroke.
In July, that hike is a furnace. In April, it’s a breezy, wildflower-filled dream.
The Crowd Factor
You aren't going to have the place to yourself—that’s a myth. But you won’t be shoulder-to-shoulder with 5,000 cruise ship passengers in the narrow alleys of Amalfi. You can actually get a reservation at Chez Black without calling three weeks in advance.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Ferries: The ferry schedule usually ramps up around Easter. If you’re there in early April, check the SITA bus schedule as a backup, because if the sea is too choppy (which happens), the boats won’t run.
- Easter Magic: If your trip overlaps with Holy Week, expect some shops to close, but the processions in towns like Minori are hauntingly beautiful.
- Humidity: It’s a coastal region. Even at 15°C, the dampness can make it feel chillier than the number suggests.
Actionable Tips for Your April Trip
- Check the wind, not just the temp. A 15mph wind off the water makes a 17°C day feel like 12°C.
- Book a room with a view. Since you’ll likely spend more time indoors or on a balcony than on a beach, the "sea view" upgrade is actually worth the money this month.
- Pack a travel umbrella. Don't buy the cheap ones from the street vendors that break in the first gust of wind.
- Focus on the mountains. Use the mild weather to explore the valley of the mills (Valle delle Ferriere) rather than just the shoreline.
April on the Amalfi Coast is for the traveler who prefers atmosphere over tanning. It’s fresh, it’s green, and it requires a little bit of tactical packing. If you can handle a bit of mist and a cool evening breeze, you’ll see the coast in a way most summer tourists never do.