Beirut - Things to Do in Beirut in April

Beirut in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Beirut

22°C (72°F) High Temp
15°C (59°F) Low Temp
30mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect spring weather for walking - comfortable 15-22°C (59-72°F) temperatures mean you can explore Beirut's hilly neighborhoods without summer's exhausting heat
  • Peak wildflower season in Lebanese mountains - April brings spectacular blooms to nearby Mount Lebanon, just 45 minutes from the city
  • Restaurant terrace season begins - outdoor dining spaces reopen after winter, with perfect evening temperatures for mezze and arak on rooftops
  • Easter celebrations across Christian quarters - April often coincides with both Eastern and Western Easter, creating busy celebrations in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael

Considerations

  • Unpredictable rain showers - 10 rainy days means you'll need flexible indoor plans, especially for outdoor markets and beach trips south to Lebanon
  • Higher accommodation prices - April marks the start of tourist season, with hotel rates 25-40% higher than March
  • Crowded weekends at mountain destinations - Lebanese families flood mountain resorts on sunny April weekends, making day trips more congested

Best Activities in April

Baalbek Roman Ruins Day Trips

April's mild weather makes the 85km (53-mile) journey to Lebanon's UNESCO temples ideal - no summer heat exhaustion while exploring the massive Jupiter and Bacchus temples. Spring light creates perfect photography conditions, and you'll avoid winter's occasional snow closures through the Bekaa Valley.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead, typically costing $45-65 USD including transport and guide. Look for operators offering small groups (8-12 people) for better temple access. Check current options in booking section below.

Beirut Food Walking Tours

April weather is perfect for multi-hour walking food tours through Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, and traditional souks. Comfortable temperatures mean you can sample street food without wilting, plus spring marks the return of fresh local produce to markets - perfect timing for seasonal specialties.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (starting 5pm) work best in April's extended daylight. Price range $35-50 USD for 3-4 hour experiences. Book with operators offering rain date alternatives since April has 10 wet days. See current tour options below.

Jeita Grotto Underground Tours

Lebanon's famous underground caves maintain cool 16°C (61°F) temperatures year-round - perfect contrast to April's variable weather above ground. Spring rainfall actually enhances the cave's underground river and stalactite formations, making April one of the most spectacular viewing months.

Booking Tip: Combine with cable car rides on clear April days for mountain views. Tours typically cost $25-35 USD including transport from Beirut (20km/12 miles). Book morning slots to avoid afternoon rain showers. Check availability in booking section.

Chouf Mountains Hiking Tours

April transforms the Chouf Biosphere Reserve into a wildflower great destination, 50km (31 miles) southeast of Beirut. Comfortable hiking temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) at altitude, plus this is prime season for spotting migrating birds and endemic Lebanese flora before summer heat arrives.

Booking Tip: Book guided eco-tours 5-7 days ahead, typically $40-60 USD including transport and naturalist guide. Choose operators with weather backup plans - April's 10 rainy days can affect mountain access. See current hiking options below.

Tyre Archaeological Site Visits

Coastal Lebanon, 80km (50 miles) south, offers perfect April exploration - warm enough for seaside archaeology but not yet blazing summer heat. Spring timing means fewer crowds at the UNESCO Roman hippodrome and harbor ruins, plus comfortable walking temperatures on extensive site grounds.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost $55-75 USD including Lebanon stops. Book with operators offering flexible scheduling since coastal weather can be unpredictable in April. Afternoon departures work well with morning Beirut activities. Check current options below.

Byblos Harbor Evening Tours

April evenings in ancient Lebanon (40km/25 miles north) offer perfect 18°C (64°F) temperatures for harbor walks and castle exploration. Spring timing means fishing boats return with fresh catches, creating authentic Mediterranean atmosphere without summer's oppressive humidity or winter's closure of seaside restaurants.

Booking Tip: Sunset tours departing 4-5pm work perfectly with April daylight hours. Typically $30-45 USD including old town walking tour. Book operators with indoor backup options for rainy days. See current Lebanon tour options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Variable - check 2025 Easter calendar

Easter Celebrations in Christian Quarters

April often hosts both Eastern and Western Easter (dates vary yearly), bringing processions through Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh, and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods. Traditional Easter Sunday markets, special church services, and family gatherings create authentic cultural immersion opportunities.

Mid to Late April

Spring Mountain Festivals

Local mountain towns like Bcharre and Ehden host spring awakening festivals in April, celebrating the end of winter with traditional dabke dancing, local food specialties, and mountain crafts. These authentic community events offer genuine Lebanese cultural experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - April's 10 rainy days bring sudden 30-45 minute downpours that can soak cotton completely
Layering pieces for 7°C (13°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 15°C (59°F), afternoons reach 22°C (72°F)
Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Beirut's limestone sidewalks become slippery when wet from spring showers
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 means burning risk within 15-20 minutes, especially with April's deceptive cloud cover
Light scarf for evening breezes - coastal winds pick up after sunset, dropping temperatures quickly from day highs
Umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden showers are common but brief, making compact coverage essential
Breathable cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during afternoon temperature peaks
Modest clothing for religious sites - covering shoulders and knees required for mosque and church visits throughout the city
Light sweater for mountain day trips - elevations above 800m (2,625ft) can be 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than Beirut
Power bank for extended sightseeing - April's perfect weather encourages longer days out, draining phone batteries faster

Insider Knowledge

April grocery markets overflow with seasonal spring produce - visit Souk el Gharb weekend markets for the year's best selection of fresh herbs, early fruits, and mountain vegetables before tourist prices kick in
Book mountain restaurant terraces for lunch, not dinner - April evenings can still be chilly at altitude, but afternoon mountain dining offers perfect temperatures and impressive valley views
Wednesday through Friday see the best weather windows - Lebanese weekend traffic to mountains peaks Saturday-Sunday, while Monday-Tuesday often bring the week's rain systems
Exchange money on Hamra Street's parallel market before mountain trips - official rates don't reflect real exchange values, and mountain vendors prefer USD cash during economic uncertainty

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming beach weather - April seas are still 18°C (64°F) and coastal winds make swimming uncomfortable, focus on cultural and mountain activities instead
Not booking mountain day trips for weekdays - Lebanese families flood mountain destinations on April weekends, creating traffic jams and restaurant waits of 60+ minutes
Wearing dark colors for walking tours - April's UV index of 8 combined with 70% humidity makes dark clothing exhausting during afternoon sightseeing

Activities in Beirut