How Many Days Until April?
April 2026 begins on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
About April
April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, consisting of 30 days. The month marks the heart of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere. April comes from the Latin word "aperire," meaning "to open," referencing the opening of buds and flowers in spring.
April: Spring in Full Bloom
Origin of the Month
April was originally the second month of the early Roman calendar. Its name likely derives from the Latin "aperio" meaning "to open," reflecting the season when trees and flowers begin to "open." Some scholars connect it to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
April Showers
The phrase "April showers bring May flowers" dates back to an English poem from 1557. In many temperate regions, April marks a significant increase in rainfall as weather patterns shift from winter to spring.
Seasonal Changes
April typically sees rapid plant growth, migratory birds returning, hibernating animals becoming active, and longer daylight hours. The Northern Hemisphere experiences warming temperatures, while the Southern Hemisphere begins cooling as autumn sets in.
Historical Significance
Throughout history, April saw many significant events: the American Civil War began and ended in April, the Titanic sank, the Chernobyl disaster occurred, and NASA was established. April 15th is Tax Day in the United States.
April Symbols
Birthstone
Diamond, representing innocence, eternity, and courage. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, symbolizing enduring love.
Astrological Signs
Aries (March 21 - April 19) and Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Flowers
Daisy and Sweet Pea. Daisies symbolize innocence and purity, while Sweet Peas represent blissful pleasure and gratitude.
"April Showers Bring May Flowers"
The familiar saying "April showers bring May flowers" holds meteorological truth in many regions. April's rainfall patterns significantly impact spring growth, creating optimal conditions for flowering plants.
- Weather Transition: April precipitation comes from the meeting of warm and cold air masses as seasonal patterns shift.
- Agricultural Impact: April rainfall provides crucial moisture for seed germination and early growth.
- Regional Variations: While common in Northern Europe and eastern North America, this pattern varies globally.
- Climate Change Effects: Changing climate patterns are altering traditional April precipitation in many regions.
April's weather variability gave rise to another saying: "April weather, rain and sunshine both together." This unpredictability makes April both challenging and essential for the growing season.
April Holidays & Observances
April Fools' Day
A day for practical jokes and hoaxes observed in many countries around the world.
Easter
Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, often falling in April (date varies based on lunar calendar).
Earth Day
Worldwide event demonstrating support for environmental protection, first celebrated in 1970.
World Book Day
UNESCO-organized celebration of books, reading, and copyright, promoting literature and literacy.
Arbor Day
Tree planting festival observed on the last Friday in April in the United States (dates vary by country).
Passover
Jewish festival commemorating the exodus from Egypt, often falling in April (date varies on Hebrew calendar).
April Month-Long Observances
Earth Month
Extended celebration of environmental awareness and action, with Earth Day as its centerpiece.
National Poetry Month
U.S. celebration of poetry's vital role in culture, encouraging reading, writing and teaching poetry.
Autism Awareness Month
Campaign to promote autism awareness, inclusion, and self-determination for people with autism.
Stress Awareness Month
Health campaign highlighting the causes and cures for stress in modern society.
April Fools' Day
April Fools' Day on April 1st celebrates playful deception through practical jokes, hoaxes, and pranks. The tradition dates back several centuries, though its origins remain unclear. Some theories connect it to calendar reforms in the 1500s when those continuing to celebrate the new year in April were mocked as "April Fools."
Famous April Fools' Day Pranks
The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest (1957)
BBC aired a documentary showing Swiss farmers harvesting spaghetti from trees, convincing many viewers this was how pasta grew.
Google's Innovations
Google regularly launches fake products on April 1st, including "Google Nose" (smelling search), "Gmail Motion" (gesture controls), and "Google Translate for Animals."
The Left-Handed Whopper (1998)
Burger King advertised a specially designed burger for left-handed people with condiments rotated 180 degrees to prevent spillage.
The Eiffel Tower Move (1986)
A French newspaper reported plans to dismantle the Eiffel Tower and reassemble it in Euro Disney.
Around the World
While April Fools' Day is celebrated globally, customs vary by country:
In France, pranksters try to attach paper fish to people's backs unnoticed, calling victims "Poisson d'Avril" (April Fish).
India celebrates Holi in March/April, which includes playful pranks alongside its colorful festivities.
Italians call it "Pesce d'Aprile" and focus on fish-themed jokes similar to France.
In the UK, pranks are only acceptable until noon; perpetrators after noon become the "April Fool."
April Activities & Ideas
Gardening
- Plant early vegetables like peas, lettuce, and radishes
- Start warm-season vegetable seeds indoors
- Divide and transplant perennials
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they bloom
- Prepare soil and add compost to garden beds
Earth Day Celebrations
- Participate in community cleanup events
- Plant native trees or create a pollinator garden
- Start composting or improve recycling practices
- Attend environmental workshops or lectures
- Calculate and reduce your carbon footprint
Easter Traditions
- Organize or attend an Easter egg hunt
- Try natural egg dyeing using vegetables and spices
- Create Easter baskets with sustainable materials
- Prepare traditional Easter foods
- Decorate with spring flowers like lilies and tulips
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit botanical gardens to see spring blooms
- Go hiking and identify emerging wildflowers
- Watch for returning migratory birds
- Photograph cherry blossoms or spring landscapes
- Explore parks and nature preserves
Interesting April Facts
April is National Humor Month in the United States, fittingly beginning with April Fools' Day.
The Titanic struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank in the early morning hours of April 15.
Shakespeare's birthday and death day are both believed to be April 23, though records from his time are incomplete.
April had 30 days in the ancient Roman calendar and has maintained that length through multiple calendar reforms.
April Gardening Guide
Cold Regions (Zones 3-5)
- Start cool-season vegetables outdoors (peas, spinach, lettuce)
- Plant bare-root trees and shrubs
- Start warm-season crops indoors
- Apply pre-emergent weed control
- Wait to prune spring-flowering shrubs until after blooming
Temperate Regions (Zones 6-7)
- Transplant cold-hardy vegetables outdoors
- Begin planting perennials and summer-flowering bulbs
- Monitor for early pest activity
- Divide crowded perennials
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture
Warm Regions (Zones 8-10)
- Plant heat-loving vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant)
- Monitor irrigation as temperatures increase
- Begin tropical planting
- Apply fertilizer to growing plants
- Harvest early spring vegetables
Note: Always adjust planting times based on your specific microclimate and current weather patterns. Watch for late frosts in northern regions.