Dili in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Dili
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect diving conditions at Easttimor and Areia Branca - underwater visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) before May winds arrive
- Malae Beach and Areia Branca are accessible by regular vehicles - dry season roads make 4WD unnecessary for coastal areas
- Ideal hiking weather for Easttimor - morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) at 2,986 m (9,797 ft) summit, afternoon clouds provide natural shade
- Local coffee harvest season - visit working plantations in Ermera and Liquiçá regions where beans are being processed and prices are lowest
Considerations
- Afternoon humidity reaches 85% after brief showers - outdoor activities become uncomfortable between 1-4 PM
- Tourist boat schedules to Easttimor can be unpredictable during transition from dry to wet season
- Some mountain roads to Easttimor and Easttimor still require 4WD vehicles due to recent infrastructure work
Best Activities in April
Cristo Rei Statue and Beach Diving
April offers the year's clearest water conditions before seasonal winds. Underwater visibility at Easttimor reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft), perfect for seeing the submerged Portuguese colonial ruins. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F). Local dive operators report April as their peak visibility month before May trade winds reduce clarity.
Mount Ramelau Summit Hiking
April's stable weather patterns make this Timor-Leste's highest peak ideal for hiking. Morning temperatures at 2,986 m (9,797 ft) start at comfortable 18°C (64°F), while afternoon clouds provide natural cooling. No rain gear needed for the 6-8 hour trek, and clear sunrise views occur 85% of mornings in April.
Atauro Island Dolphin Watching
April marks peak dolphin activity around Easttimor as water temperatures stabilize at 28°C (82°F). Spinner dolphins and pilot whales are most active during calm morning conditions. The 1.5-hour boat ride from Dili is comfortable with minimal wave action, and snorkeling conditions are optimal with 20 m (66 ft) visibility.
Coffee Plantation Tours in Ermera
April is harvest processing season in Timor-Leste's premier coffee region. Visit working plantations 90 minutes from Dili where organic arabica beans are being dried and sorted. Temperatures in the mountains stay cooler at 22-26°C (72-79°F), and you can purchase beans directly from farmers at harvest prices - 40% less than Dili retail.
Jaco Island Day Trips
April's calm seas make the boat journey to Timor-Leste's easternmost point comfortable and safe. This uninhabited sacred island offers pristine beaches and snorkeling in protected waters. The 2.5-hour drive to Tutuala plus boat transfer is manageable in dry conditions, and crystal-clear water reaches 30°C (86°F).
April Events & Festivals
Festa da Paska (Easter Celebrations)
Dili's largest religious celebration features traditional Tetum ceremonies combined with Portuguese Catholic traditions. Processions move through the historic center, and local markets sell special Easter foods including traditional bibinka cake and roasted pig. Churches offer midnight masses with local choir performances.