Lowcountry Almanac: April 2026
What to expect, what to plant and what to watch as spring settles in.
Story by Bailey Gilliam
Photography by Chris Klonowski
April’s arrival in the Lowcountry means true spring when longer days, warmer temperatures and bursts of color pull everyone back outdoors. Named for aperire, the Latin word meaning “to open,” April has long been tied to growth, renewal and fresh beginnings, a promise that feels especially real here as the landscape transforms almost overnight. With guidance from the 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac and Grow Great Vegetables South Carolina, this month’s almanac helps you savor spring’s arrival and plan for a flourishing season ahead.
Weather predictions
April delivers warm, mostly sunny days that feel made for getting outside, all without summer’s heavy heat and humidity.
Average temperature: 67 degrees (3 degrees above average)
Rainfall: 1 1/2 inches (2 inches below average)
Forecast by week
- April 1-12: Sunny, warm
- April 13-17: Thunderstorms, cooler
- April 18-28: Sunny, warm, then turning cooler
- April 29-30: Scattered thunderstorms, cool
Night & day
April’s lengthening days pour more sunlight across the Lowcountry, stretching the hours for gardening, outdoor adventures and watching the natural world come alive.
Sunrise: 6:37-7:10 a.m. (earlier each day)
Sunset: 7:42-8:03 p.m. (later each day)
Astronomical events
April’s night sky brings bright spring constellations and one of the season’s most reliable meteor showers.
- April 2: The full moon, traditionally called the Pink Moon, rises. The name reflects the early-spring blooming of a pink wildflower.
- April 17: New moon. Darker skies make this an excellent time for stargazing, especially away from development.
- April 22-23: The Lyrid meteor shower peaks as Earth crosses the dust trail of Comet Thatcher. Look after midnight for the best chance of spotting fast, bright streaks.
Tides & currents
Stay in step with the Lowcountry coast and check for up-to-date tide and current predictions from NOAA.
Gardening tips
April is one of the busiest months in the Lowcountry garden when warmer soil, longer days and steady sunlight support rapid growth.
Prep: Monitor indoor seedlings, install supports for peas and pole beans, thin greens and root crops, hill potatoes, weed perennials, and set up drip irrigation.
Indoor Planting: Harden off tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, celery and celeriac two weeks before transplanting. Move lettuce and remaining seedlings into larger pots if needed.
Outdoor Planting: Direct saw snap beans, cucumbers, sunflowers, edamame and sesame. Plant peanuts, lima beans and sweet corn once soil reaches 65 degrees. Sow okra, cantaloupes and sweet potatoes when soil reaches 75 degrees.
Harvest: Asparagus, collards, garlic greens, herbs, kale, lettuce, mizuna, onions, radishes, early raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, senposai and spinach.
Best days
According to lunar timing, these April dates favor:
- Pull off a prank: April 1
- Go fishing: April 1, 17-30
- Start that beach-body diet: April 6, 15
- Go to the dentist: April 26-27
- Go camping: April 6-7
- Day drinking: April 18
- Clean out the garage: April 25
