Things to Do in Uruguay in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Uruguay
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Autumn shoulder season means 30-40% lower accommodation rates compared to peak summer months, particularly noticeable in Punta del Este where beachfront hotels that cost USD 400 per night in January drop to USD 180-220 in April
- Grape harvest season in wine country - Carmelo, Canelones, and Colonia regions host tannat harvest festivals where you can actually stomp grapes and taste fresh must, something completely unavailable other times of year
- Comfortable walking temperatures averaging 18-20°C (64-68°F) during daylight hours make this ideal for exploring Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja on foot for 3-4 hours without the summer heat exhaustion that hits by noon December through February
- Beach towns like Cabo Polonio and Punta del Diablo are accessible without advance booking - in summer you need reservations 6-8 weeks ahead, but April gives you flexibility to decide day-of where to stay
Considerations
- Ocean temperatures drop to 17-19°C (63-66°F) making beach swimming genuinely cold for most people - locals stop swimming entirely by mid-April, though surfers in wetsuits continue at La Pedrera and Punta del Este
- Daylight shrinks to about 11 hours with sunset around 6:30pm by late April, limiting your outdoor activity window and meaning coastal drives need to start earlier to catch good light
- Wind picks up significantly as autumn transitions - coastal areas regularly see 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph) winds that make beach days uncomfortable and outdoor dining less pleasant, particularly along the Atlantic coast
Best Activities in April
Colonia del Sacramento Walking Tours
April weather sits in that perfect zone for exploring this UNESCO colonial town - warm enough at 20°C (68°F) during the day that you're comfortable in a light sweater, but without the 32°C (90°F) January heat that makes cobblestone walking miserable. The Portuguese-era quarter looks particularly beautiful with autumn light hitting the bougainvillea-covered walls around 5pm. Tourist numbers drop by half compared to summer, so you can actually photograph Calle de los Suspiros without 30 people in your shot. The ferry from Buenos Aires runs year-round and takes just one hour.
Wine Country Harvest Experiences
April IS harvest season for Uruguay's signature tannat grape, and wineries in Canelones and Carmelo regions open their vineyards to visitors in ways they simply don't other months. You can watch actual crushing, taste juice straight from the press, and understand why tannat thrives in Uruguay's clay soils. Temperatures in wine country run 2-3°C (4-5°F) warmer than Montevideo, making afternoon tastings on outdoor terraces genuinely pleasant. Many bodegas host harvest lunches pairing new wine with asado - expect to spend 3-4 hours at a single winery.
Cabo Polonio Wilderness Stays
This off-grid beach village becomes actually accessible in April - no electricity, no roads, you ride in on 4x4 trucks through sand dunes. Summer sees it packed with Argentine tourists, but April means you might share the lighthouse with just a handful of people. The sea lion colony peaks in autumn with pups born in January now active and visible from the rocks. Weather is variable enough that you need to commit to 2 nights minimum - one day might be 22°C (72°F) and sunny, the next windy and 15°C (59°F). That variability is part of the appeal for people seeking isolation.
Montevideo Market and Food Tours
April brings autumn produce to Mercado del Puerto and Mercado Agricola - you'll find the first squashes, late-season stone fruits, and the year's new olive oil from Colonia groves. More importantly, the market halls aren't sweltering like they are in January when indoor temperatures hit 35°C (95°F). You can comfortably spend 2-3 hours tasting your way through parrillada stalls, craft beer stands, and chivito counters. Local families return to Sunday market lunches in April after avoiding the summer tourist crowds. The 70% humidity actually works in your favor here - it keeps grilled meat from drying out.
Estancia Day Visits
Working cattle ranches open for day visits throughout the year, but April weather makes the full gaucho experience actually comfortable - horseback riding in 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures rather than summer's 30°C (86°F), and asado lunches served outdoors without flies that plague December and January. You'll see autumn roundups as ranchers prepare herds for winter, and the pampas grass turns golden in a way that's genuinely photogenic. Most estancias sit 1-2 hours from Montevideo in the interior, offering a completely different landscape from coastal Uruguay.
Punta del Este Architecture and Beach Walks
With summer crowds gone, you can actually appreciate why Punta del Este earned its reputation as the Hamptons of South America. April lets you walk Playa Brava and Playa Mansa without navigating around beach umbrellas every 2 meters, and you can photograph La Mano sculpture and Casapueblo without waiting for clear shots. The modernist homes along the peninsula are visible now that seasonal renters have left. Water is too cold for swimming but perfect for long beach walks - expect 15-18 km/h (9-11 mph) breezes that make afternoon walks refreshing rather than hot. The restaurant scene stays open but shifts to local clientele with more reasonable prices.
April Events & Festivals
Tannat Harvest Festivals
Various wineries throughout Canelones and Carmelo regions host harvest celebrations during April, though specific dates vary by vineyard and weather conditions affecting grape maturity. These aren't formal ticketed events but rather open-house days where wineries welcome visitors to participate in traditional stomping, taste fresh must, and join communal asado lunches. Each bodega sets its own schedule, so contact wineries directly 2-3 weeks before your visit to ask about harvest timing and visitor access.
Semana de Turismo
This moveable Easter week holiday sees Uruguayans take domestic vacations, typically falling in early to mid-April depending on the lunar calendar. In 2026, Easter falls on April 5, making the week of March 30-April 5 peak domestic travel time. Coastal towns fill with Montevideo families, prices increase 20-30%, and beach accommodations require advance booking. If you're visiting Uruguay specifically to avoid crowds, check the 2026 Easter date and plan around this week. That said, it offers genuine insight into how Uruguayans vacation - asado on the beaches, mate circles, and family gatherings.