Surabaya in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Surabaya

32°C (89°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

236 mm (9.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season tail-end means morning explorations are perfect - clear skies until 2pm with comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F) temperatures for walking through Kampung Arab and Southeastasia
Ramadan period (varies yearly) brings incredible evening food markets and extended mosque visiting hours, plus unique cultural experiences like breaking fast with locals
School holiday period means family-friendly attractions like Surabaya Zoo and Ciputra Waterpark have extended hours and special programs
Mango season peaks in April - street vendors sell 15+ varieties at rock-bottom prices, and traditional markets overflow with tropical fruit

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive predictably between 2-5pm on 10+ days, disrupting outdoor plans and making umbrella essential for any afternoon activities
Humidity stays consistently above 70% making outdoor walking uncomfortable after 11am - you'll need frequent air-con breaks
School holidays mean popular family spots like Tunjungan Plaza and East Java Park can be crowded on weekends with longer queues

Best Activities in April

Traditional Market and Heritage Quarter Walking Tours

April mornings (7-11am) are perfect for exploring Pasar Pabean traditional market and the Arab Quarter before heat peaks. Ramadan period brings special morning preparations and unique cultural interactions. The 25°C (77°F) morning temperatures make the 3 km (1.9 miles) heritage walk comfortable.

Booking Tip: Join early morning cultural walking tours (typically 150,000-250,000 IDR per person) that start at 7am to beat both heat and afternoon storms. Book 5-7 days ahead during school holidays. Look for guides who speak Arabic for deeper insights into Kampung Arab. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Experiences and Museums

April's afternoon storms make indoor attractions ideal from 2-6pm. House of Sampoerna Museum, Submarine Monument, and traditional batik workshops offer air-conditioned relief during peak heat and rain. Perfect timing when outdoor activities aren't viable.

Booking Tip: Museum combo tickets typically cost 50,000-100,000 IDR and provide full-day indoor options. Batik-making workshops (200,000-400,000 IDR) last 2-3 hours and are perfect storm refuges. Book workshops 3-5 days ahead as they're popular during school holidays.

Modern Shopping and Culinary Centers

Tunjungan Plaza, Pakuwon Mall, and Galaxy Mall become social hubs during April's afternoon storms. Air-conditioned food courts feature local specialties, and rooftop restaurants offer storm-watching experiences. Extended holiday hours mean more dining and entertainment options.

Booking Tip: Food court meals cost 25,000-75,000 IDR per dish. Visit upscale malls like Pakuwon City for international dining (150,000-400,000 IDR per meal) during 2-5pm storm periods. No advance booking needed for most venues, but premium restaurants may require reservations during school holidays.

Evening Street Food and Night Market Exploration

Post-storm evenings (6-10pm) are magical in April. Temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F), humidity decreases, and night markets come alive. Ramadan brings special evening food stalls and extended market hours. The rain-washed air makes evening walks pleasant.

Booking Tip: Street food tours typically cost 200,000-350,000 IDR for 3-4 hours including multiple stops. Book evening food tours for 6:30pm starts to catch post-storm freshness. Look for tours covering Genteng Besar this destination and G-Walk food street. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Day Trips to Mount Bromo

April offers some of the clearest Bromo sunrise views before dry season ends in May. Morning temperatures at 2,329 m (7,641 ft) are cool at 8°C (46°F), perfect for sunrise viewing. Afternoon storms rarely reach the mountain, making this ideal timing for the 3-hour drive from Surabaya.

Booking Tip: Bromo sunrise tours cost 450,000-750,000 IDR per person including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead for April's peak viewing season. Choose tours departing Surabaya at midnight to catch 5:30am sunrise. Look for 4WD vehicles and warm blanket provisions. See current Bromo tour options in the booking section below.

Spa and Wellness Experiences

High humidity and heat make traditional Javanese spa treatments incredibly refreshing. April's climate amplifies the cooling effects of traditional treatments like lulur body scrubs and pijat (massage). Many spas offer rainy season packages with extended sessions.

Booking Tip: Traditional spa packages cost 200,000-600,000 IDR for 2-3 hour sessions. Book afternoon slots (2-5pm) to escape storms in air-conditioned comfort. Look for spas offering traditional Javanese treatments and natural cooling ingredients. 2-3 days advance booking recommended during school holidays.

April Events & Festivals

Dates vary based on Islamic calendar - check specific 2025 Ramadan dates

Ramadan Evening Markets

During Ramadan (dates vary yearly), evening food markets spring up throughout the city after 4pm. Jalan Raya Darmo and Tunjungan area host elaborate takjil (breaking fast) food stalls with traditional snacks and drinks. Non-Muslims are welcome to participate and purchase food.

Throughout April during school holiday period

School Holiday Programs

Indonesian school holidays in April bring special programs at attractions like Surabaya Zoo, House of Sampoerna, and science centers. Extended hours, children's workshops, and family packages are common throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry umbrella - mandatory for afternoon storms that arrive suddenly and last 30-90 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70%+ humidity

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - more practical than umbrellas when walking through markets

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - streets become slippery during rain

Small backpack with waterproof compartment for electronics during sudden downpours

Cash in small denominations - many food stalls and traditional markets don't accept cards

Electrolyte powder or tablets - easy to become dehydrated in high humidity

Long pants or maxi skirts for mosque visits - shoulders and legs must be covered

Portable fan or cooling towel - invaluable during humid midday hours between air-conditioned spaces

Insider Knowledge

Locals take afternoon naps or stay indoors 1-4pm during April's peak heat - plan your schedule accordingly and don't expect much street life during these hours

Traditional markets like Pasar Turi have the best fruit selection in April during mango season - try kelengkeng, rambutan, and 15+ mango varieties for under 20,000 IDR per kg

Many restaurants offer 'paket hujan' (rain packages) during April - discounted set menus when storms trap diners inside for extended periods

Use ride-hailing apps during afternoon storms rather than walking - surge pricing is minimal and drivers expect rain delays, building this into their timing

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor walking tours after 11am - you'll be miserable in the heat and likely caught in afternoon storms

Not carrying cash - traditional markets, street food vendors, and local transport often don't accept cards, especially during rain when card readers may not work

Overpacking formal clothes - Surabaya is casual except for upscale hotel dining, and heavy fabrics are unbearable in April humidity