The Calendar Month of April

April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, the fifth in the early Julian calendar, and the first of four months to have a length of 30 days. April is commonly associated with spring in parts of the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in parts of the Southern Hemisphere. It is the seasonal equivalent to October in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa.

April was originally the second month of the ancient Roman calendar before January and February were added by King Numa Pompilius about 700 BCE. It became the fourth month of the calendar year (when they show the twelve months) during the time of the decemvirs about 450 BCE when it also was given 29 days. They added the 30th day during the reformat of the calendar undertaken by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE, which produced the Julian calendar.

April symbols used today include:

While the Hindu calendar begins with Chaitra as its first month, Chaitra defines as the end of March 31st or April 14th, depending on whether it is a leap year.

On the other hand, April marks the end of the dry season. After that, the rainy season begins in May. An average of 75 millimeters of rain falls during this month. It occurred on more than half of the days.

April weather can be unpredictable, with thunderstorms and cold fronts bringing heavy rains, which may occur without warning. April is the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and as such, it can bring sudden shifts in temperature and rainfall. The month is not only the start of spring but also the beginning of hurricane season for those in the Eastern Pacific.