Nantucket in April
 

We have the chance to go to Nantucket in April. It's somewhere I've always wanted to go, but I'm worried about the timing. I realize that it won't be sunbathing weather, but how cold will it be? Are most shops and restaurants open this time of year? And if so, any recommendations? We'll be flying if we go, not taking the ferry. Do we need to rent a car? We'll be staying in a condo not directly in Nantucket Town. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

MarySue-Right here on the Fodors site if you click destinations & type in Nantucket you can get some answers to your questions. Frommers website also has info. The average temperature in Nantucket in April is listed as 40-53 degrees. It says the island is usually about 10 degrees warmer than the mainland in winter. I think many of the fancier restaurants & shops will be closed but the places the locals frequent will probably be open. One of my favorite sightseeing things on the island is visiting the old homes & mansions that are now museums. They will be closed (most don't open til Memorial Day). If you're not staying in town you'll probably want a car. Have a look at a map & see exactly where your condo is located. In searching for "events" in April for you, I discovered there's a daffodil festival at the end of the month (26-27). Hope this helps.

Not only will it be cold, it will most likely be windy, making it feel even colder. Although the winter temperatures on the mainland are warmer due to the ocean, by April it works against you with the ocean keeping the island cooler than the mainland. Most shops will be closed. The upside is that there will be no crowds and no traffic jams in town. I think you will need to rent a car.

The weather in April is extremely variable. While it's more likely to be warmer toward the end of April, you just never know. We've been on Nantucket for Daffodill Festival many times. Average of 72 and 34 is 53, temps could be any of those or anything in between.<BR><BR>&quot;Not directly in Nantucket Town&quot; could be anywhere and a long walk from town. Without a car, you can easily get around the island by taxi. They're prompt and prices are quite reasonable. Using taxis would probably be preferable to renting a car, as parking is limited and restricted, especially in Nantucket Town.

You may indeed need a car, the bus runs more infrequently in the off season, plus, depending where the condo is, you could be quite a ways away from the route. If you give me the name/address of the condo I'll let you know. <BR><BR>Most shops and restaurants will be open in town, and If you're going daffodil weekend everything will be open. The weather is sooooo iffy. It could be 40 or 80, like last year over Easter week.