Planning for Easter in Arkansas? You probably wonder what the weather will be like. Most years, mild to warm afternoons show up, mornings start off cool, and there’s always a decent chance of spring showers. The season brings a lot of variety, so knowing the usual patterns helps you get ready for egg hunts, outdoor family gatherings, or even just traveling across the state.
Conditions shift a lot depending on where you go. Central spots like Little Rock tend to feel warmer and more humid, while the northwest hangs onto cooler air and the risk of a late-season chill. This mix keeps Easter weather in Arkansas unpredictable—and honestly, a little exciting.
If you compare Easter to the rest of spring, you get a better sense of what’s coming. Checking typical temperatures, rainfall, and climate trends can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Typical Easter Weather in Arkansas
Easter usually lands in early to mid-spring in Arkansas. Temperatures start to rise, rain becomes more frequent, and the days get noticeably longer.
Most days, you’ll find mild to warm afternoons, cooler mornings and evenings, and a mix of sun and clouds.
Average Temperatures During Easter
In central Arkansas, like Little Rock, daytime highs average 23°C (73°F), and lows drop to about 12°C (54°F). Up north in Fayetteville, highs run closer to 21°C (70°F) with lows near 9°C (48°F). Down south, Texarkana usually sees warmer days, averaging 24°C (75°F).
Mornings start off pretty cool, so you’ll want a light jacket. By afternoon, short sleeves work just fine. Nights can still feel chilly, especially if you’re up in the hills.
April brings a steady warming trend. Most folks agree Easter is one of the best times to be outside in Arkansas.
Precipitation Patterns Around Easter
April brings plenty of rain, and Easter often lands during one of the wettest parts of the year. Little Rock logs about 122 mm (4.8 in) of rainfall in April, usually spread over 10 rainy days. Fayetteville gets about 104 mm (4.1 in), and Texarkana averages 107 mm (4.2 in).
Scattered showers are common, but stronger thunderstorms can pop up, especially later in the day. Spring storms form when warm, moist air from the Gulf meets cooler air from the north.
Since rain spreads out over the month, you’ll likely see several dry, sunny days around Easter. Still, you should expect at least one or two wet spells if you’re planning to be outdoors.
Humidity and Sunshine Levels
Humidity starts to climb in April, though it’s nothing like the sticky air of summer. Central Arkansas typically sees 2–3 muggy days in April. Up north, muggy weather is even less common. So, most Easters feel pretty comfortable compared to those steamy summer months.
You get about 13 hours of daylight, which is great for outdoor plans. Skies stay partly clear to mostly sunny 55–60% of the time, depending on where you are. This gives you a good mix of bright afternoons and mild evenings, just what you expect from an Arkansas spring.
Regional Differences Across Arkansas During Easter
Easter hits right in the middle of spring for Arkansas. Temperatures climb fast, but conditions still depend a lot on where you are.
The north and west keep cooler and wetter, while the south and east warm up faster and enjoy milder nights.
Weather in Northern and Western Arkansas
The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains stay cooler than the rest of Arkansas. Highs usually hit the upper 60s to low 70s °F, and lows can fall to the mid-40s or low 50s °F.
You’ll want to dress in layers if you’re heading outdoors.
Rain falls more often here around Easter. Fayetteville, for example, averages over 4 inches of rainfall in April and about 10 wet days. Showers come in quick bursts but can be heavy.
Cloud cover sticks around more in these parts, keeping mornings damp and afternoons mild.
Because of the higher elevation, frost risk hangs on longer. A cold snap can still surprise you with a chilly morning, even into mid-spring. If you’re out hiking or camping, expect muddy trails from all the spring rain.
Weather in Southern and Eastern Arkansas
The southern and eastern regions warm up sooner and feel more humid. In places like Little Rock and Texarkana, daytime highs usually reach the mid-70s to low 80s °F, and nights stay comfortable in the mid-50s to 60s °F.
This makes Easter weekends here feel a bit like early summer.
Rain still falls often but a bit less than up north. Little Rock records about 4.5 inches of rain in April across 10 days. Storms tend to be brief, with plenty of sun in between.
You’ll see longer stretches of clear skies, which makes planning outdoor gatherings a bit easier.
Humidity starts to build earlier in the south, and muggy afternoons show up more often. Later in April, you might feel sticky air, especially after rain. If you’re visiting family or going to outdoor services, pack light clothes and bring an umbrella just in case.
Easter Weather in Little Rock
In early to mid-spring, Little Rock gets mild temperatures and a fair shot at rain. The weather can flip quickly, so if you’re planning something outside, pay attention to both warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
Temperature Trends in Little Rock
Easter usually falls in March or April, when Little Rock shifts from winter chill to spring warmth. Average highs range from the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C). Nights cool off, with average lows between the upper 40s and mid-50s °F (8–13 °C).
Daytime and nighttime temperatures can swing a lot. You might need a jacket in the morning but switch to short sleeves by afternoon.
This matches the city’s monthly pattern, which warms up steadily as April goes on.
It’s rare for temperatures to dip below freezing by Easter, but cool mornings stick around. Sometimes, highs push into the low 80s °F, especially later in April.
Layering is your friend if you’re spending much of the day outside.
Rainfall and Storm Chances
Rain falls often in spring, and Little Rock averages about 4 to 5 inches of precipitation in April. March brings a bit less but still has regular showers.
Easter often brings wet weather, though most rain falls in short bursts rather than lasting all day.
Thunderstorms get more likely as spring moves forward. Severe storms can happen, since Arkansas sits in a region where strong systems develop in spring.
Gusty winds, heavy rain, and sometimes hail show up, but most storms don’t last long.
If you’re planning something outdoors, it’s smart to keep an eye on the forecast. A sunny morning can turn cloudy and wet by afternoon.
Having a backup plan or covered space is a good idea, since April is one of the wetter months in the city.
Comparing Easter Weather to Other Spring Months
Easter in Arkansas usually falls between late March and late April—a time when temperatures rise fast and rain becomes more common.
Conditions shift from cool and unsettled in early spring to warmer and more humid by May.
March Versus April Weather
March feels like a transition period. Highs run from the upper 50s to mid-60s °F, and lows can dip into the 30s and 40s °F.
Frost can still show up early in the month, especially up north. Rainfall averages about 4 to 5 inches, and storms start to pick up.
By April, things turn milder. Highs climb into the 70s °F, and lows usually stick to the 50s °F.
Outdoor activities feel more comfortable, though rain remains frequent. April averages 4 to 6 inches of precipitation, often from thunderstorms.
Severe weather risk peaks now, with tornadoes most likely in mid to late April.
Quick comparison:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 58–65 | 35–45 | 4–5 | Frost possible, fewer storms early |
| April | 70–75 | 50–55 | 4–6 | Stormier, warmer nights |
Weather Trends Leading Into May
By May, Arkansas starts to feel like summer. Highs reach the upper 70s to mid-80s °F, and lows stay in the 60s °F.
Humidity climbs, and muggy days become pretty common, especially in the south.
Rainfall holds steady, averaging 4 to 6 inches, but storms get stronger. May is one of the stormiest months, with frequent thunderstorms and occasional severe weather.
If you’re planning outdoor events, expect sudden changes and check the forecast often.
May brings longer stretches of warm, sunny weather. Compared to March and April, May feels a bit more stable, but higher humidity and storm chances can make long outdoor days less comfortable.
Weather Impacts on Easter Activities
Easter in Arkansas mixes mild spring weather with the risk of strong storms. Rain, wind, and sometimes hail can mess with your plans, whether you’re hosting an outdoor event or driving across the state.
Outdoor Events and Planning
April temperatures usually land between the upper 60s and mid-70s °F during the day. Evenings cool off.
Most days feel great, but spring storms pop up often. Severe weather can develop fast, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
If you’re organizing an egg hunt, picnic, or church service outside, have a backup indoor spot ready. Use tents or shelters only if they’re sturdy enough for wind.
Don’t set up under trees—falling branches during storms can be dangerous.
Wet ground is common, since April brings about 4–5 inches of rain across much of Arkansas. Waterproof shoes and covered seating help keep things more comfortable.
Always check the forecast, since storms can shift by a few hours.
Travel Considerations
Driving gets tricky when spring storms roll in. Heavy rain cuts visibility and increases hydroplaning risk.
Some rural roads flood, especially in low spots. Give yourself extra time and know alternate routes in case of closures.
Air travel can get delayed by thunderstorms. Flights through Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas might be affected if storms track across the state.
If you’re flying, keep an eye on airline updates and try to book earlier in the day when weather is usually calmer.
Spring storms sometimes bring wind gusts of 40–60 mph. These can make highway driving tough, especially for trucks and vans.
Checking radar before you leave can help you avoid the worst weather.
Historical Weather Patterns and Climate Trends
Easter weather in Arkansas changes a lot from year to year. Some seasons feel cooler, others warmer.
Long-term records show gradual changes in temperature, rain, and storm frequency over the decades.
Year-to-Year Variability
Arkansas springs swing between mild and stormy. Some years, you’ll get sunny days in the 60s °F, while other years bring rain, thunderstorms, or a late cold snap.
Historical data shows average highs in March and April range from the upper 50s to low 70s °F, but short-term shifts happen all the time.
For example:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 61–65 | 40–45 | 4–5 |
| April | 70–74 | 49–54 | 4–5 |
Rainfall amounts stay pretty steady, but the timing of storms jumps around a lot. Some years, heavy rain hits just before Easter, while other years stay dry.
Late frosts don’t happen often by April, but you can still get one in the north or higher elevations. This back-and-forth makes it important to check the short-term forecast before planning outdoor activities.
Long-Term Climate Changes
Over the last several decades, Arkansas has actually experienced gradual warming in spring temperatures. Statewide climate data shows that average spring highs have crept up by about 1–2 °F since the mid-20th century.
Rainfall patterns look different now. Total spring precipitation hasn’t jumped much, but rain comes down in heavier bursts instead of those old, gentle showers.
This shift can raise the risk of flash flooding in some areas, which is honestly a bit worrying.
You might also notice a longer growing season. Warmer springs let plants bloom earlier, and the frost risk drops a bit over time.
On the flip side, pollen season can start sooner, which isn’t great if you have allergies.
Storm activity still defines Arkansas’s climate. Severe thunderstorms, sometimes with hail and tornadoes, keep popping up in April, though the number changes from year to year.
So, while Easter weather keeps us guessing, the overall climate in Arkansas keeps warming up. Rainfall is getting more intense, especially during storms.