Dow Jones Industrial Average in April: seasonality and history
Since 1897, the Dow has risen in April in 59% of years (77 of 130), with an average return of +1.22% and a median of +0.90%. That makes April its #3 month of 12.
Average+1.22%
Years up59%
Best year1933 · +40.18%
Worst year1932 · −23.43%
The seasonal path through April
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through April, all years since 1897.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 5 | +0.27% | 65% |
| Apr 9 | +0.26% | 55% |
| Apr 1 | +0.24% | 64% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 7 | −0.27% | 34% |
| Apr 28 | −0.13% | 49% |
| Apr 27 | −0.08% | 51% |
Seasonal trend windows touching April
- ▲ Bullish Apr 8 – Apr 17 · 10 days · seasonal Σ +1.07%
- ▼ Bearish Apr 18 – Apr 28 · 11 days · seasonal Σ −0.31%
- ▲ Bullish Apr 29 – May 6 · 8 days · seasonal Σ +0.76%
April in recent years
| Year | Dow in April |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +7.14% |
| 2025 | −3.17% |
| 2024 | −5.00% |
| 2023 | +2.48% |
| 2022 | −4.91% |
| 2021 | +2.71% |
| 2020 | +11.08% |
| 2019 | +2.56% |
| 2018 | +0.25% |
| 2017 | +1.34% |
Questions
Is April a good month for the Dow?
On average, yes: +1.22% since 1897, rising in 59% of years. But the range is wide, from −23.43% in 1932 to +40.18% in 1933, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in April?
Apr 5 (+0.27%, up 65% of years), Apr 9 (+0.26%, up 55% of years), Apr 1 (+0.24%, up 64% of years).