April is when Paris stops being a winter city. The chestnut trees along Boulevard Saint-Michel push out their first candle-shaped blossoms, café owners drag tables onto the sidewalks of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the evening light lingers until nearly 9pm by month's end. Expect daytime highs around 16°C (60°F) and morning lows near 6°C (42°F), though April has a well-earned reputation for changing its mind. You might wake to blue sky over the rooftops of Le Marais and be digging through your bag for a rain jacket by 3pm.
The crowds sit in a comfortable middle ground. Easter holidays typically fall in April, which pulls in European families for about 10 days. Hotel rates in central arrondissements climb during that window, particularly in the 4th and 6th. Outside Easter week, the Musée d'Orsay is manageable without a pre-booked time slot, and terraces along Canal Saint-Martin still have open seats at lunchtime. Prices have climbed above their winter lows but remain 20-30% below the July peak.
The real draw is sensory. Cool morning air carries the smell of fresh bread from boulangeries in Montmartre. Afternoon sun hits the pale limestone of Haussmann buildings at low angles that turn entire streets golden. Rain, when it comes, tends to arrive in short bursts that clear within 30 minutes and leave the cobblestones of Île de la Cité reflecting lamplight. April rewards people who like to walk, and Paris is a city that rewards walkers in return.
Why visit in April
- Spring blooms peak across the city's parks and gardens. The Jardin des Tuileries plants roughly 20,000 tulips each year, and April is when they open.
- Daylight extends to nearly 9pm by late April, giving you 14+ hours of natural light for sightseeing and photography.
- Queue times at major museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay typically run 30-40% shorter than in July, with the exception of Easter week.
- Hotel prices remain 20-30% below summer peak rates outside Easter week, with more availability in central arrondissements.
- Café and restaurant terraces open for the season, and the cool air means you can sit comfortably without the sticky heat of July and August.
Worth knowing
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable. A stretch of 18°C sunshine can give way to 3 consecutive days of 8°C drizzle with no warning.
- Easter week brings a noticeable spike in European visitors and hotel rates, particularly in Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- Mornings and evenings remain cold at 6°C (42°F), which limits comfortable fully-open-air dining to midday and early afternoon.
- Some seasonal attractions are not yet at full capacity. Rose gardens won't bloom until June, outdoor pools remain closed, and the Seine-side pop-up bars of Paris Plages are months away.
Best for
Think twice if
April in Paris feels like spring trying to decide whether it has arrived. Mornings start cool, around 6°C (42°F), with mist that sometimes lifts off the Seine. Afternoons warm to about 16°C (60°F) under partly cloudy skies. Humidity sits at 69%, which keeps the air feeling fresh rather than dry. Rain falls on roughly 10 days through the month, totaling about 55mm. The showers tend to be brief, usually clearing in 20 to 40 minutes, and they often reveal sharp, clean light afterward that makes the city's limestone facades glow. Wind along the river corridors can make even a 16°C day feel cooler, particularly near the bridges and on open stretches around the Trocadéro.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7 | 2 | 84 |
| Feb | 10 | 3 | 47 |
| Mar | 13 | 4 | 63 |
| Apr | 16 | 6 | 55 |
| May | 19 | 10 | 72 |
| Jun | 24 | 14 | 82 |
| Jul | 25 | 15 | 86 |
| Aug | 25 | 15 | 71 |
| Sep | 22 | 13 | 82 |
| Oct | 18 | 10 | 85 |
| Nov | 11 | 6 | 66 |
| Dec | 9 | 4 | 69 |
Best things to do in April
Walk the Jardin des Tuileries during tulip season
natureThe formal gardens between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde plant around 20,000 tulips each year. In April, they open in waves of red, yellow, and white against the gravel pathways and geometric hedges. The western terrace near the Orangerie gives a slightly elevated view over the beds.
The tulips bloom from early-to-mid April and are typically gone by early May. This is the only 3-4 week window to see them.Booking tipNo booking needed. Go before 10am on weekdays to avoid school groups.
Day trip to Giverny (Monet's garden)
day tripClaude Monet's house and garden in Giverny open for the 2026 season on April 1. The water lily pond, Japanese bridge, and flower gardens are about 75 minutes from Gare Saint-Lazare by train. In April, the garden is filled with tulips, daffodils, wisteria, and early irises rather than the famous water lilies, which peak later in summer.
The garden opens April 1 and the first month has spring bulbs in full bloom with relatively manageable crowds compared to June and July.Booking tipVisit mid-week. The first two weekends of the season draw heavy crowds and the garden paths get congested. Book train tickets a few days ahead.
Attend the Foire du Trône
entertainmentOne of France's oldest fairs, dating to 957 AD, the Foire du Trône sets up at the Pelouse de Reuilly in the 12th arrondissement near the Bois de Vincennes. It runs from late March through late May with over 350 rides, carnival games, and food stalls. The smell of barbe à papa (cotton candy) and churros carries across the lawns on warm afternoons.
The fair is in full swing through April, and the mild weather makes the outdoor rides comfortable. Summer months at the Pelouse de Reuilly can feel hot and dusty.Booking tipGo on a Wednesday afternoon when French schools have a half-day. Weekends get crowded after 3pm.
Visit Sainte-Chapelle in morning sunlight
cultureThe 13th-century chapel on Île de la Cité holds 1,113 panels of stained glass across 15 windows. In April, the morning sun is at the right angle to light up the eastern rose window and the nave from behind, turning the interior into a kaleidoscope of blue and red. The effect fades by early afternoon as the sun moves overhead.
April's sun angle and increasing daylight hours create the strongest backlit effect on the east-facing glass. Summer sun is too high, and winter mornings are too dim.Booking tipBook a timed-entry ticket online at least 3 days ahead. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of opening for the best light with the fewest people.
Photograph cherry blossoms at Jardin des Plantes
natureThe botanical garden in the 5th arrondissement has several Japanese cherry trees (Prunus serrulata) that bloom in early-to-mid April. The trees line the main allée and the area near the alpine garden. On clear mornings, the pale pink blossoms catch the low spring light against the backdrop of the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution.
Cherry blossoms in central Paris peak during the first two weeks of April. By late April they've dropped.Booking tipFree entry to the main garden. Go early on a weekday morning for the cleanest shots.
Run or spectate the Marathon de Paris
sportThe Marathon de Paris typically takes place on the first Sunday of April. The route starts on the Champs-Élysées and winds through Place de la Bastille, Bois de Vincennes, and along the Seine before finishing near the Arc de Triomphe. Over 50,000 runners from 150+ countries participate, and spectators line the course 3-4 deep in popular sections.
The marathon only happens once a year, on this specific date. April weather in Paris, cool and dry, is close to ideal for distance running.Booking tipIf running, registration typically opens 6-8 months ahead and fills up. Spectators need no tickets but should pick a viewing spot by 9am along the Champs-Élysées.
Browse spring produce at Marché d'Aligre
foodThe largest covered-and-outdoor market in central Paris sits in the 12th arrondissement, two blocks from the Bastille. April brings the first serious spring produce to the outdoor stalls. White asparagus from the Loire, morels from the Jura, pink radishes, baby spinach, and early strawberries from the south. The covered Marché Beauvau section has cheese vendors, charcutiers, and a handful of wine sellers.
April is the transition month when spring produce arrives alongside the last of winter's root vegetables. The seasonal overlap makes the stalls more interesting than at any other time.Booking tipGo Tuesday through Saturday before 1pm. Sunday mornings are the busiest. The market closes Mondays.
Evening walks along the Seine as daylight extends
experienceBy mid-April, sunset in Paris falls around 8:40pm, which means the golden-hour light along the Seine lasts from roughly 7:30 to 8:30pm. The Quais on the Left Bank between Pont des Arts and Pont de l'Alma fill with joggers, picnickers, and people sitting on the stone steps with wine and cheese from nearby shops. The temperature at this hour, around 12-14°C, is comfortable with a light jacket.
April's rapidly lengthening days add about 3 minutes of daylight each day, and the sun angle produces the warmest-toned golden hour of the year along the east-west river axis.Booking tipNo booking needed. Bring a bottle from a nearby caviste and a blanket for the stone quais.
What to eat in April
On menus now
Navarin d'agneau
This slow-braised spring lamb stew appears on bistro menus from Easter onward. It combines young lamb shoulder with turnips, carrots, peas, and new potatoes. The dish is tied to the Easter season and the arrival of spring vegetables at the markets. Saint-Germain brasseries tend to serve it through the end of April.
Radis roses au beurre
Pink radishes with cold butter and flaky salt are a fixture at Paris wine bars and bistros starting in April. The radishes arrive from the Île-de-France market gardens and are at their crunchiest and most peppery in early spring. A plate of them with a glass of white Burgundy is one of the simplest and best things you can eat in Paris this month.
Tarte à la rhubarbe
Rhubarb season begins in April, and Parisian pâtisseries respond with rhubarb tarts that balance the stalk's sharp sourness against sweet pastry cream or almond frangipane. The pink-red stalks show up at market stalls in the 5th and 12th arrondissements and signal the real arrival of spring produce.
In markets
Asperges blanches (white asparagus)
White asparagus season runs from April through June in France, with the first harvest arriving from the Loire Valley and Alsace in early April. Restaurants across Paris put it on menus as a starter, typically served with hollandaise or a simple vinaigrette. The stalks are thick, tender, and slightly sweet when fresh.
Morilles (morel mushrooms)
April is peak morel season in France. The wild mushrooms appear on menus at brasseries and bistros across the city, often paired with cream sauces or folded into omelettes. Prices at Marché d'Aligre run high, but the earthy, nutty flavor is hard to replicate with any other ingredient.
Regular events in April
Marathon de ParisFree
Over 50,000 runners from 150+ countries race a course that starts on the Champs-Élysées and finishes near the Arc de Triomphe. The route passes the Bastille, Bois de Vincennes, and runs along both banks of the Seine.
First or second Sunday of AprilArt Paris Art Fair
Modern and contemporary art fair at the Grand Palais featuring around 130 galleries from 25+ countries. The fair focuses particularly on European and emerging-market artists, with solo shows and themed pavilions across the nave of the Grand Palais.
Early April, typically 4-5 daysLundi de Pâques (Easter Monday)Free
National public holiday in France. Most shops and many restaurants close, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Major museums generally remain open but operate on holiday schedules with reduced hours. The Métro runs on a Sunday timetable.
The Monday after Easter Sunday (varies, usually early-to-mid April)Foire du Trône
One of France's oldest funfairs, operating since 957 AD at the Pelouse de Reuilly near Bois de Vincennes. Over 350 rides, game booths, and food stalls spread across the fairground from late March through late May. Attracts roughly 5 million visitors across its full run.
Late March through late May (active throughout April)Best places this April
Jardin du Luxembourg
parkThe 23-hectare formal garden on the Left Bank plants seasonal flower beds that peak in late April. The western orchard section has heritage apple and pear trees that blossom mid-month, and the Medici Fountain sits under fresh canopy. Morning light through the eastern gates around 8am is particularly good.
6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)Jardin des Plantes
parkParis's main botanical garden holds some of the earliest-blooming cherry trees in central Paris. The alpine garden, which reopens for the season in April, has about 2,000 mountain plant species. The main allée is lined with plane trees that leaf out mid-month.
5th arrondissement (Quartier Latin)Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
parkThis 25-hectare park in northeast Paris sits on a former quarry. The elevated pathways and the Temple de la Sibylle at the top offer views of Sacré-Cœur framed by fresh spring foliage. Far fewer tourists come here than to the Left Bank gardens, and the atmosphere on a sunny April afternoon is distinctly local.
Belleville / 19th arrondissementSquare du Vert-Galant
parkA small triangular park at the western tip of Île de la Cité, sitting below bridge level right on the water. The weeping willows leaf out in April and the view upstream toward the Eiffel Tower is unobstructed. It fills up on warm afternoons, but weekday mornings it might hold 5 or 6 people total.
Île de la CitéCoulée Verte René-Dumont
walkA 4.7-kilometer elevated garden built on a disused railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement. The plantings along the walkway come alive in April with climbing roses (early buds), wisteria, and fresh greenery. The route connects the Bastille area down to the Bois de Vincennes and passes above the Viaduc des Arts, where artisan workshops operate at street level beneath the arches.
12th arrondissementMarché d'Aligre
marketCentral Paris's largest outdoor market has two sections. The open-air stalls on Place d'Aligre sell spring vegetables, fruit, cheese, olives, and flowers at prices noticeably below supermarket rates. The covered Marché Beauvau has permanent vendors selling charcuterie, aged cheeses, and wine. April's first asparagus and morels arrive here before most restaurant menus.
12th arrondissementMontmartre (south-facing slopes)
neighborhoodThe narrow streets climbing the Butte Montmartre are quieter in April than in summer. The south-facing slopes between Place du Tertre and Rue Lepic hold wisteria and lilac that bloom from mid-to-late April. The view from the steps of Sacré-Cœur is clearest on the cool, rain-washed mornings that follow overnight showers.
Montmartre / 18th arrondissement
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
The flower market on Île de la Cité (Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II) is open daily, but April is when the selection expands to include tulips, hyacinths, and early peonies alongside the year-round orchids. Sunday mornings before 10am are the quietest window.
For Sainte-Chapelle, go within 30 minutes of opening on a weekday. The morning sun lights up the eastern stained glass from behind, and the effect fades completely by early afternoon. Most tour groups arrive after 11am.
Skip the boulangeries directly facing Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Walk 3 blocks down to the residential streets around Rue Lepic and Rue Caulaincourt instead. The croissants are better, the prices are lower, and you'll be buying from the same places the people who live there use.
If you want to sit outdoors at a café in April, choose one on a south-facing sidewalk. The temperature difference between a south-facing terrace in direct sun and a north-facing one in shade can be 6-8°C. Place Saint-Sulpice and the south side of Boulevard Saint-Germain catch afternoon sun well.
The Batobus (water taxi on the Seine) runs 9 stops between the Eiffel Tower and Jardin des Plantes. In April, the boats are far emptier than in summer, and a day pass lets you hop on and off. It's a better way to see the Seine than the large tour boats.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing for warm spring weather based on the word 'Paris in spring' and then freezing on a 9°C rainy Tuesday. The average high is only 16°C, and cold fronts can drop it to 10°C. Bring warm layers, not the light clothes you'd pack for May or June.
- Booking Easter week hotels and restaurants without realizing it's a peak travel period for Europeans. Lundi de Pâques is a national holiday, many shops close, and hotel rates in the 1st through 7th arrondissements can reach near-summer levels for that 5-day window.
- Planning a first-weekend trip to Giverny. Monet's garden opens April 1, and the opening weekends draw large crowds from Paris. The garden paths get congested and photography becomes difficult. A mid-week visit in the second or third week of April is noticeably calmer.
- Skipping layers because the afternoon felt warm. The 10°C difference between an April morning and afternoon in Paris is sharper than most people expect. Leaving your hotel in a t-shirt at noon feels fine, but walking back along the Seine at 7pm in that same t-shirt at 8°C does not.
Practical tips for April
Book Easter-week accommodation at least 6 weeks ahead. Lundi de Pâques is a national holiday and many French families travel domestically, which tightens hotel availability across central Paris. Most major museums stay open on public holidays, but smaller galleries, independent shops, and neighborhood restaurants in residential areas like Batignolles and the upper Marais often close for the day. Check before making the walk. The Métro runs on a dimanche (Sunday) schedule on public holidays, with slightly reduced frequency outside central lines. If you plan to visit Giverny, which opens April 1, go mid-week. The train from Gare Saint-Lazare takes about 75 minutes each way, and the garden closes at 6pm. Restaurant reservations at popular addresses in the 6th and 7th arrondissements fill 3-5 days ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner, but walk-ins are usually possible on weeknights. Tipping remains discretionary in France. Service is included in the bill (service compris), but leaving 5-10% at a sit-down restaurant is appreciated. April sunsets move from about 8:10pm at the start of the month to 8:50pm by April 30, so plan your sightseeing around the lengthening evenings rather than rushing to fit everything before 6pm.
FAQ
Is April a good time to visit Paris?
April is one of the better months for Paris, likely the 4th best behind June, September, and May. The gardens come alive with tulips and cherry blossoms, crowds are moderate outside Easter week, and hotel prices sit below summer peak rates. The main trade-off is weather unpredictability. Expect some days at 18°C in sunshine and others at 9°C with drizzle, sometimes in the same week. If you can pack for both and stay flexible with your plans, April is a genuinely good time to be here.
What is the weather like in Paris in April?
Expect average highs of 16°C (60°F) and lows of 6°C (42°F). Rain falls on about 10 of the 30 days, totaling roughly 55mm. Humidity runs around 69%. Mornings feel cool, particularly near the Seine where river wind adds a chill. Afternoons in sun can feel warmer than 16°C suggests, especially on south-facing café terraces. The showers are typically brief, 20-40 minutes, not all-day rain events. Pack layers and a compact umbrella.
Is Paris crowded in April?
Medium crowds for most of the month. Easter week (which usually falls in early-to-mid April) brings a noticeable spike, particularly from European families traveling during school holidays. During that 5-7 day window, expect queues at the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Sainte-Chapelle to approach summer levels. The Marathon de Paris on the first Sunday also adds tens of thousands of visitors for a long weekend. Outside those peaks, the city feels comfortable. You can visit most attractions without excessive waits, and restaurants are not yet in peak-season reservation mode.
Do I need to book Paris attractions in advance in April?
For Sainte-Chapelle and the Eiffel Tower, yes. Timed-entry tickets sell out days ahead even in shoulder season. The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay strongly recommend advance booking but typically have same-day availability on weekday mornings outside Easter week. Giverny (Monet's garden) does not require advance tickets but the trains from Gare Saint-Lazare fill up on weekends, so book rail tickets a few days ahead. Restaurants in the 6th and 7th arrondissements need Friday/Saturday reservations 3-5 days out.
What should I wear in Paris in April?
Layers are non-negotiable. A typical April day starts at 6°C (42°F) and reaches 16°C (60°F) by mid-afternoon, so you need to add and remove clothing throughout the day. A mid-weight jacket, a light scarf, and a compact umbrella cover most conditions. Walking shoes with rubber soles handle wet cobblestones safely. Parisians dress more formally than many visitors expect, especially at restaurants. Dark jeans and a jacket or a well-cut top are a comfortable middle ground that works for both daytime sightseeing and evening dining.
Things to Do in Paris in April
Free cancellation Normandy D-Day Sites & Cemetery Day Trip from Paris with Lunch
Day trip — 14 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
Cruise — 2.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Bateaux Mouches® Dinner Cruise on the Seine River in Paris
Cruise — 3 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Complementary Wine
Day trip — 13 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Paris Top Sights Half Day Walking Tour with a Fun Guide
City tour — free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting
Day trip — free cancellation.
via ViatorFind a flight to Paris
Live fares to Paris appear here once cookies are accepted.
Last verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on July 15, 2026. What is automated review?