April is easily one of the best times to visit Paris. That is not just because the crowds are smaller than they are in the summer months and everything is open. Cherry blossoms, longer days, and a higher reading on the thermometer are just some of the reasons why people visit Paris in April.
You must take note that in the year 2023, the 7th and 10th of April will both be observed as public holidays. These days are known as Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively. During these nationally recognized days of celebration, the vast majority of stores and businesses, including supermarkets, will be closed or have limited hours of operation.
Spending days exploring the city’s various outdoor attractions is yet another reason why you should go during the middle of Spring. You will have the opportunity to go sightseeing like a local before the summer months bring the majority of tourists to the area.
Things you'll find in this article
What is the weather like in Paris in April
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- Paris In February
- Paris In March
- Paris In May
- Paris In June
- Paris In July
- Paris In August
Starting this month, Paris will see its first taste of spring weather, with gradually rising temperatures. If you’re curious about the Paris climate in April, here are some forecasts:
Temperatures in Paris in April
Daytime highs in late April can occasionally reach 22-23 degrees Celsius on the warmer afternoons (low to mid-70s F).
Early in April, overnight lows will hover around 4-5 C (40s F), rising to 7-8 C (mid-40s F) by month’s end.
The temperature on a few of the cooler mornings, especially at the beginning of the month, can fall to as low as 1 or 2 degrees Celsius (mid-30s F).
Rain/Snow in Paris in April
Thirteen to fourteen days this month will have sun or partial sun. About 13 days see precipitation on average and only roughly 7 will see precipitation of at least 1 mm (.04 inches).
Wind in Paris in April
Moderate gusts of wind are possible but are rare. According to historical data, the average wind speed in Paris, France, during April is 13.5 mph (21.8 kph).
Day/light in Paris in April
By the end of the month, you’ll have nearly 14.5 hours of daylight, up from just under 13 on April 1. This gives you plenty of time to take in all that this amazing city has to offer.
What to wear in Paris in April
If you want to visit France for its wonderful weather and charming surroundings, April is the time to go. Spring paints a vision of France that is at once lyrical and cutting edge.
Because of the mild temperatures and nice conditions, deciding what to wear this month should be easy.
For women:
For men:
Unpredictable spring weather in Paris calls for a water-resistant outer layer that can double as insulation on cool days. Preferably, this layer would also pass the style test.
Given the weather’s unpredictability, it’s smart to stock up on lightweight cardigans, button-downs, and blouses with long sleeves.
If you plan on being out late, bring a sweater or jacket in case the temperature drops.
Where to stay in Paris in April
Budget hotel in Paris
OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l’Est
This chain of charming and reasonably priced boutique hotels has been expanding rapidly since it opened its first property in Nantes in 2014. While the view from Gare de l’Est over the train tracks might not be the iconic Eiffel Tower, the station’s central location and easy access to the city’s main attractions via Line 4 make it an ideal starting point from which to explore Paris.
Rooms are elegant, and all guests have access to the complimentary apéritif and snack spread, which includes a variety of cheeses and charcuterie.
Luxury Hotel in Paris
A positive impression is that the Nolinski is almost too hip for its surroundings. The interiors by Jean-Louis Deniot strike a nice blend between aristocratic and whimsical.
Check out the Grand Salon, which matches polished-brass Deco-style tables with an electric-teal piano. And speaking of luxury, a candlelit spa awaits you downstairs, and your spacious bathroom features a deep soaking tub.
If you fall in love with the sheets and decide you need them at home, you can buy almost everything. Compared to Paris’s Palace hotels, this one offers superior value thanks to its central position and stylish interior.
Things to do in Paris in April
1. Join the Paris Marathon & The Color Run
Two famous runs take place in the city in April; the Paris Marathon and the Color Run, an event inspired by the Holi Festival. While the marathon starts at the Arc de Triomphe and comprises over 42 km, finishing at Bastille, the Color Run starts at Hôtel de Ville and ends at the Eiffel Tower. The Paris Marathon will take place on the 2nd of April 2023.
Whether you’re running or watching, the Marathon’s mostly-flat 26.2 miles (42.2 km) route gives you spectacular close-up views of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, plus interesting tours of Paris’s two huge wooded parklands.
Thanks to the relatively flat route, the winner typically crosses the finish line in just over two hours, although you can still see plenty of runners along the route until at least mid-afternoon.
Events before the race include the 3-day Paris Marathon Expo at Porte de Versailles, where you can also pick up your bib, and an untimed 5K Breakfast Run on Saturday before the race past many of the famous sites runners will see on the full Marathon route the next day.
2. Celebrate Easter in Paris
The Easter holiday weekend in Paris will bring slightly more tourists than usual, and some businesses may choose to close (particularly on Monday) to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Parisians celebrate Easter with family and friends at church, elaborate feasts, and chocolate masterpieces. If you are here on Easter, here’s how you can celebrate:
- Eat some chocolate or a cake.
Throughout Paris, you can see amazing Easter treats and bright cakes displayed in the windows of patisseries and chocolate shops during Easter. Everyone loves the eye-catching window displays designed by Pierre Hermé, Patrick Roger, and Jean-Paul Hévin.
- Have fun at the Easter Brunch!
During Easter, many eateries that are normally closed on Sundays will serve brunch with Easter-themed specials.
Check out this list of the best brunch restaurants in Paris to see what’s waiting for you on Easter.
The Hotel de Crillon has a prix fixe brunch buffet for those who want to indulge. Making a reservation is essential.
- Egg Hunting for Easter
Traveling with children? Make sure to stop by an Easter egg hunt!
The rooftop of the Grande Arche will be transformed into a farm complete with activities, animal exhibits, and egg hunt competitions for Easter weekend.
Children under the age of six can participate in a free 10-minute egg hunt at the Paris Zoo.
3. Admire April Flowers in one of the many parks in Paris
In April, you won’t have any trouble finding stunning spring flowers to appreciate in the city. Paris is home to about 500 professionally kept public parks and gardens.
The Palais Royal Garden, the Tuileries Garden (near the Louvre), Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement, Luxembourg Garden in the 6th arrondissement, and the Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden) in the 5th arrondissement are some of the best places in central Paris for spring colors. In these parks are the largest displays of magnolias, cherry trees, daffodils, and tulips blooming in April.
Pick a park, sit on a bench, and take a few minutes every day to enjoy the season’s splendor, much like the locals do in Paris.
A trip to Monet’s magnificent garden at Giverny is a must if you have the time. The place opens for the season in April with an extravagant display of flower bulbs, cherry and crabapple trees, forget-me-nots, and other spring flowers.
4. Experience Paris Cafe Culture
There is no better time to act like a local than in April. The weather is nice enough to have a drink indoors or out on one of Paris’ famed cafe terraces.
The café culture of Paris is as much a part of the city’s identity as its broad boulevards, historic landmarks, and elegant haute couture. It’s impossible to walk more than a few steps without coming across a café, with its tables and chairs spilling out into the street. Plus, it’s no-nonsense waiters eager to meet you at any time of the day (and most of the night).
The French have developed a culture around coffee that emphasizes slowing down and enjoying each sip. Coffee is best enjoyed when ordered and consumed “sur place,” or at the cafe. While standing at the bar is acceptable if you’re in a rush, drinking your coffee while strolling down the street is not. Avoid putting anything in your espresso, especially food.
5. Take a day trip to Château de Sceaux
April is without a doubt the month in which one should go on a day excursion to the Chateau de Sceaux, which looks like something out of a fairytale. After all, you’ll find an orchard on the grounds of the French castle that’s been planted with cherry blossom trees around this time of the month. The middle of April is when the flowers typically bloom.
Even if it is not as much of a “hidden gem” as it was just a few years ago, you should make sure to go there earlier in the day and during the middle of the week so that you can enjoy the blossoms without the crowds! In reality, there are two blooming orchards located right next to one another.
One of them is filled with pink blossoms, and the other is filled with white blossoms. Both are wonderful places to have a picnic in their respective settings.
6. Cruise the Seine River
In April, you may get a new perspective on Paris by taking a sail along the Seine. You’ll be able to get a close look at the intricate carvings on the centuries-old bridges as you pass beneath them. You may see the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks up close, and the passing scenery will give you a sense of the French joie de vivre.
There are many different types of river cruises available, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs and preferences. For example, you can take a midday cruise to sunbathe on the open-air top deck, a gourmet dinner cruise in a climate-controlled glass cabin, or a “illuminations” night cruise.
Travel tips in Paris in April
1. You should plan your springtime trip at least six months to a year. This is to avoid the increased prices of plane and rail tickets that come with the return of the high season.
Likewise, spring and summer are high seasons for hotel guests, so you may need to make your reservation well in advance of your stay.
2. You should budget extra time in line, especially while visiting the city’s most visited landmarks and museums. We would recommend getting a pass that lets you skip the ticket queues at key attractions so that you don’t have to stand around all day.
The Paris Museum Pass is a viable option, albeit some tourists feel it is overpriced. Only purchase this pass if you plan on seeing more than three or four of the museums included in it.
3. The locals are rumored to be happier during spring. Don’t be bashful about using some basic French to take advantage of the more relaxed vibe. You may even get tips on a non-touristy spot or a great cafe so go and parle Francais whenever you can!
4. When in Paris during this season, why not pick up some treats for a special picnic, some sunscreen, and a good book, and relax in one of the city’s many parks? See the colors, feel the vibe, eat some colorful macarons and take in the lively atmosphere as you explore Paris in April.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.