Is Paris in April a Good Time to Visit? Your Ultimate Guide Including Things to Do, What to Wear, & More!

Is Paris in April a good time to visit? Let’s talk about it!

After 17 visits to Paris, I have to say, I’ve actually spent quite a bit of time in Paris in April. It may be one of the months I’ve visited Paris the most. The thing is, I really enjoy Paris in April.

So if you’re worried about whether spending April in Paris is a good idea, let me reassure you that it is magical. I mean books have been written about Paris in the spring. Songs have been sung.

The gloominess of winter starts to subside, the weather starts warming up, and the city bursts into fresh life. Even the parks around Paris boast wisteria and tulips! What’s not to love?

But there is a lot to know to prepare for your visit! So that is why I’m going to be discussing the weather in April in Paris, what to wear, events, things to do, and more!

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Paris in April Weather

I have started doing Paris month-by-month guides on my TikTok and Instagram page this year, and one of the biggest questions I get for each month is “What is the weather like?”

So let’s break it down by average! I say averages, because I cannot with 100% certainty say what your trip will look like on the exact days you’ll be there. The Weather Channel App works pretty well, so check before going.

But I’ve been in Paris during the spring when the sun is shining and the temperature is just perfectly comfortable. I’ve also been when the Seine is flooded or it’s a bit rainier and colder than I’d like. 

Much like spring weather around the world, Paris too can be a little unpredictable. But here are historical averages to help you plan.

• Average high: 54-67ºF / 12-19ºC
• Average low: 40-55ºF / 4-13ºC
• Number of days with precipitation: 6 days
• Hours of daylight: 13-14.5 hours

The warmer days are more common toward the end of the month, but as you can see, it is chilly in the mornings and can warm up quite a bit as the day goes on.

Last year even saw days in the 70s/80ºFs (21-28ºC) during the day!

The days are also getting longer with sunrises around 6:30-7:30 am and sunsets around 8:20-9:04 pm. 

As you can see from the average temperatures above, April in Paris is a tricky month for clothing. The afternoons can be quite pleasant and warm…but the mornings can be chilly.

So, layers are key. Things like a good trench coat and maybe a light scarf are a good idea.

Here is what to pack for Paris in the spring:

• Sneakers. Leather sneakers are a great idea to stay comfortable while walking around but also have some protection against getting wet feet in the rain. Sneakers are always popular in Paris. I love my Adidas sneakers.
• Socks for your sneakers. I usually wear running socks and not the cool girl long socks but you do you. 
• Jeans/trousers. Jeans and trousers are great to wear while exploring Paris! Men’s jeans here.
• Long-sleeve shirts. This is the last month before summer where I’ll recommend maybe packing a couple of long sleeve shirts. I enjoy my mockneck turtleneck shirts. Men’s shirts here.
• Short-sleeve shirts. I love my mockneck short-sleeve turtleneck shirts too. But any cute tops can be worn! Men’s shirts here.
• Trench coat. A nice quality trench coat is perfect for visiting Paris in the spring when rain may happen. It’s also warm for those chilly mornings. Men’s version here. These are water resistant jackets.
• Umbrella. This is a good thing to have on hand for the rain.
• Light scarf. Scarves are great for chillier mornings, and a lighter scarf is a good idea for when it starts to warm up.

Always check the weather before going so you can pack accordingly! I’ve been in Paris for a week in April and it was warm one day and then chilly the next. In fact, I assumed it would be warm, and I had a training run for an upcoming race I had to do while in Paris. I packed a short sleeve running top and running leggings and it was COLD.

So, again, layers are key. 

Need help planning your trip to Paris? I have an entire guide with EVERYTHING you need to know including itinerary ideas, hidden gems, restaurants, and more! Get it here!

April Events in Paris

The biggest holiday in Paris in April is Easter, but there are some other key events going on in Paris this time of year! Check it out here:

• Easter: Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating Jesus rising from the grave after 3 days. It is celebrated on a Sunday (April 5, 2026 this year), and many places may be closed for this. However, because it is a holiday that falls on a Sunday, typically, Monday is a bank holiday. So this year, Easter Monday (April 6, 2026) is a public holiday. Good Friday is a public holiday, but only in the Moselle and Alsace areas of France.
• Paris Marathon: A couple of years ago, I was walking with my husband and in-laws to breakfast, when suddenly, we were completely blocked from crossing the road because thousands of people were running and spectators were yelling “Allez!” We quite literally ran into the Paris Marathon. This takes place on a Sunday in early April. This year, it is April 12, 2026. And this is a HUGE race with almost 60,000 runners. Truly is a sea of people, but so fun to watch! We even saw people who had just finished the race at  the Arc de Triomphe. But plan ahead of time if you’re visiting that weekend!
• Foire du Trône: Typically from March/April through May/June, this is a fun fair with attractions and rides for the family! It’s located in Pelouse de Reuilly in Bois de Vincennes. This takes place on March 27-May 25, 2026.
• Festival Banlieues Bleues: This is a jazz festival held in the Banlieues (suburbs) of Paris. It takes place in late March/April. This year, it is March 27-April 17, 2026.

Best Things to Do in April in Paris

Here are some iconic things to do in Paris in April.

1. Explore the Flowers of Paris.

Springtime in Paris is like no other! I absolutely loved exploring the various parks of Paris, enjoying the beautiful springtime flowers. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms this time of year too!

Here are some great places to check out:

• Jardin des Plantes: So many great florals!
• Grande Mosquée de Paris: This magnificent mosque has the most stunning wisteria blooming in their courtyard. Plus, it’s a beautiful place to explore.
• Jardin du Luxembourg: I love this park in Paris so much! It’s full of life! And in April, you’ve got so many stunning flowers on display!
• Jardin des Tuileries: Admire the tulips in bloom and the stunning rows of trees coming back to life. Perhaps catch the goats they use to trim the grass in areas!
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Have a lovely picnic and wander around, enjoying flowers on display.
• Parc Monceau: This stunning park has a gorgeous column structure and many cute ducks swimming in the pond.
• Bois de Vincennes: Explore the Parc Floral de Paris while in Paris’s largest park. 
• Parc de Sceaux (outside of Paris): Known for their cherry blossoms!

2. Have a Picnic.

As the French say on a sunny day, “Il faut en profiter!” One must certainly take advantage of the delightful weather on a sunny day in Paris. And having a picnic is the best way to do it! Grab some cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of wine and embrace the sunshine.

Here are a few spots to check out:

• Seine: Sitting along the Seine (if it isn’t flooded!) is a fabulous way to enjoy a picnic!
• Canal Saint-Martin: This place is full of people having a delightful afternoon together on a sunny day!
• Jardin du Luxembourg: Picnic and perhaps play a little petanque?
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: This is a wonderful park for a picnic.
• Parc Monceau.

3. Go to a Rooftop Bar.

Finally, a lot of the rooftop bars are up and running for the season (or at least warm enough to enjoy)! Go to spots like Maggie Rooftop Paris at Hotel Rochechouart, Perruche, ROOF Paris, Le Perchoir Ménilmontant, etc.

4. Sit Outside at Cafes.

One of the most magical things to do in Paris is sit at a cafe, have a drink, and watch the world go by. And after months of gloomy winter, people are thrilled to be outside again.

Honestly, if you’re just having a coffee or glass of wine/cocktail, any nice looking cafe will do! I do love Les Deux Magots, though for breakfast. But get there before 9 am. It isn’t typically busy before that, and it’s fun to have breakfast outside and people-watch!

PS: Check out my favorite restaurants in Paris here!

5. Celebrate Holy Week/Easter.

If you’re so inclined, you can partake in Holy Week and Easter festivities in Paris. Check out the various churches around Paris’s events for the week here. There are also many Easter brunches at places like Cafe de la Paix, Le Lobby at the Peninsula, Molitor, Hotel Bowmann, Sacré Frenchy (although this is just brunch, not necessarily Easter brunch), Le Meurice, etc. You can even take the kids for an Easter egg hunt! Check out spots for that here!

6. It is Also the Prime Easter Sweet Treat Season.

One thing I have loved on every April visit to Paris is going to stores (especially La Grande Epicerie) and seeing all the Easter candy!

Chocolate is popular here, especially chocolate shaped like bells, fish, chickens, etc. 

7. Enjoy Seasonal Produce at Markets.

Enjoy fresh spring fruits and veggies in Paris this time of year like asparagus, beans, artichokes, and strawberries! Here are some markets to check out:

• Raspail Market: Tuesday & Friday from 7 am-1:30 pm.
• Rue Mouffetard Market Street: Everyday except Monday from around 8 am-1 pm. However, weekends are the best time to go.
• Rue Cler Market Street: There are many shops and things that have varying opening times. Many are closed on Monday all day and Sunday afternoons. But it is typically open all day until around 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
• Place Monge Market: Wednesday & Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.
• Maubert Market: Tuesday & Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Saturday from 7 am-3 pm.
• March d’Aligre: Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 am-1:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 am-2:30 pm. The covered market is open from Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm and 4-7:30 pm, Saturday is from 9 am-1 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm, and Sunday is from 9 am-1:30 pm.
• Bastille Market: Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm and Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.

8. On Rainy Days, Check Out Indoor Activities!

Happen to be in Paris on a rainy day? No worries (C’est pas grave!), just explore beautiful museums or even covered passageways! Check out Passage des Panoramas, Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, or even Galerie Vivienne.

And check out Paris’s iconic museums. Yes, you know about the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, or even Musée de l’Orangerie, but there are SO many great ones around the city!

I have a guide on the best smaller museums in Paris here!

But a few to check out include:

• Maison Victor Hugo
• Petit Palais
• Museum of Fairground Arts
• Musée des Arts et Métiers
• Musée Eugene Delacroix
• Musée Marmottan Monet

There are SO many great museums to visit and passageways in Paris for a rainy day in spring!

And on rainy days, why not head to one of Paris’s famous hammams? I went to O’Kari (women’s spa only) a few years ago, and it was amazing! I felt like jello after sitting in the hammam, getting scrubbed down, and then massaged.

Is It Worth Visiting Paris in April?

I think so! I have had a great time each time that I’ve visited in April! If you pack layers for the temperature ranges throughout the day, you’ll be fine!

It’s less crowded than peak summer, the springtime flowers are in bloom, and the city is abuzz after the gloomy winter months.

I love going to Paris in April, and I’ll think you’ll love it too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions in regards to visiting Paris in the spring.

1. Where to stay in Paris in April?

Luckily, I have several articles to help you figure out where to stay in Paris including:

• Where to Stay in Paris Based On Your Travel Style
• Where to Stay in Paris For the First Time
• My Favorite Hotels in Paris
• Best Hotels With Eiffel Tower Views

If you just one a few really good hotel options for April, check these out:

• Hotel Atmospheres in the Latin Quarter
• Le Temple de Jeanne in Le Marais
• Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain in Saint-Germain-des-Pres

2. Are hotels cheaper in April?

Are they cheaper than in May, June, and July? Yes. BUT prices do start increasing in April for hotels after the offpeak winter season when they’re at their cheapest.

3. What are good day trips in April in Paris? 

This is the perfect time to explore outdoors on beautiful day trips like:

• Monet’s Gardens in Giverny: This place opens for the year in April so you can enjoy the flowers in bloom!
• Loire Valley: Enjoy the “Garden of France” and their magnificent florals as well as admire stunning chateaux.
• Versailles: Head to the famous Chateau de Versailles before it gets crazy in the next few months. Plus, you can enjoy the gardens in bloom.
• Colmar: Take a day trip to Colmar to see their Easter Market! Yes, they are famous for their Christmas market, but in April, they also have their Easter Market. This runs from April 2-26, 2026.

4. Is April shoulder season in Paris?

Yes! April is still less crowded than May-July during peak travel times. However, things are starting to pick up a little bit. 

Also, know that France school holidays occur throughout April, so booking big attractions in advance is necessary as families travel during this time around the country. Check the French school holiday calendar here. 

5. Are Paris gardens in bloom in April?

Yes they are, and it is so pretty! I particularly enjoyed the wisteria blooming around the city, and especially at the Grande Mosquée de Paris!

6. How bad are the Easter crowds in Paris?

I’ll admit that I haven’t been there on Easter day itself, but, yes, there will likely be crowds from tourists on spring break trips and the fact that France school holidays are also happening. 

7. Do I need to make restaurant reservations? Museum reservations?

Yes! If I have a particular restaurant that I want to visit in Paris, I always make dinner reservations. For lunch I don’t do that a lot. But if you have places you want to dine at, book in advance.

The same for the big museums and tourist attractions. Things still sell out or there may be long lines, especially if you’re visiting around Easter weekend or the Paris marathon. 

8. Is April good for first time visitors to Paris?

Yes it is! I love visiting in April, and it’s a great time to visit to explore with slightly fewer crowds than summertime AND the weather is still comfortable before it heats up. 

9. Is it a romantic time of year to visit?

Of course! The parks are in bloom, the weather is getting nicer, and it’s the perfect time to sit at a cafe drinking wine together. I can’t think of a more romantic time to go (other than maybe the holiday season)!

10. Can I sit outside at cafes?

Yes, you can! The weather starts warming up, making it perfect for cafe sitting.

There you have it! This is my honest and complete guide to April in Paris. Paris in the spring is what stories and songs are made of. It’s still a big city and yes, you may have rain, but Paris in the spring is still magical.

Would you visit Paris in April?