What You’ll Gain from This Blog
- A complete guide to the best things to do in Paris in April, including seasonal highlights and iconic attractions
- Insights into Paris weather in April, with temperature ranges, rainfall expectations, and how it feels day vs evening
- A practical what to wear and packing checklist tailored for spring travel
- Tips for visiting major landmarks, museums, and neighbourhoods with fewer crowds
- Recommendations on where to stay in Paris in April, including the benefits of serviced apartments
Are you thinking of visiting Paris in April? There are several must-do things in April in Paris that you should consider, along with working out your packing list accordingly. April is one of the best times to visit Paris, considering the magical spring vibe, pleasant weather, and the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens in full bloom!
Another benefit is that the crowds are lower than the peak summer period, making it a great time to visit iconic monuments and explore the city outdoors. You’ll love chilling at the café terraces and the longer days, along with increasing sunshine, Easter celebrations, the opening of the Versailles outdoor fountains, and more. Let’s explore in more detail below.
Must-Do Things in Paris in April
Some of the must-dos in Paris in the month of April include:
- Stroll through Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries: You can take a lovely walk through the iconic Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, with the spring blossoms in full force. The entire atmosphere is mesmerising with the fountains, statues, and peaceful zones for relaxation.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower and take a Seine River Cruise: When visiting Paris, you can experience the famous Eiffel Tower from below before viewing it from the water during a Seine cruise. By staying near the Eiffel Tower, you will be perfectly positioned to glide under the city's historic bridges and get a whole new perspective on the Notre Dame Cathedral from the river.
- Explore Montmartre: Wander through this charming and quaint neighbourhood that is synonymous with art and creativity. Don’t miss visiting the Sacre-Coeur Basilica for its lovely views, find quirky stores, charming cafes, and pristine squares that look straight out of a picture postcard.
- Visit museums before peak summer crowds: April gives you the opportunity to visit top museums like the Louvre, Musee de l’Orangerie, and the Musee d’Orsay peacefully without the huge crowds trickling in!
- Disneyland: It’s one of the best day trips for families from the city, and what you’ll love is the fewer crowds early in spring as compared to the summer.
- Enjoy outdoor cafes and markets: Lounge about at Parisian café terraces, brunch spots, or sidewalks, enjoying your meal and coffee outdoors. Visit the bustling and vibrant local markets for fresh produce, flowers, and several unique novelties.
- Attend spring events and exhibitions: There are multiple springtime events held in Paris, including art fairs, the reopening of Monet’s Garden in Giverny nearby, and the Paris Marathon, to name a few.
This French capital is always a treat, even if you come after or before April, there is a lot to do in Paris, from museums, local markets, to indulging in the decadent cuisine the city offers.
What Is the Weather Like in Paris in April?
If you’ve made up your mind about visiting Paris in April, knowing about the weather patterns is a must to get the most out of your trip. Here’s all you need to know in this regard:
- Average Temperature Range- Average temperatures usually range from 15-16∘C, making it a pleasant time to explore Paris. Night temperatures drop to about 6-8∘C, which equates to chillier weather. The overall average can be taken as 9-20∘C.
- Rainfall and Sunshine- There are light and sporadic April showers, which are not as heavy. The average rainfall span is for 9-14 days with total precipitation of about 40-55 mm. There is still plenty of sunshine with an average of 6 hours each day, while the chances of sunshine stand at 45-50%.
- How the Weather Feels during the Day vs Evening- Daytime is comfortable and ideal for long walks and is warm enough to sit outdoors, particularly in the afternoon. Evenings are cooler and need scarves, jackets, or sweaters. Temperature differences can be significant.
- What Kind of Weather to Expect for Sightseeing- The weather may change from sunny to rainy quickly, making layers important along with waterproof rain gear. It is ideal for walking although you will need comfortable walking shoes. Seine river cruises or open-air bus tours will feel a lot colder than the actual temperatures. Pack for chilly mornings and warmer afternoons.
What to Wear in Paris in April?
Here’s what you can wear during the month of April in Paris.
- Waterproof trench coat for chillier evenings and spring showers
- Light jacket, cardigans, sweaters, and long-sleeved tops for layering
- Choose t-shirts, blouses, long-sleeves, and shirts for tops and jeans, pants or trousers for bottoms, along with dresses with leggings for cooler days
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must, along with an umbrella and scarves
- Sunglasses are also helpful for warmer days and afternoons
What to Pack for Paris in April?
On that note, what should you pack for a trip to Paris in April? Let’s take a look at a helpful checklist below:
- Waterproof trench coat, jacket, cardigans, sweaters, gloves, warm socks
- Layers (long-sleeve tops, shirts, t-shirts, etc.) and bottoms
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Scarf and umbrella
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cap/hat
- Secure crossbody bag and tote, along with a daypack for men
- Identity proof, passport, travel documents, and photocopies
- Portable charger/power bank and travel adapter
- Reusable water bottle
- Basic first-aid kit
- Sanitiser, face mask, and basic toiletries
Where to Stay in Paris in April?
There are several furnished accommodation in Paris that you can consider for a memorable stay, particularly if you’re travelling with your family and want to stay for a longer time in the city. You’ll discover numerous fully furnished serviced apartments in prime locations, such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, and Montmartre. The 1st Arrondissement, while costly, offers a more central location for exploring the city’s best landmarks.
The best serviced apartments in Paris come with flexible lease terms, helping you stay as long as you like. They also have lower rates than hotels, with discounts for longer stays. The rates also include everything from Wi-Fi to utilities, services, and more. At the same time, you can cook meals in well-equipped kitchens, thereby saving money on dining out daily.
These apartments offer a lot more space and privacy than hotels, along with great amenities ranging from dedicated workspaces to flat-screen televisions, laundry, housekeeping, outdoor areas and more. You’ll also find diverse configurations to suit every family or travel group size (helps you avoid booking multiple costly hotel rooms). Choose the right neighbourhood in Paris, and you will get the feeling of a home away from home while ticking off everything in your itinerary.
Travel Tips for April Visits in Paris
Here are some handy travel tips if you’re planning to visit Paris in April:
- Pack layers and waterproof shoes to tackle unpredictable weather
- Book tickets to attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum well in advance to skip the lines
- Use the metro to get around and consider the Navigo Découverte pass for longer stays. You can also buy tickets in carnets or packs of 10.
- Spring is all about picnics and parks in Paris. Embrace it, try wine, fruit, cheese, and baguettes from local markets at the Luxembourg Gardens and the Champ de Mars (lovely Eiffel Tower views) for free and enjoyable experiences.
Conclusion
Not much is left to do but plan a trip to Paris in April. There is a lot to cover than just the Eiffel Tower, go to various neighbourhoods, explore local cafes, restaurants, and more. April is one of the best times to visit Paris for its pleasant weather, with gorgeous days and cosy nights. Packing the right clothes and making the right itinerary can make your trip in Paris even more memorable!
