April is spring in full swing in Paris: blossoming trees, busy café terraces, long evenings and gardens coming back to life. It is also one of the busiest months of the year, with school holidays and the Paris Marathon. This guide covers the weather, what to pack, how to avoid the crowds and what to do in Paris in April, with the dates that matter in 2027.
Paris in April at a glance
| Temperatures | About 8°C (46°F) in the morning to 17°C (63°F) in the afternoon |
| Rain | About 45 mm over the month, in frequent short showers |
| Sunset | From about 8:15 pm at the start of the month to about 9 pm at the end |
| Crowds | High, especially during the Paris school holidays (April 3–19, 2027) |
| Prices | Shoulder-to-high season: book hotels early |
| Main events in 2027 | Art Paris, 50th Paris Marathon, Disneyland’s 35th anniversary, book festival, blossoms |
The weather in Paris in April
April is mild but unpredictable. A French saying sums it up: « En avril, ne te découvre pas d’un fil », meaning “in April, don’t take off a single thread”. Warm, sunny afternoons above 20°C (68°F) are possible, but so are chilly mornings and sudden heavy showers, sometimes on the same day.
The difference between morning and afternoon can be large, so plan for both. Temperatures rise steadily through the month, and the second half of April is usually the most pleasant for walks and picnics.
For other months, see our Paris weather by month guide.
What to wear in Paris in April
- A trench coat or light rain jacket: the most useful item of the month.
- Layers: T-shirts and long-sleeved tops with a light sweater for the mornings and evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes that can handle a downpour.
- A compact umbrella, plus sunglasses for the bright days.
- A light scarf: practical against the wind, and very Parisian.
Is April a good time to visit Paris?
Yes, it is one of the most beautiful months, but plan ahead. The city is green, the gardens are in bloom and the days are long. In return, the main sights are busy and hotel prices go up.
- School holidays: Paris-region schools are off from April 3 to 19, 2027, and the other French regions follow until May 3. Museums, the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland are busier.
- Easter is in March in 2027 (Sunday March 28, Monday March 29), so April has no public holiday this year.
- Marathon weekend (April 3–4): roads closed on Sunday morning, metro crowded, hotels in demand.
- Tips: book time-slot tickets for the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower, and visit the busiest sights early in the morning or in the evening.
Key dates in Paris in April 2027
| Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| Until Apr 2 | Banlieues Bleues jazz festival, Seine-Saint-Denis |
| Until Apr 4 | European Artistic Crafts Days: craft workshops open to the public |
| Apr 1 – 4 | Art Paris art fair, Grand Palais |
| Apr 1 – Aug 1 | André Derain exhibition, Musée Bourdelle |
| Apr 3 – 19 | Paris-region school holidays |
| Apr 4 | 50th Paris Marathon |
| Apr 12 | Disneyland Paris turns 35 |
| Apr 16 – 18 | Festival du Livre de Paris (book festival), Grand Palais |
| Until Apr 25 | Brussels 1900 exhibition, Petit Palais |
| Apr 30 – May 10 | Foire de Paris, Porte de Versailles |
| All month | Duchamp (Grand Palais), Vuillard (Musée d’Orsay), Louvre Photo (until May 3) |
Arriving in late March? Our guide to Paris in March and April 2027 covers the whole season, including Easter.
Things to do in Paris in April
Go blossom hunting
Early April is usually the peak for cherry trees and magnolias, followed by wisteria in the second half of the month. Look for them in the Jardin des Plantes, the square Jean-XXIII behind Notre-Dame, the Palais-Royal gardens and the streets of Montmartre. For a picnic under the cherry trees, the Parc de Sceaux, just south of Paris on the RER B, has a whole grove.
Cheer on the 50th Paris Marathon
The marathon celebrates its 50th edition on Sunday April 4, 2027, under its new name, the ASICS Marathon de Paris. Bibs were allocated by lottery. Watching from the sidewalk is free and the atmosphere is great; if you are not running, avoid planning a taxi across the city that morning.
Art fairs and exhibitions
The Grand Palais hosts Art Paris (April 1–4), the spring fair for modern and contemporary art, then the Festival du Livre de Paris (April 16–18). The two big exhibitions of the season run all month: Marcel Duchamp at the Grand Palais and Vuillard, Intimate Theaters at the Musée d’Orsay. At the Louvre, Louvre Photo runs until May 3.
Spend time on the Seine
With longer evenings, April is a great month for the river: walk the pedestrian quays, have a drink at one of the riverside bars that reopen in spring, or take a boat tour at sunset. For a special evening, see our guide to the best Seine dinner cruises, or compare all the options in the Seine cruise catalog (affiliate link).
Take a spring day trip
Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny usually reopen around April 1, with tulips and the first flowers around the water lily pond. The gardens of Versailles are also at their best in spring; check the dates of the musical fountain shows before you go.
With children
The Foire du Trône, France’s oldest funfair, runs for about two months from late March in the Bois de Vincennes. Disneyland Paris celebrates its 35th anniversary on April 12, 2027; expect big crowds during the school holidays and go on a weekday if you can.
Record Store Day
Usually held on a Saturday in mid-April, the Disquaire Day (Record Store Day) brings exclusive releases and in-store concerts to the independent record shops of Paris. Check the official date before you go.
Where to stay in April
Book early, especially for marathon weekend and the school holidays. Our selection of the best hotels in Paris at affordable prices lists real prices from €75 a night.
FAQ: Paris in April
Is Paris warm in April?
Mild rather than warm: about 17°C (63°F) in the afternoon and 8°C (46°F) in the morning on average, with some sunny days above 20°C (68°F).
Is Paris crowded in April?
Yes, especially during the French school holidays (April 3–19, 2027 for Paris) and on marathon weekend. Weekdays at the end of April are a little calmer.
Is Easter in April in 2027?
No. In 2027, Easter Sunday is March 28 and Easter Monday March 29. See our Paris in March guide.
When is the cherry blossom season in Paris?
Usually from late March to mid-April, with a peak in early April, depending on the weather.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Paris in March
- What to do in Paris in March and April 2027
- Easter in Paris
- The 50 best things to do in Paris
Discover more from StillinParis
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