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April is London at its most quietly self-assured: the parks turn green, the blossom arrives, and the city shakes off the grey of late winter without yet committing to the crowds of high summer. For the discerning visitor it is arguably the sweet spot of the year, with longer days, softer light and a calendar that runs from Easter to the London Marathon. This guide covers the weather, the blossom, the season's set-piece events and how to plan a few unhurried, well-judged days.
What is the weather like in London in April?
April in London is mild and changeable, with daytime temperatures usually in the low to mid teens Celsius and noticeably lighter evenings as the clocks have already gone forward. Expect a genuine mix of bright spells, passing showers and the occasional cold snap, so layers and a compact umbrella remain essential throughout the month.
The phrase "April showers" exists for good reason, but the rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Mornings can start crisp before warming pleasantly by early afternoon. Pack with versatility in mind.
- A light waterproof jacket and a small umbrella for sudden showers.
- Layers you can add or shed as the day shifts.
- Comfortable, water-resistant shoes for walking and parks that may be soft underfoot.
- Sunglasses, because the brighter spells are genuinely bright.
Where to see cherry blossom in London
April is peak cherry blossom season in London, when ornamental cherries and magnolias come into bloom across the royal parks, garden squares and tree-lined avenues. The display is fleeting, often lasting only a couple of weeks, so the discerning approach is to keep plans flexible and head out on the first run of fine mornings.
For reliable spring colour, a handful of locations stand out for both their planting and their setting.
- Greenwich Park, where the cherry avenue draws photographers against a backdrop of the old Royal Observatory.
- St James's Park and Green Park, central, elegant and easily folded into a day of sightseeing.
- Regent's Park, especially the formal Avenue Gardens and the early blossom around the lake.
- Kew Gardens, where the broader botanical collections extend the spring display well beyond cherries alone.
- Kensington Gardens and the quieter garden squares of Kensington and Chelsea.
Go early in the day to enjoy the blossom before the parks fill, and browse the wider seasonal guides to see how the city changes month to month.
Easter in London
Easter usually falls in April and brings a long bank holiday weekend, family events and a markedly different rhythm to the city. Many cultural institutions stay open while offices empty, so it can be an excellent time for sightseeing, though some smaller businesses and services run reduced hours and certain attractions grow busier with domestic visitors.
Around the Easter weekend you will find seasonal trails, garden events and family programming at the larger venues. A few practical points are worth holding in mind.
- Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays, so transport runs to a Sunday or holiday timetable on those days.
- Major museums and galleries typically open across the weekend, making it a strong wet-weather backstop.
- Popular family attractions and the royal parks can be busy, so book timed tickets where you can.
- Some independent restaurants and shops close or shorten hours, so confirm ahead for anything specific.
The London Marathon and April events
The London Marathon is the month's great spectacle, a mass-participation race that winds from Greenwich through the city to a finish near Buckingham Palace and The Mall. Held on a Sunday in spring, it draws enormous crowds along the route and affects roads and some transport across south and central London for the day.
Even if you are not running, the atmosphere along the course is worth experiencing, particularly around landmark stretches. April also carries a wider cultural calendar.
- Prime marathon viewing points include Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the final approach along The Mall.
- Expect road closures and busy stations on marathon day, so plan journeys with extra time.
- The spring season brings fresh exhibitions and gallery openings across the major attractions.
- Garden openings and outdoor programmes begin in earnest as the weather warms.
What to do in London in April
April rewards a balanced itinerary that pairs the outdoors with reliable indoor anchors against the showers. Spend the bright mornings in the parks and on the river, then keep the great museums and galleries in reserve for the wet hours. The lengthening days mean you can comfortably extend sightseeing into the early evening.
A few ideas suited to the season and the changeable weather.
- Walk the river path between Westminster and the South Bank when the light is good.
- Reserve indoor time for landmark museums such as those in South Kensington.
- Explore spring markets and the surrounding neighbourhoods on foot.
- Take advantage of clearer skies for views from a high vantage point.
- Consider a spring day trip to gardens or historic houses within easy reach of the city.
Practical tips for visiting in April
April is shoulder season, which means more agreeable conditions than mid-winter and slightly thinner crowds than the summer peak, with the notable exception of the Easter weekend. Booking ahead for headline attractions and confirming bank holiday timetables are the two habits that will smooth almost any spring visit to London.
- Check whether your travel dates overlap Easter or marathon day, both of which alter transport.
- Book timed entry for popular sights, as spring weekends fill quickly.
- Carry a contactless card or device for tap-in travel across the Underground and buses.
- Keep an indoor option ready each day in case of showers.
London in April FAQ
Is April a good time to visit London?
Yes, April is one of the best months to visit London. The weather is mild, the days are lengthening, the parks are in blossom and the calendar is rich without summer's crowds. The main caveat is the Easter weekend, when popular attractions are busier and some transport runs to a holiday timetable.
When is cherry blossom season in London?
Cherry blossom in London typically peaks during April, though the exact timing shifts year to year with the weather. The display is short, often lasting only a week or two, so it pays to stay flexible and visit the parks and garden squares on the first stretch of fine spring days.
Does it rain a lot in London in April?
April sees a fair amount of rain, but it usually arrives as short, passing showers rather than continuous downpours. Bright spells are common between them. A light waterproof and a small umbrella will cover most days, and keeping an indoor attraction in reserve makes any sudden shower easy to wait out.
What should I pack for London in April?
Pack for variable weather with layers, a light waterproof jacket and a compact umbrella. Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes are essential for parks and pavements, and a warmer layer is wise for cooler mornings and evenings. Sunglasses are worth bringing too, as the spring sun can be surprisingly strong between the showers.
How does April compare to March and May in London?
April is warmer and greener than March and busier around Easter, while still calmer than the approach to summer. Compared with May, it is slightly cooler and less settled but offers the cherry blossom and a quieter feel before the high-season crowds gather.
Where to go next
- Browse the full seasonal guides hub to plan around London's calendar.
- See what changes the month before in London in March.
- Look ahead to warmer days with London in May.
