Paris in April: blossoms, rains and events of the month

April in Paris brings blossoming trees and sudden rain. At night the city is around 8 °C, during the day around 17 °C, according to Météo-France (09/2026). You arrive in a city where the weather changes several times a day.

Below we have gathered what to pack, where to see the blossoms, and which April events change your plans. We will also show you how to stay dry along the Seine embankment.

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What to know about Paris in April

💡 In short:

• April is cool and rainy: a warm layer and an umbrella are needed every day.
• Blossoming happens in early and mid-April, with the most trees in bloom at Jardin des Plantes.
• April events: Marathon de Paris, Easter, Disquaire Day, and spring exhibitions.

April is a transitional month: winter is over, but summer has not started yet. Trees are blooming, cafe terraces are opening, and there are noticeably fewer tourists than in June. If you want to see Paris without the crowds, this month works better than the hot season.

Many people come specifically for the blossoms and city festivals, and part of April falls during school holidays. That is why hotels in the center should be booked in advance.

Weather in Paris in April

The average April low in Paris is around 8 °C, the average high around 17 °C, monthly precipitation is around 45 mm, and there are usually 14 rainy days, according to Paris climate normals (09/2026).

© Francisco Anzola from United States · CC BYPhoto: Francisco Anzola from United States, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

A downpour can start suddenly and end half an hour later, so you leave the hotel under sunshine and reach the Seine embankment already wet. Keep an umbrella in your bag at all times, not only on rainy days.

The difference between morning and daytime temperatures in April is noticeable. In the morning you need a jacket, while during the day a sweater is usually enough. The French say: "En avril, ne te découvre pas d'un fil." The meaning is simple: do not put away your warm layer because of one sunny day.

What to pack in April

The main principle of April is layers: a T-shirt, a thin sweater, and a jacket that can handle moisture. An umbrella and waterproof shoes are essential, because sidewalks are wet after a downpour, and in regular sneakers you will get soaked quickly.

If the month turns out sunny, sunglasses and a light cap will come in handy. In the evening it is chilly by the Seine, so a thin scarf will not hurt. Leave the heavy winter coat at home: during the day the city is usually warm.

Bring comfortable shoes for long walks, because over the course of a day you easily cover dozens of kilometers through museums and streets. Bring spare socks and a change of shoes in case of rain.

Main events in April

Marathon de Paris

The race takes place in early April, and it is one of the largest marathons in the world: tens of thousands of runners take the start, and the route begins on Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The catch: on race day, central streets are closed to traffic.

© Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France · CC BYPhoto: Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

If you are in town on these dates, plan your movement around the city in advance. The metro in the center is packed, and taxis move slowly.

Easter and Easter Monday

Easter Monday, or Lundi de Pâques, is an official public holiday in France. Museums and restaurants are open on this day, while some shops are closed. For chocolate, head to the Fauchon house on place de la Madeleine.

Locals organize egg hunts in parks: Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Monceau, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Easter services are held at Église Saint-Sulpice and at The American Church in Paris on Quai d'Orsay.

Disquaire Day

Record store day also falls in April: independent shops and labels release rare editions, and free concerts play in the evening. Stop by neighborhoods with music stores: there you will hear French artists.

Spring exhibitions

Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Louvre are showing temporary exhibitions. Check the program and tickets on the Fondation Louis Vuitton website and the Louvre website. A timed ticket saves you time at the entrance.

Blossoms and walks

The peak of blossoming in Paris falls in early and mid-April. The most trees are in bloom at Jardin des Plantes, where cherry trees and magnolias stand in dense alleys (verified 03/09/2026 on the official Paris website).

For pink cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, people head to Trocadéro. For quiet and a large park, it is worth going to Parc de Sceaux south of the city. Come in the morning: by midday, groups gather at Jardin des Plantes.

Bring water and a light snack: Parisian parks have few free benches at lunchtime, and lawns are often closed. You will find a spot in the shade by the pond or near the pavilion.

Day trips and a Seine cruise

From Paris in April it is easy to get away for a full day. Giverny with Monet's gardens opens at the start of the spring season. Fontainebleau offers a forest and a royal palace, and Provins is a medieval town from the UNESCO list.

Check train schedules the evening before: in spring some trains run on a modified timetable.

A warm evening is worth spending on the Seine, where sightseeing boats and dinner cruises depart at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and from the dock near the Louvre. Seine tours and cruises on GetYourGuide should be checked in advance: on weekends spots sell out quickly.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many degrees is it in Paris in April?

At night in April it is usually around 8 °C, during the day around 17 °C (as of 09/2026, data from the Paris-Montsouris weather station). These are average values; individual days can be warmer or colder.

What should I pack for Paris in April?

Bring layered clothing, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes. Comfortable shoes for long walks are also essential.

When do trees bloom in Paris?

The peak of blossoming falls in early and mid-April. The most trees are in bloom at Jardin des Plantes and near Trocadéro.

Are museums open on Easter Monday?

Lundi de Pâques is an official public holiday in France, but that does not mean the city is closed. Museums, restaurants, and most attractions operate on their regular schedule. Some shops are closed, so buy chocolate in advance. Check exact hours on museum websites before your visit.

Is it worth going to Paris in April?

Yes, if you are ready for changeable weather. In April trees are blooming, there are fewer tourists than in summer, and hotel prices are lower than in June. The catch: rain can spoil a walk. An umbrella and layers solve that problem, and museum lines in spring are shorter than in peak season.

In short: what to book

Paris in April suits those who are ready for changeable weather and want to see the city in bloom. If you have a short trip, take a hotel in the center and do not plan more than a couple of museums per day. If you have more time, add a day trip and a Seine cruise. If you are traveling with children, plan Easter Monday in a park with an egg hunt.

Book a hotel in the center in advance: April is the season of school holidays and the marathon. See Paris hotels on Trip.com.