It’s springtime, but is April a good month to visit London? Here’s an insider’s guide: from seasonal things to do and events in the capital to what April weather in London England is really like.

This post contains affiliate links, this means that I may receive a commission – at no cost to you – if you click a link and make a purchase.
I’ve lived in London all my adult life, and April is one of my favourite months in the city. Over the years I’ve celebrated springtime festivals here and seen snow as well as heatwaves. If you’re wondering what to pack or where to go in London in April here are all the facts you need and lots of suggestions of seasonal events in our capital city. April is one of the best months to visit London.
All my photos in this post were taken in London in April, over the last few years.
What is the weather like in London in April?
The one thing everyone talks about when they’re planning a trip to London is the weather. And I can confirm that the weather, month by month, can be just as much of a surprise to locals as it is to visitors.
April weather in London is famously varied, not only though the month but also year by year. It is quite possible to head out on a walk in a thick winter coat in April, and then a couple of weeks later be soaking up the rays in a tee-shirt. I think of April as the very beginnings of the summer season: the days are getting longer and sunnier and we can put away winter clothes.
April London weather facts
The average temperature in London in April is 9°C (48.2°F) with average highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. I’ve experienced cooler spells in April too, even a bit of snow, as well as occasional years when the mercury has risen above 20°C (68°F). Daily temperatures can gradually increase across the course of the month – this isn’t guaranteed either. They are a little lower than the May temperatures in London.
April London weather includes cloudy skies and sunny days. You can expect an average of 5 hours of sunshine daily, which is a significant improvement on March. And by late April these sunshine hours should hopefully be increasing.
April is one of the driest months of the year in London. The average rainfall is 43 mm over 16 days.
London snow in April is unlikely – but it’s not unknown. If it does snow in April it usually only stays around for a day or two.
So those are the facts. Statistics for April London weather in 2024 show that we had 15 sunny days and rain of some sort on 16 days.

Hours of daylight in London in April
As April temperatures in London rise, the Spring days get longer too. This is really important from a sightseeing point of view. Visit London at the end of April and you get two extra hours of daylight compared to the beginning of the month.
British Summer Time (BST) begins at 1 am on Sunday 30 March in 2025. On that day we all thankfully put our clocks one hour ahead despite missing an hour’s sleep. In return the evenings are lighter and we get the real sense that we’re stepping into the summer months.
Sunrise and sunset times in April The sun rises at 6.35 am on 1 April and sets at 7.34pm. But the daylight hours increase as the month progresses, so by the end of April sunrise is at 5.33 am and sunset at 8.22pm. That’s nearly two whole extra hours of daylight.
The longest day of the year in the UK is at the summer solstice which is 20 or 21 June.
Is April a good time to visit London?
April is my favourite month in London. It’s the time of year when sap is rising, birds are singing and London’s many parks and gardens spring into life. Cherry trees blossom in April and you can enjoy some wonderful blue sky days here.
April London weather marks a noticeable shift away from the chilliness of winter. And in springtime you avoid the heat and crowds of the high tourist season which falls in the warmest months of June, July and August.
It’s a fantastic time to explore the city. You can enjoy the spring flowers and the relative calm before peak season and make the most of longer days for outdoor exploring or day trips into the English countryside. And despite all the talk of April showers, London weather in April is often relatively dry.

Pros and Cons of London in April
April weather in London can be mild and lovely. And it’s a time of year that’s full of promise. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide whether it’s the right month for your visit.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
April is not yet peak season: so London is less busy than in the summer | But you’ll find more crowds during public holidays and school breaks plus some limited openings during Easter weekend |
Milder weather: temperatures are typically pleasanter than March | April showers: the old saying sometimes holds true, so pack an umbrella in case of a rainy day |
Spring blossom: the parks and garden squares are in full bloom | Blossom time is variable: it can be early or late in Spring depending on the weather |
Lower prices: you may find cheaper deals for flights and accommodation | Prices can spike over the Easter period and may also be higher during UK school holidays |
Longer days: mean more hours of daylight for sightseeing and exploring | Evenings can still be cool: so bring layers for when the temperatures drop. |
What happens during Easter in London
Some visitors choose to come to London at Easter time for its special events and atmosphere. It’s just another factor to take into consideration when you plan your trip.
The four day UK Easter weekend, which includes two public holidays as well as Easter Sunday, often falls in April. In 2025 Easter weekend is Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April.
British schools’ Easter holidays usually coincide with this; in 2025 schools in the borough of Westminster, London will be on holiday from Monday 7 April to Monday 21 April.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in the UK. This means that all over the country, including London, public transport services and store opening hours may be reduced. Most shops close on Easter Sunday. You may find reduced hours and some closures at attractions and museums too. But despite this, Easter weekend and the school Easter holidays are a busy time in London.

Things to do in London in April
Here are the must-see sights and events to enjoy in London in April.
See Spring bloom in London parks and streets
With the warmer weather of London in April parks and neighbourhoods burst into flower. This is the best time to enjoy the fresh Spring blooms. But the timing of blossom in London is an inexact science. If we’ve had a cold winter then the trees will flower later. And daffodils and tulips are also very influenced by the weather.
Generally speaking in London, April is the month for cherry blossoms, though they can open as early as March if the weather’s been mild. The residential streets of Kensington and Chelsea are especially pretty at cherry blossom time and you’ll also find blooms in many of London’s beautiful gardens and parks. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, Kensington, St James’s Park and Kew Gardens all have spring displays.

Lilacs and wisteria may often come into flower at the end of April too. Whilst rhododendrons and azaleas continue their kaleidoscopic season. You’ll find good collections in Kew Gardens, the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park and pretty little Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon Village.
And I love London’s lesser known green spaces too. Battersea Park, just south of the Thames at Chelsea, has a cafe and terrace beside the boating lake which is perfect on a sunny day. Whilst Russell Square in Bloomsbury is a peaceful place to enjoy some Spring air after a visit to the British Museum.
Taste seasonal food in April in London
Tuck into the tastes of Spring with seasonal British dishes and ingredients. You’ll find fresh asparagus on the menus – the season in Britain is short, only six weeks – as well as tender spring lamb and pink rhubarb.
At Easter time look out for traditional Simnel cake, a fruit cake with an almond paste layer and decorations. Hot cross buns are also seasonal specialities. Shops and supermarkets fill with chocolate Easter eggs of all sizes and prices, as well as the super-popular little Cadbury’s Creme Eggs which are only for sale in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Go Outdoors in London in April
Explore the popular attractions in London with fewer crowds than in peak season. Mild April London weather is ideal for outdoor activities like watching the Changing the Guard, visiting the Tower of London and taking a ride on the London Eye. Famous landmarks will be less busy than in high season too.

Discover central London on foot. Without too much risk of rain, crowds or soaring temperatures you can walk for hours. Cross Hyde Park from Mayfair to Kensington, explore the hidden gardens of Holborn or walk beside the canal from Little Venice to Camden.
Celebrate the beginning of the open-air theatre season in London. Shakespeare’s Globe is the obvious place to start.
Visit the city’s best outdoor markets. My current favourite is Brick Lane and Spitalfields. This year Brick Lane has a jazz festival April 25 – 27 2025.
Borough Market on Bankside and Portobello Road in Notting Hill are also popular year round. For a local’s haunt try Leather Lane in Holborn for great street food stalls on weekday lunchtimes. Or head to historical Greenwich where the market is open 7 days a week.
Take a boat cruise along the river Thames to the Tate Modern, or to the Cutty Sark and museums at Greenwich. Or enjoy an afternoon tea cruise on the river.
Join one of London’s many walking tours to open your eyes to hidden gems around the capital.
Watch the Changing of the Guard
If you’ve never seen this traditional piece of pageantry, April is a great time to experience it. The ceremonial troops change into their summer uniforms when the clocks go forward at the end of March. Winter’s cloaks and greatcoats are replaced by their iconic scarlet tunics. And if you avoid the peak Easter periods April is a quieter time of year to watch the ceremony. See the spectacle in London at Buckingham Palace and Horseguards Parade, or in the town of Windsor.

What to do on rainy days in London in April
Don’t worry, although the weather may be changeable the capital city has plenty to offer on a wet day.
London’s free museums have engaging permanent displays whether you love the arts, culture, science or history. And every Spring brings fresh and fascinating new exhibitions.
Head to the shops. Avoid the puddles by browsing the cool stores and quirky stalls in Covent Garden’s covered market or the upscale boutiques in Piccadilly’s pretty arcades.
An Easter afternoon tea is a treat during the holiday period. Escape a cloudy day and soak up the vibes in one of London’s heritage hotels.
Best day trips from London in April
April’s lengthening hours of daylight are perfect for day trips from London into England’s countryside. You could visit Stonehenge or explore the villages of the Cotswolds. Or check out one of the pretty and historic nearby cities to London like the university towns of Oxford or Cambridge for a blend of academia and medieval beauty.
Stonehenge tour from London in April
This full day tour gets you to Stonehenge in time for an exclusive and goosebump-inducing early morning viewing of the stones from the inner circle, before the day’s visitors arrive. Continue your journey through the beautiful English counties of Wiltshire and Somerset, with visits to the gorgeous village of Lacock as well as Bath. This good value tour gets excellent reviews.
Closer to home this is also a good month to take a day trip to Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace.

London April Events
Easter events in London
Easter marks a special time in London with religious services, concerts, and family-friendly events like Easter egg hunts at many popular locations.
Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral are closed for sightseeing on Good Friday and Easter Sunday but you can attend their Easter services. And the same applies to the many beautiful and historic churches across the city.
The Passion of Jesus A re-enactment performed by a cast of more than 100 volunteers, has becoming an annual event in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday. Parental guidance is advised.
Sporting events in London
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the river Thames The date of the race varies between late March and early April. Putney Bridge is a great spot to see the start, or go to Chiswick Bridge for the finish. You can also find cosy pubs with riverside views! Sunday 13 April 2025.
The London Marathon The famous 26.2 mile London Marathon loops around the city from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace. Popular viewpoints are at Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and along the Embankment. Sunday 27 April 2025.
London Landmarks Half Marathon Organised by Tommy’s, the route through the City and Westminster includes history-inspired activities for spectators too. For the first time this year the route will start at Whitehall and finish in Trafalgar Square. Look out for the brave runners wearing impressive (and surely uncomfortable?) landmark-inspired costumes. Sunday 6 April 2025


London festivals in April
Shakespeare’s Birthday The month of April is the time to Shakespeare’s birthday. The Globe Theatre often pays homage to the Bard with a special event.
St George’s Day Although he’s the patron saint of England, St George’s Day isn’t much celebrated in the UK. But London holds a small festival in Trafalgar Square with traditional English food, music and even some morris dancing. The Mayor of London’s St George’s Day festival Sunday 20 April 2025
Vaisakhi Festival The vibrant festival of Vaisakhi celebrates Sikh and Punjabi heritage and culture. Music, dance and live performances at Trafalgar Square, Saturday 19 April 2025
What to wear in London in April
April London weather is changeable. So you’ll need to pack versatile pieces that you can layer. Once you’re close to your departure date check the weather forecast at BBC Weather to get an idea of the temperatures that are likely during your stay.
I’ve worn everything from a padded warm coat to a summer dress when I’ve been out and about in London in April. I know this isn’t helpful when you’re trying to refine your packing list – but it is the reality of our climate some years.
What to pack for London in April
Tee-shirts or lightweight thermal base layers.
Long-sleeved shirts and jumpers to layer or wear alone.
Raincoat: A lightweight raincoat will look smart and help to keep you dry. A waterproof jacket is a good idea if you’re planning to be outside a lot.
Jacket: A quilted jacket or wool peacoat is a stylish option that will give you an extra layer of warmth during the day or in the cooler evenings.
Water-resistant shoes: Given London’s penchant for showers, you need shoes that can cope. Ideally bring comfortable walking shoes with flat soles that will carry you over pavements and cobbles with ease.
Accessories: Check the forecast to see if you need to pack a warm scarf and hat.
If you get caught out by April London weather these are the shops where you can buy affordable layers or lightweight summer pieces. You’ll find them on most London high streets. Uniqlo, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis
An umbrella There’s a chance of rain at any time of year so an umbrella is a good idea. Pick a strong but small and lightweight folding umbrella that you can carry in your handbag or coat pocket. Bring along a little ziplock bag so you can shake out a wet brolly and temporarily seal it up. It’s easier to manage a damp umbrella than a soggy coat!
Sunglasses: hopefully you’ll need these too if the April London weather is obliging.
Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
What to read next about London
Guide to Central London: neighbourhoods and things to do
London Food: 49 must-try dishes and where to eat them
Weather in June in London England
The Best English Countryside: 14 beautiful places

About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission
Leave a Reply