France, Europe
Paris in April
Chestnuts and cherry blossoms out, terraces open. Second half is the sweet spot.
The straight answer
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Paris. Chestnuts and cherry blossoms out, terraces open. Second half is the sweet spot.
- Weather
- Classic spring, highs near 60F (16C), some showers
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Paris
April is classic spring in Paris. Highs are near 60F (16C), showers come and go, and chestnut and cherry trees bloom along the Seine and in the parks. Terraces are full again. Crowds and prices step up, especially around Easter and the spring school holidays, but the city has not hit its summer rush yet.
It suits first-time visitors, couples, and families who want to walk everywhere without heat. Bring a rain jacket and expect a cold day or two. The second half of the month is the sweet spot; if your dates are early April, pack warmer than you think.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Paris this month.
Chestnut blossoms
The horse chestnuts along the boulevards and in the Tuileries bloom white and pink, usually from mid April.
Luxembourg Gardens come alive
Toy sailboats return to the pond, the chairs fill up, and the playground is at its best for kids.
Versailles gardens
The formal gardens start looking their best, and a midweek visit beats the summer crowds by a mile.
Giverny opens
Monet's house and garden reopen for the season in spring, about an hour from Paris.
What to pack for April
- A light waterproof jacket
- A sweater for cool evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small umbrella
Our timing tip
Book museum and Eiffel Tower timed entries two to three weeks ahead for Easter week, and go early in the morning.
Book Paris for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ParisOpens a hotel search for Paris in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ParisWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ParisTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Paris for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Paris
The Louvre
Book the first timed slot and go straight to what you came for; Wednesday and Friday evenings run late and calmer.
Musee d'Orsay
The Impressionist floor is the best single museum floor in Europe. Thursday evenings stay open late.
Eiffel Tower
Summit tickets sell out weeks ahead in season. The classic photo is from Trocadero at sunrise.
Notre-Dame and the islands
Reopened after the fire restoration; entry is free but the timed-entry app queue moves fast in the morning.
Montmartre at first light
Sacre-Coeur steps before 9am belong to locals and bakers. By noon in season it is a scrum.
Luxembourg Gardens
The city's living room: toy sailboats, chess games, and the chairs you are actually allowed to move.
Beat the crowds
- Book the Louvre's first entry slot of the day, enter at the Carrousel or Porte des Lions entrances, and see your must-list in reverse order from the crowds.
- Do headline sights before 9:30am or in the last two hours before closing; spend the middle of the day in gardens, food streets, and lesser museums that never queue.
- Museums with timed reservations reward booking two to four weeks out in spring and fall; same-week almost always works in November through February.
- The first Sunday of the month is free at many museums: wonderful for the budget, terrible for the lines. Know which trade you are making.
Know before you go
- August: many family-run restaurants and small shops close two to four weeks for annual vacation. Major museums, department stores, and sights all remain open. Check any specific restaurant before you build a day around it.
- Most museums close one day a week: the Louvre on Tuesdays, Orsay and Versailles on Mondays. Plan the pairings accordingly.
- May is a minefield of public holidays (May 1, May 8, Ascension, Pentecost). May 1 in particular closes nearly everything, including the Louvre.
- December 25 and January 1 close most sights; the days around them are open but run holiday hours.
Paris in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Paris?
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Paris. Chestnuts and cherry blossoms out, terraces open. Second half is the sweet spot.
What is the weather like in Paris in April?
Classic spring, highs near 60F (16C), some showers.
Is Paris crowded in April?
Crowds in Paris are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Paris.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
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