United States, North America
San Francisco in April
Spring in full swing, with the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. Breezy afternoons.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit San Francisco. Spring in full swing, with the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. Breezy afternoons.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 63F (17C), mostly dry
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in San Francisco
April is spring in full swing. Highs are near 63F (17C), days are mostly dry, and afternoons can be breezy. The city is green and bright, and the rainy season is behind you. Crowds and prices are moderate, well below the summer peak, and Japantown hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival over two weekends.
It suits first-timers, families and anyone who wants dry weather for walking the hills and crossing the bridge. It is not warm, so pack layers. For the warmest days of the year, September is better, but April is the easier month for crowds and hotel rates.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about San Francisco this month.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Japantown celebrates over two weekends, with a grand parade on the final Sunday.
Biking the Golden Gate Bridge
Dry, mild days are good for biking across from the south end to Sausalito and taking the ferry back.
Ferry Building farmers market
Spring produce fills the Saturday market, the best in the city. Go early for the best stalls.
What to pack for April
- A windproof jacket for breezy afternoons
- Layers for changeable weather
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Our timing tip
Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge in the late morning, when fog has often cleared but the afternoon wind has not picked up.
Book San Francisco for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in San FranciscoOpens a hotel search for San Francisco 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 San FranciscoWhole 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 San FranciscoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in San Francisco for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Two weekends in April
Japantown's festival, with a grand parade on the final Sunday.
Things to do in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk or bike across from the south end. The best photo spots are Battery Spencer on the Marin side and Baker Beach. Fog often clears midday.
Alcatraz Island
Tickets sell out weeks ahead in summer and on weekends. The first morning ferry and the night tour are the least crowded.
Golden Gate Park and the California Academy of Sciences
The Academy has an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome under one living roof. A great rainy or foggy day plan.
Exploratorium
Hands-on science museum on Pier 15. Thursday evenings are adults-only After Dark nights.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Go Saturday morning for the farmers market, the best in the city. Weekdays are calmer.
Cable cars
The Powell lines have long waits at the turnarounds. Board a few stops up, or ride the California Street line with shorter lines.
Beat the crowds
- Book Alcatraz as soon as your dates are set. In summer, same-week tickets are rare.
- Visit Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Lombard Street before 9am. By noon they are packed.
- Stay outside Union Square: Hayes Valley, the Mission, or near the Presidio give you calmer mornings and better food.
- For sunshine in summer, go east or north. The Mission and the East Bay are often sunny when the western neighborhoods are socked in.
Know before you go
- Nearly everything runs year-round. Winter storms can close coastal trails and delay ferries for a day or two.
- Muir Woods requires advance parking or shuttle reservations. Arriving without one means turning around.
- Wildfire smoke from inland California can reduce air quality in late summer and fall. It varies year to year, so check air-quality forecasts before outdoor plans.
- Large conventions (Moscone Center) can push hotel prices sharply higher for a week at a time. Check the convention calendar when comparing dates.
San Francisco in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit San Francisco?
April is a good month to visit San Francisco. Spring in full swing, with the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. Breezy afternoons.
What is the weather like in San Francisco in April?
Mild, highs near 63F (17C), mostly dry.
Is San Francisco crowded in April?
Crowds in San Francisco are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in San Francisco in April?
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (two weekends in april).
Keep planning San Francisco.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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