April is a shoulder month with increasing daylight and spring blooms; coastal and western areas remain changeable with showers. It's a good time for sightseeing and visiting gardens (Keukenhof and other spring displays) before peak summer crowds.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Western Europe in April.
United Kingdom & Ireland
Early spring brings April showers and improving daylight-temperatures often sit 8-15°C-making it a good month for gardens and countryside (Kew Gardens, the Cotswolds) bursting into colour after winter. Coastal regions may still see strong gusts and occasional cold snaps; keep a light umbrella and layered clothing. Easter weekends draw domestic tourists to the Lake District and Peak District, so book ahead for popular walking routes and cottages.
Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Northern France
April brightens the region with spring bulbs and milder weather; daytime temperatures often reach 10-15°C, especially in southern Belgium and northern France. Showers are common but interspersed with sunny spells-ideal for tulip colours around Lisse or garden visits in Ghent-and cafés put tables outside on fine days. Bike rental is popular but bring a windproof layer for blustery canal-side rides.
Paris, Loire Valley, Burgundy, Champagne
April’s milder days (10-16°C) coax gardens and vineyards into bloom-Champagne and Loire Valley are particularly crisp and green-and scattered showers keep the countryside fresh. Outdoor markets and riverside strolls become more pleasant, though evenings remain cool so a medium-weight jacket is useful. Easter holidays push some domestic tourism to châteaux and rural inns, so reserve weekend stays ahead of time.
French, Swiss & Italian Alps
April shifts toward spring snowmelt at lower elevations while high-altitude glaciers and upper runs remain skiable; daytime temperatures vary widely, often between 0-12°C depending on village elevation. Lodge terraces fill during sunny afternoons and late-season festivals mark the end of the ski year in many resorts. For summer hiking you’ll still need crampons and an awareness of variable trail conditions at this time.
French Riviera, Liguria & Catalonia; Corsica & Balearics
April sees warming into the mid-to-high teens, with sun and flowering hillsides across Corsica and the Côte d’Azur; Gibraltar-influenced winds can still create cool breezes near headlands. Islands like Mallorca start to feel lively, though many beach clubs await May to open fully. This month is ideal for hiking coastal paths and exploring towns with few tourists-bring layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
Brittany, Bordeaux, Basque Country, Galicia & Northern Portugal
April brightens with spring temperatures often between 12-17°C and gardens beginning to bloom across the region; shoulder-season crowds make villages and vinyards pleasant to visit. Wild Atlantic surf continues to draw surfers while coastal trails in Galicia and Brittany are increasingly walkable. Travelers enjoy lower prices than summer, but should plan for variable weather and bring both sun protection and rain gear.
Madrid, Andalusia, Extremadura, Algarve
April is warm and flowery: daytime temperatures typically reach 16-22°C in much of Andalusia and the Algarve, and Easter processions bring crowds to Sevilla and Málaga. This is one of the best months for cultural visits and rural walking without summer heat; midday can be quite warm but evenings are cool. Book festival-related accommodation early and carry sunscreen for sunny afternoons.
School holidays and religious observances across many countries; popular for short breaks.
Nationwide street parties and markets on April 27 in the Netherlands.
Major marathon attracting international runners (date varies in April).
See how April compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.