Visiting London in April
Are you considering a visit to London in April but are wondering what it’s like? Are you wondering how cold it gets and what to wear? Whatever you want to know about visiting London in April, we’ve got answers for you to help you decide whether it’s a good month to take a holiday or short break with your family.
Is London busy in April?
April, and the start of better weather, usually marks the start of the tourist season in London. In most years the majority of the school Easter holidays (if not all of the Easter holidays) fall in April and so this is a time when many families choose to visit.
There are also a number of other large scale events held in or around London in April, including the London Marathon.
As a result, London will likely be much busier in April than in the preceding months, albeit not as busy as during the summer months.
Is London cheap in April?
Accommodation is likely to be slightly cheaper than in peak summer season but it will be more expensive than in preceding months. Particularly on the weekend of the London Marathon, hotels are likely to be in shorter supply and will be more expensive than other weekends.
What is the weather like in London in April?
Although April days are likely to be milder than in preceding months, the weather in London is highly unpredictable. Some years the weather is very mild and pleasant, whereas other years it can still be very cold and inclement.
Be prepared for rain, but rainy days are less common than dry days.
How cold is it in London in April?
In April 2024, the average temperature was 10 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures being 21 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperatures being 2 degrees Celsius.
In April 2023, the average temperature was 10 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures being 19 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperatures being -2 degrees Celsius.
In April 2022, the average temperature was 11 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures being 22 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperatures being -3 degrees Celsius.
What to wear in London during April?
As can be seen from the above, you should be prepared with clothing that will protect you from the cold and the rain.
April is probably the first month when you will really feel the benefit of packing lots of different options and layers because the weather could be very changeable. Layers allow you to deal not only with changes in the weather, but changes in your activities throughout the day – although it may be cold outside on a particular day, the Tube and indoor venues such as museums can get very warm. Don’t forget a waterproof outer layer in windy weather umbrellas are often useless and so it’s best to have a waterproof coat with hood.
Although it may be rainy at times during April, it isn’t really necessary to have shoes that are specifically waterproof. A regular pair of trainers or shoes (perhaps with added waterproofing spray) will usually be sufficient as long as you can keep your kids from jumping in puddles!
When does the sun rise in London in April?
The clocks change at the end of March and so April is the first month of British Summer Time.
At the start of April the sun will rise at 6.35am. By the end of April, the sun rises at just after 5.30am.
When does the sun set in London in April?
At the start of April the sun sets at 7.34pm and by the end of April it sets around 8.20pm.
What is there to do in London in April?
The longer daylight hours in April offer you a great opportunity to discover more of London. For example, parks often shut at dusk and as dusk is later during British Summer Time you will have longer to explore.
In years when Easter falls mostly in April, there will be lots of family activities on during the school holidays for you and your family to partake in. In addition, the London marathon is held in April each year, so if watching world class athletes is your thing, this is your chance to do so for free!
Check out our post on ideas of Free things to do in London with kids: April 2025 (incl. Easter) and our post on free things to do with kids in London.
Summary – Is April a good time to visit London?
Advantages of visiting London in April
- Weather is more temperate than in summer months;
- Days are longer than in preceding months due to the switch to British Summer Time;
- Accommodation is likely to be cheaper than during the summer; and
- If visiting in a year when the Easter holidays fall mostly in April, you can expect lots of special activities at various attractions for kids.
Disadvantages of visiting London in April
- At times during the month, accommodation may be more expensive than in preceding months; and
- Colder than many other months.