London weather in April is mild, changeable, and noticeably more springlike than winter. Typical days can move between bright sunshine, cool wind, and a passing shower, so April works best when you plan for several conditions rather than one fixed forecast. Flowers, longer daylight, and greener parks also make this one of London’s most attractive spring months.
Quick Answer
In April, London typically has average daytime highs near 15°C (59°F) and overnight lows near 6°C (43°F). Expect about 42 mm of monthly rainfall, roughly nine days with at least 1 mm of rain, and nearly six hours of sunshine per day on average. Layers and a light waterproof jacket are the safest choices.
Last checked: October 1, 2026. Dates and figures were verified against official sources.
Key Takeaways
- April is relatively mild but variable, so a warm afternoon can still be followed by a chilly evening.
- Rain is common enough to plan for, but April is not among London’s wettest months by total rainfall.
- Spring blossom is a major April highlight, with Kew Gardens and London’s parks offering strong seasonal color.
- Comfortable walking shoes, removable layers, and a compact waterproof layer cover most conditions.
- For April 2027, the first part of the month overlaps school holidays in many London boroughs, while the London Marathon weekend is April 24–25.
London weather in April: average temperatures
April is warmer than March, but it is still a cool spring month rather than dependable warm weather. According to the Met Office 1991–2020 climate averages for Heathrow, the average April maximum is 15.00°C (59°F), while the average minimum is 6.03°C (43°F).
| April climate measure | Heathrow 1991–2020 average |
|---|---|
| Average maximum temperature | 15.00°C (59°F) |
| Average minimum temperature | 6.03°C (43°F) |
| Monthly rainfall | 42.31 mm (1.67 in) |
| Days with at least 1 mm of rain | 8.80 days |
| Monthly sunshine | 176.67 hours |
These figures are climate averages, not a forecast for a particular trip. Individual April days can be warmer, colder, wetter, or sunnier. Heathrow is also on London’s western side, so conditions across central and eastern London can differ slightly.
The likelihood of rain showers
Rain should be part of your April plan, but the phrase “April showers” can make the month sound wetter than it really is. The Heathrow climate normal is 42.31 mm of rain for the entire month, with an average of 8.80 days recording at least 1 mm.
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That means you should expect occasional wet periods rather than assume it will rain every day. Showers may be brief, and a damp morning can turn into a brighter afternoon. Conversely, a sunny start is not a guarantee that the rest of the day will stay dry.
A compact umbrella or lightweight waterproof jacket is therefore useful. If you will spend most of the day walking, water-resistant shoes can also make a major difference when sidewalks and park paths are wet.
How to dress for London weather in April
The best way to dress for London in April is to use light layers that can be added or removed during the day. You need enough warmth for mornings and evenings without committing to a heavy winter outfit during milder afternoons.
- Base layer: Wear a T-shirt, blouse, or long-sleeve top that is comfortable indoors.
- Warm middle layer: Add a sweater, fleece, or cardigan for cool mornings and evenings.
- Outer layer: Carry a light waterproof or water-resistant jacket for showers and wind.
- Footwear: Choose comfortable walking shoes, preferably with some water resistance.
- Small accessories: A scarf can add warmth without taking much room in your day bag.
A thick winter coat is often unnecessary for ordinary sightseeing, but travelers who feel the cold may still appreciate a warmer jacket at night. The main goal is flexibility, because April temperatures can change considerably between a sunny afternoon and an overcast evening.
The impact of the changing seasons on London’s weather
April sits firmly in London’s spring transition, so the weather often changes quickly as different air masses move across the UK. Longer days and a higher sun angle bring more warmth than winter, while cool air, wind, and showers can still interrupt otherwise pleasant conditions.
The longer-term climate is changing too. The Met Office’s State of the UK Climate assessment reports that the UK as a whole was 0.51°C warmer during 2016–2025 than during the 1991–2020 reference period. It also reports a marked rise in very hot days in Greater London over recent decades.
Those long-term trends do not mean every April will be warm. Year-to-year weather remains highly variable, so climate averages are most useful as a packing guide rather than a prediction for a specific week.
The best outdoor activities to enjoy in April
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April is one of the most rewarding months for parks, gardens, markets, walking routes, and riverside sightseeing. The combination of spring flowers and longer daylight gives you more flexibility than during the darker winter months.
See spring blossom at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is especially strong for spring color. Kew’s official blossom-viewing guidance says the best period for spring flowers is generally from mid-March to mid-April, while cherry blossom and tulips are often particularly good from late March into early April.
Cherry Walk, the Japanese Landscape, and the areas around the Temperate House are among the main blossom locations. Flowering dates vary with the weather, so two April visits in different years can look quite different.
Walk through Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill
Regent’s Park is another practical choice because you can combine formal gardens, broad paths, cafés, and open views in one outing. The Royal Parks spring walking route highlights locations such as Avenue Gardens and the wider Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill landscape.
Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and Greenwich Park are also useful choices when the weather is settled. If showers are forecast, plan a route with nearby museums, cafés, or covered attractions so you can switch plans without losing much time.
Visit an outdoor market
Borough Market is well suited to a mixed-weather day because you can browse food stalls, eat, and then continue toward the Thames when the sky clears. April brings spring produce such as asparagus and wild garlic into season, although individual traders and products vary.
Take a river or riverside trip
A Thames boat journey can give you views of landmarks while reducing the amount of walking needed between them. On a dry day, walking parts of the South Bank also works well because major attractions, bridges, cafés, and indoor stops are close together.
The possibility of sunshine and clear skies
April offers much more sunshine than London’s winter months. The Met Office Heathrow normal is 176.67 hours of sunshine during April, which works out to about 5.9 hours per day when averaged across the 30-day month.
That figure does not mean you will receive six uninterrupted sunny hours every day. Sunshine can be divided into short bright spells between clouds or showers, while individual days may be much sunnier or duller than the monthly average.
When skies clear, spring light can make parks, riverside viewpoints, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and Tower Bridge especially attractive for sightseeing and photography. A flexible itinerary lets you use those brighter periods for outdoor stops and save museums or galleries for wetter spells.
How to make the most of London’s weather in April
The most useful strategy is to pair outdoor plans with nearby indoor alternatives. You do not need to abandon a full day because of one shower; instead, structure each part of the day so you can adjust when the weather changes.
- Check the forecast before leaving your accommodation. April weather can change from one day to the next, so a current forecast is more useful than the monthly average for deciding what to wear that morning.
- Put weather-sensitive activities first on dry days. Parks, viewpoints, outdoor markets, and long walking routes are easier to enjoy before rain arrives.
- Keep one indoor option nearby. Museums, galleries, covered markets, cafés, and historic attractions can fill a wet hour without wasting the day.
- Use public transport to shorten exposed walks. The official Transport for London Journey Planner covers public transport, walking, and cycling routes and can also account for accessibility preferences.
- Carry your rain layer rather than relying on the morning sky. A compact jacket or umbrella is easier than returning to your hotel when conditions change.
The impact of April weather on tourism in London
April usually sits between London’s winter low season and the busiest summer period, but visitor levels can vary sharply by date. School breaks, Easter, major sporting events, and sunny weekends can all increase demand at popular family attractions and central sightseeing areas.
Dates to watch in April 2027
For travelers planning the next April, Easter itself falls slightly earlier than usual. The official England and Wales bank-holiday calendar lists Good Friday on March 26, 2027 and Easter Monday on March 29, 2027.
However, school holidays extend into April in many parts of London. For example, Camden’s 2026–27 school calendar lists its spring holiday from March 26 through April 9, 2027. Individual schools and boroughs can set different dates, so the first part of April may still be busier at family-oriented attractions.
Another major period is the end of the month. Visit London’s 2027 London Marathon guide lists the event for Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2027. Expect substantially more activity along and around the race route, including Blackheath, Tower Bridge, the Embankment, Westminster, and The Mall.
Weather can influence where visitors spend their time as well. A wet afternoon may increase demand for museums and indoor attractions, while a sunny weekend can make parks, markets, and riverside areas noticeably busier.
Historical weather patterns in London during April
Historical averages show that April is a transitional month rather than a reliable stretch of either winter or summer weather. At Heathrow, the 1991–2020 April normal is warmer and sunnier than the older 1981–2010 normal, while rainfall totals remain modest compared with several autumn and winter months.
For example, the Met Office table gives a 1991–2020 April average maximum of 15.00°C, compared with 13.11°C in the older 1981–2010 dataset shown on the same station page. Monthly sunshine rises from 147.00 hours in that older period to 176.67 hours in 1991–2020.
These long-term averages still hide large year-to-year swings. An individual April can contain unusually warm afternoons, cold nights, dry spells, or persistent showers. That is why historical climate data is best used to understand the range of conditions you should prepare for rather than to predict exact weather.
Tips for planning a trip to London in April
A successful April trip depends more on flexibility than on finding a perfectly dry week. Pack for mild spring weather, allow for showers, and organize sightseeing so you have both outdoor and indoor options within the same area.
- Pack removable layers. A light top, sweater, and waterproof outer layer cover a wide range of April conditions.
- Prioritize walking comfort. London sightseeing often involves many hours on foot, so comfortable shoes matter more than dressy footwear for daytime exploring.
- Use dry periods for parks and viewpoints. Save weather-independent museums, galleries, shopping, and indoor attractions for less pleasant conditions.
- Allow extra flexibility around busy dates. Early-April school holidays and the April 24–25, 2027 London Marathon weekend can affect crowds and movement through parts of the city.
- Do not treat climate averages as a forecast. Review the short-range forecast shortly before your trip and again each morning.
April’s mix of blossom, longer daylight, moderate temperatures, and changing skies is part of its appeal. Prepare for both sunshine and showers, and you can enjoy the city without letting a short spell of rain dictate your entire itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in London in April?
London in April is usually mild but changeable. Heathrow’s 1991–2020 climate averages show an April maximum of 15.00°C and minimum of 6.03°C, with a mixture of sunshine, cloud, cool periods, and occasional showers.
How much rain can be expected in London in April?
London receives about 42.31 mm of April rainfall at Heathrow based on the 1991–2020 Met Office normal. The station averages 8.80 days with at least 1 mm of rain, so showers are common but rain does not normally fall every day.
What should I pack for a trip to London in April?
Pack light layers, a sweater or cardigan, a lightweight waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella. This combination lets you adjust between cool mornings, milder afternoons, evening temperatures, and passing showers.
Are there outdoor activities in London in April?
Yes, April is well suited to parks, gardens, walking routes, markets, and Thames sightseeing. Spring blossom at Kew Gardens and seasonal growth across London’s parks are particular highlights, while an indoor backup plan is useful for showery periods.
Is there much sunshine in London in April?
London gets a useful amount of April sunshine despite its changeable weather. Heathrow’s 1991–2020 normal is 176.67 sunshine hours for the month, equivalent to about 5.9 hours per day when averaged across April.
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Sources
- Met Office — Heathrow climate averages: 1991–2020 April temperature, rainfall, rainy-day, sunshine, and historical comparison figures.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Blossom viewing guide: Typical spring-flower and cherry-blossom timing and locations.
- The Royal Parks — Regent’s Park spring walk: Seasonal walking locations and park features.
- Transport for London — Journey Planner: Public transport, walking, cycling, and accessibility journey planning.
- Met Office — State of the UK Climate: Recent UK warming trends and Greater London temperature-extreme trends.
- GOV.UK — UK bank holidays: Good Friday and Easter Monday dates for England and Wales in 2027.
- Camden Council — School term dates: Example London school spring-holiday dates for 2026–27.
- Visit London — London Marathon 2027 guide: Confirmed April 24–25, 2027 event dates and route information.
