Weather in France in April

Visiting France in April means you’ll get to experience the glory of spring in full bloom, pleasantly mild temperatures, and moderately-sized crowds. Even considering the likelihood of some rain showers, it’s a top time to enjoy a huge range of activities — from exploring culture in the capital, to outdoor adventuring — (or unleashing your inner sommelier) in the countryside, with lively festivals offering extra reasons to visit. Sound like your kind of vacation? Read on for detail on the weather in France in April.

France in April at a glance

• Average lows: 42°F to 50°F (6°C to 10°C); average highs: 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C).
• Expect sun and showers  ideal for mixing indoor cultural experiences with enjoying the outdoors.
• Tourist crowds are still relatively low, which makes April less expensive than peak-season summer months.

What is the weather like in France in April?

France in April means spring is properly here, but what that looks like depends on where you are. Down south, café terraces are filling up again and the light has that warm, golden edge. In the north, it’s a bit cooler and wetter, but still a welcome shift from winter’s gray. 

Expect a real mix: sunny afternoons in Paris parks, moody skies over Normandy beaches, and misty mornings in wine country. Rain is part of the deal, but it tends to come in bursts—not full-day washouts. 

The cities are lively without being packed, and the countryside starts to feel lush again. Wildflowers pop up along trails, and vineyards start to wake up. It’s not high season yet, so travel costs can be a little lower and reservations a bit easier to score. If you’re happy to roll with changeable skies, it’s a great time to visit. This can be a great time to plan your France itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in April

The weather in France in April sees average lows ranging from 42°F to 50°F (6°C to 10°C), and an average high range of 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C).

For context, December sees average lows ranging from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C), while average highs typically range from 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

At the other end of the scale, during the height of summer, France's average low temperature range sits around 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), with average highs spanning 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C).

If you’re thinking of visiting France in April, you might want to note some regional temperature variations, as outlined below.

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Is April a good time to visit France?

Good news—April is an excellent time to enjoy a huge variety of the best things France has to offer, from uncovering culture in cities to walking on the wild side surrounded by spring blooms.

For example, April is a great month to visit Paris before bigger crowds hit the capital in May, with the warming weather also enabling you to enjoy Paris’ café culture to the max.

April also sees the city’s glorious yards, among them Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg, start to come into full bloom.

Staying on the subject of blooms, spring is a wonderful time to visit the Loire Valley, Giverny, and the Palace of Versailles to see yards—including Monet's and those of Château de Villandry—at (arguably) their most beautiful.

Spring is also an excellent time to explore some of France's best vineyards, such as those in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhône Valley. While the vines are just beginning to bud, wine tastings are already in full swing. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to France. 

• Visit Paris before summer crowds arrive in May
• Yards like Jardin des Tuileries in full bloom
• Perfect weather for enjoying café culture
• Loire Valley and Versailles yards at their most beautiful
• Excellent conditions for vineyard tours

What about the crowds and cost?

Sitting in shoulder season, France isn’t as crowded as in April as it is during the summer high season, though the secret’s out that this is a good month to visit Paris, in particular.

So, while you shouldn’t expect top attractions to be deserted — especially around Easter, when there’s a spike in visitor numbers — you can expect shorter lines and having your pick of time slots if you book in advance.

Hand in hand with the month being a shoulder season for tourism, visiting France in April means you might be able to find cheaper flights and accommodation.

That said, you’re unlikely to bag a bargain around Easter, and prices increase through the month. As always, you’d be wise to book well ahead of traveling to increase your chance of securing early-bird offers.   If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit France. 

Where to go in France in April

April feels like the start of something in France. The days stretch longer, blossoms fill city squares and countryside lanes, and cafes start pulling their tables back onto the sidewalk.

Paris

Spring transforms Paris. Parks fill with tulips, people linger along the Seine, and café culture returns in full. The cherry trees in Parc de Sceaux and Jardin des Plantes usually peak this month, drawing locals with cameras and picnics. April also brings shoulder-season perks — museums are less crowded, and boulangeries aren’t yet cleaned out by tourists by 9 a.m. It’s the perfect month for walking, with weather just mild enough to spend hours outside without overheating.

Provence

In April, Provence is still quiet. Lavender hasn’t bloomed yet, but almond and cherry blossoms take their place, and hillside towns like Gordes and Roussillon feel peaceful. Markets start filling up again with spring produce — asparagus, strawberries, and fresh goat cheese — and vineyards reopen their tasting rooms. The Mistral wind can still make an appearance, but you’ll get long golden afternoons and plenty of open trails. It’s a good time to rent a car and explore without the summer rush.

Loire Valley

This is the month when the Loire’s famous châteaux reopen their yards, and crowds are still light. Chenonceau reflects beautifully in the spring-fed river, and places like Villandry start showing off their formal layouts. Wildflowers bloom along the riverside bike paths, and vineyards welcome early tastings. It’s a relaxed, fairytale-feeling part of France in April, especially if you’re into castles, wine, and quiet countryside drives.

What to do in France in April

April is a month of movement — trains run smoothly, markets overflow with spring produce, and people are happy to be outdoors again. 

Take a market-to-picnic walk

April is prime time for outdoor markets in France. You’ll find strawberries, spring greens, cheeses, and fresh bread everywhere from Aix-en-Provence to Dijon. Pick up what looks good, then head to a local park or riverside bench. Even in cities, the quality of market food makes an impromptu lunch feel special.

Go château hopping by bike

The Loire Valley has one of the best cycling networks in France, and in April, the weather is cool enough to ride all day. Rent a bike and hop between villages and castles, with stops for pastries or wine along the way. You’ll pass tulip beds, green pastures, and quiet backroads without summer traffic.

Join a spring festival

April often brings small town festivals celebrating flowers, books, music, or local saints. Aix has classical music, Arles celebrates photography, and villages in Alsace and Brittany throw flower parades or food events. These aren’t always widely advertised, but you’ll often stumble across one just by walking around. If you’re in a rural area over a weekend, ask at the local bakery — someone will know what’s on.

Plan your trip with our France itineraries

Our France itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• France itinerary 7 days: Spend a week exploring France’s highlights. Great for first-timers who want a mix of history, art, and iconic sights.
• France itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you dive deeper, adding Provence’s lavender fields and the sun-soaked French Riviera to your trip.
• France itinerary: 7 days in south of France: This is the itinerary for you if you want to spend a week under the Mediterranean sun, with wine and scenery.
• France Itinerary: Experience the Liberation Route: Follow the path of WWII history along France’s Liberation Route. A meaningful journey for history buffs, combining museums, memorials, and poignant landmarks.