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?

The overall picture of the weather in France in April is spring warmth in the south, with cool-to-mild climes in other regions, plus rain showers, though note that sun is pretty common, too.

In terms of the numbers, Paris and Northern France typically experience 1.8 to 2.5 inches (45 to 65 mm) of rainfall through April, while Southern France sees an average of 1.5 to 2.2 inches (38 to 55 mm).

This represents a slight increase on rainfall through March, but April is warmer and usually sunnier.

Meanwhile, the driest months, July and August, see an average of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 mm to 40 mm).

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.

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.

Paris and Northern France

• Highs: 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)
• Lows: 42°F to 47°F (6°C to 8°C)

Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur)

• Highs: 62°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C)
• Lows: 48°F to 54°F (9°C to 12°C)

Western France (Bordeaux, Loire Valley)

• Highs: 58°F to 64°F (14°C to 18°C)
• Lows: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C)

Eastern France (Lyon, Alsace)

• Highs: 55°F to 62°F (13°C to 17°C)
• Lows: 40°F to 46°F (5°C to 8°C)

French Alps and Pyrenees

• Highs: 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C)
• Lows: 35°F to 45°F (2°C to 7°C)

Want an overview of the weather in France around the year? Read up on the best time to visit France.

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 from May, with the warming weather also enabling you to enjoy Paris’ café culture to the max.

April also sees the city’s glorious gardens, 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 Palace of Versailles to see gardens — 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.

Meanwhile, if you’re into the likes of hiking and biking, consider visiting southern France in April —  especially the Côte d'Azur and Provence.

Lastly, if you still need more reasons to visit France in April, note this is a shoulder season month, which means it can be less expensive compared with the summer high season.

Oh, and April also sees France host a number of fabulous festivals — more on those below.

Not set on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in April, and discover some of the best places to visit in spring.

On a budget? Read up on some of the cheapest places to travel in spring.

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, 

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in April

Read on to find out about a few festivals and events in France in April. 

Festival International des Jardins

Running for a few months from April in Chaumont-sur-Loire in the Loire Valley, the Festival International des Jardins showcases creative garden designs from around the world.

Printemps de Bourges

Held in Bourges, Central France, this major music festival features the full gamut of genres and performances from established and emerging artists.

Festival de Pâques

Held across a couple of weeks in west Provence from mid-April, Aix-en-Provence’s Festival de Pâques showcases world-renowned classical musicians and orchestras.

Planning a trip to France? Our 7-day Southern France itinerary might be just what you’re looking for.

Ready for your dream trip to France?

Before booking you dream trip to France, browse our France itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

• Active Walking Tour from Paris to Southern France: this active itinerary will see you explore the length of France. After spending a few days in Paris, your southbound journey will see you traverse scenic hills, mountains and villages en route to Uzés and Avignon, with opportunities to enjoy adventure activities and cultural experiences long the way.
• A Taste of Eastern France: kicking off in Lyon, this 4-day walking itinerary combines fine food and fresh-air experiences in immersive style. After enjoying delicious food tours in Lyon, you’ll embark on a scenic walk through the beautiful Beaujolais region, with pretty much every day rounded off with a wine-tasting experience.
• Scenic Southern France: this spectacular tour starts in the coastal city of Marseille. After taking a walking tour of the city, you’ll uncover captivating Cassis by bike before venturing to the Alpilles to explore Provence, taking in Les Baux and St Remy, ending your trip in Avignon.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to France.