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.

Lavender in Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France © Shutterstock

Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France © Shutterstock

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)

If you are interested in exploring the north of France in depth use our Northern France itinerary.

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.

Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the french Pyrenees, Argeles-Gazost surroundings  © PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock

French Pyrenees © PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock

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 BordeauxBurgundyChampagne, 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.

Saint Emilion, Bordeaux vineyard, France © FreeProd33/Shutterstock

Saint Emilion, Bordeaux vineyard, France © FreeProd33/Shutterstock

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!

chaumont-sur-loire-castle-loire-valley-france-shutterstock_1233102757

Chaumont-sur-Loire, Loire Valley, France © Shutterstock

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.

lavender-fields-aix-en-provence-france-shutterstock_1028714200.jpg

Aix-en-Provence, France © Shutterstock

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.

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 28.08.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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