London in April 2026: Weather, Best Attractions, Festivals & Travel Tips

• Spring Weather: April brings mild temperatures (8-15°C) with moderate rainfall and increasingly pleasant conditions
• Shoulder Season Value: More affordable prices than summer, with comfortable weather for sightseeing
• Festival Season: Experience Easter celebrations, the London Marathon, and spring festivals throughout the city
• Garden Glory: Perfect timing to see London's famous parks and gardens in full bloom
• Extended Daylight: Longer days (sunrise around 6 AM, sunset around 8 PM) provide more time for exploration

April weather in London is refreshingly mild and ideal for exploration. Spring is well underway, and while light rain showers are common, they rarely disrupt travel plans for long.

Tip: Mornings (9 AM-12 PM) are perfect for park visits to see spring blooms, and afternoons (2-5 PM) are ideal for museum exploration if showers arrive.

The spring weather in London is the best time to explore the outdoors as well as enjoy indoor activities. The following is a list of the best things to do in London in April:

• Explore Historic Landmarks: Walking tours are made enjoyable in the cool weather in April. Visit London attractions like the Tower bridge of London, admire the architecture of Westminster Abbey, or stroll past Buckingham Palace during the Changing of the Guard.
• Seasonal Markets & Cafés: Spring is preferable for exploring outdoor food markets such as Borough Market. Have fish and chips, freshly baked pastry or have a cup of warm tea at a sidewalk cafe.
• Royal Parks Exploration: Visit Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and St. James's Park during their spring peak to enjoy the view of daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms in full bloom. 
• Thames River Walks: Stroll along the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge. The mild April weather makes riverside walking comfortable, with street performers, food markets, and iconic views of landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben.
• Museum Hopping: Explore world-class museums of London, including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum.
• West End Theatre: Catch one of the performances in the well-known theatre district of London. April has excellent availability before the summer tourist crowd, with pleasant evening temperatures to walk through Covent Garden.
• Historic Pub Visits: Visiting the traditional pubs of London with centuries-old history is among the best things to do in the United Kingdom in April. The weather in April is ideal for having beer gardens, and this season, many pubs feature spring beers and Easter promotions.

Tip: Start sightseeing later in spring, major landmarks are noticeably quieter before 10:00 AM, especially on weekdays.

Hyde Park in April: Spring Blooms & Peaceful Walks

One of London’s largest parks, Hyde Park, is at its most beautiful in April. It is one of the perfect places to visit in London for picnics, cycling, or peaceful walks.

• Location: Central London
• Timings: 5:00 AM – Midnight

Tip: Early mornings (8:00–9:30 AM) offer the calmest park atmosphere and the best light for spring photography.

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard in April

Observe the traditional Changing of the Guard session and have a look at the exterior of the palace during the pleasant weather of April. The ritual is held at 11 AM on select days, and the conditions in the spring allow the outdoor viewing to be comfortable.

• Location: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA
• Timings: Changing of the Guard - 11:00 AM (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday - check schedule)

Tower of London: Fewer Crowds, Better Views

Explore a history almost 1,000 years old at this UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the historic monuments of London. Discover the Crown Jewels and medieval architecture without the heavy crowds of the summer months.

• Location: St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
• Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Tuesday-Saturday), 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Sunday-Monday)

Kew Gardens in April: Cherry Blossoms & Magnolias

Tour one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world in the spring season. In April, Kew Gardens is a heaven for photographer with thousands of flowering bulbs, cherry blossoms, and magnolias. It is one of the beautiful places to visit United Kingdom in April. 

• Location: Richmond, London TW9 3AE
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily

Tip: Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends, especially during peak blossom weeks.

Borough Market in Spring: Best Time for Food Lovers

Visit the oldest food market in London, which has over 100 stalls selling artisan food, fresh produce and international food. The cooler temperatures of April make shopping in London comfortable compared to the summer.

• Location: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday-Thursday), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Friday-Saturday), Closed Sunday

Note: Dates may vary slightly year to year. Always confirm closer to travel.

Note: Dates may vary slightly year to year. Always confirm closer to travel.

Choosing the right neighbourhood in April helps you stay close to spring attractions while avoiding peak-season congestion.

Best areas to stay in London in April:

• Westminster & South Bank: Ideal for first-time visitors and major landmarks
• Covent Garden: Perfect for theatre lovers and central sightseeing
• Kensington: Quieter, greener, and close to museums and Hyde Park
• Paddington: Excellent transport links and good mid-range hotel options
• Greenwich: Relaxed atmosphere with parks and riverside views

April sits between low and high season, offering good value compared to summer. As the shoulder season in London, April combines mild spring weather with lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds than peak summer months, making it ideal for travellers seeking comfort without premium prices.

• Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, as April weather can change quickly throughout the day
• Bring comfortable, waterproof walking shoes for exploring the city on foot
• Purchase an Oyster Card or use contactless payment for convenient public transport access
• Book West End theatre tickets in advance for better prices and seat selection
• Always carry a compact umbrella for unexpected spring showers
• Reserve popular restaurants and afternoon tea venues ahead, especially around Easter
• Take advantage of free museum admission at major institutions like the British Museum and National Gallery
• Use the longer daylight hours to maximise sightseeing between 9 AM and 7 PM.

Visiting London in April offers the perfect combination of spring weather, blooming gardens, cultural celebrations, and better value than the peak summer season. The pleasant weather ensures comfortable day-long sightseeing, and free museums offer flexible options during the occasional rain showers. During Easter holidays, the London Marathon and parks in full bloom, April offers a real and timely London experience. Begin your British trip with the well-thought-out London tour packages on Pickyourtrail to make your European experience memorable.