Weather in England in April

Is April a good time to go to England?

Spring is in full swing and the lush carpets of blue bells in Norfolk and golden fields of wild daffodils in Cumbria make the English countryside pop with colour. Best of all, the cities are relatively tourist free, the weather is cool and crisp, and travel costs are lower than most other months. Peruse the many free, fascinating museums and niche galleries at leisure in the major cities and there are many festivals and unique exhibitions throughout April.
 

Climate in England in April 

The weather is very unpredictable and a crisp, warm morning can quickly turn into a string of dull grey days. While temperatures remain cool, hovering between 5°C and 13°C (55°F and 58°F), it is a relatively dry month compared to the wet winter and early spring. The sun shines for around five hours a day, ideal for a midday walk at a colourful country club. 
 

What’s on in England in April 

April has a wide variety of food, sporting, cultural and arts events, and be on the lookout for small local festivals as well. The world famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and the International London Marathon take place in April and the who’s who of the British A-listers dress-up for the races at Crabbie’s Grand National Festival in Liverpool, a derby that draws over 600 million viewers worldwide. There is always something to do on Easter weekend, and Trafalgar Square comes alive at the St George’s Day festival. 

There are half a dozen food related festivals during April, including festivals in London, Suffolk and Chester, where they serve live entertainment for dessert. Shakespeare’s birthday coincides with the Stratford-on-Avon Literary Festival, and jazz aficionados journey to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival for the joie de vivre everyone looks for on holiday. Finally, the Sundance Film Festival is one of the world’s premiere film events and a great place to watch cinema debuts and do some celebrity spotting.

 

What to pack for a holiday in England in April 

Bring layers in April because it is difficult to predict the weather patterns, as they can change throughout the day; remember that dark colours  don't show dirt as easily as light clothing and synthetic materials dry faster than wool or cotton. Pack long sleeved tops and shirts, as well as some T-shirts to go with a jersey on warmer days. Thermals, warm jerseys and a waterproof coat all go a long way in April and gloves, scarves and hats make for a comfortable trip. Some people prefer to bring an umbrella in addition to raingear, but make sure it is strong enough to withstand a biting wind. Ideally, travellers should bring waterproof boots, but trainers and closed toed walking shoes are okay for the city. Pack some smart clothes for a special evening out, as some restaurants and events require formal wear and, finally, pack lightly because it is easy to get a cheap item or two at local retailers.