Lyon in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Lyon

17°C (63°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

69 mm (2.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring temperatures 7-17°C (44-63°F) for walking Lyon's hilly neighborhoods like Croix-Rousse without overheating
Cherry blossoms bloom in Parc de la Tête d'Or creating impressive photo opportunities, typically peak blooming first two weeks of April
Restaurant terraces reopen after winter closure - locals emerge for outdoor dining along Saône riverbanks around mid-April when temperatures hit 15°C+ (59°F+)
Easter holidays bring special church concerts at Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière and seasonal praline chocolates appear in traditional boulangeries

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers 10 days of the month can disrupt outdoor market visits and riverside walks - always carry protection
Morning temperatures below 10°C (50°F) mean layered clothing essential for early market visits at Marché Saint-Antoine
Tourist season begins ramping up after Easter, increasing crowds at Musée des Beaux-Arts and popular traboules tours compared to March

Best Activities in April

Vieux Lyon Traboules Walking Tours

April's mild temperatures make exploring Lyon's hidden Renaissance passageways comfortable without summer heat. Morning tours 9-11am avoid afternoon rain showers that occur 60% of April days. The cool stone passages provide natural temperature regulation, and spring light filtering through creates perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead, typically €15-25 per person. Many traboules close during lunch 12-2pm. Look for licensed guides who access private courtyards. See current tour options in booking section below.

Parc de la Tête d'Or Cycling and Gardens

Peak cherry blossom season in early April makes this 117-hectare park spectacular. Comfortable cycling temperatures 15-17°C (59-63°F) in afternoon. The rose garden begins budding, and the free zoo animals are more active in cooler weather. Perfect for morning visits before potential afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically €12-18 per day from stations near Part-Dieu. Park is free entry. Bring light rain jacket for afternoon weather changes. Best cycling 10am-3pm before potential evening drizzle.

Presqu'île Food Market Tours

April marks return of spring vegetables and early asparagus at Marché de la Croix-Rousse. Cooler morning temperatures 7-12°C (44-54°F) keep fresh produce in prime condition longer. Local specialties like cervelle de canut and praline brioche are at their best before summer heat affects dairy products.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically €45-65 per person, book 5-7 days ahead. Markets close 1-2pm daily. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday have largest selections. Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière Visits

Clear April weather provides excellent views across Lyon from Fourvière Hill. The funicular operates smoothly without summer overcrowding. Easter season brings special organ concerts and extended evening hours. Cool temperatures make the 287-step climb from Vieux Lyon manageable for those avoiding the funicular.

Booking Tip: Basilica entry is free, funicular €3.20 each way. Special concerts require advance booking, typically €10-20. Best views 2-4pm when spring light illuminates the Alps 150km (93 miles) away on clear days.

Croix-Rousse Silk District Walking

April's moderate humidity 70% is ideal for exploring the former silk-weaving district's steep streets without excessive sweating. The famous Mur des Canuts outdoor fresco looks busy in spring light. Traditional workshops reopen their doors after winter closure, offering demonstrations of silk-weaving techniques.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, guided tours €18-28 per person. Wear sturdy shoes for steep slopes and traboule steps. Morning visits 9am-noon avoid afternoon rain probability. Some workshops require advance notice for demonstrations.

Rhône and Saône River Cruises

River cruise season begins in April with comfortable temperatures for deck viewing. Spring runoff makes rivers fuller and more scenic. One-hour cruises provide excellent perspectives of Lyon's UNESCO-listed architecture without walking strain. Indoor heated cabins available during cooler morning departures.

Booking Tip: Cruises typically €12-18 per person for 1-hour tours. Book day-of unless Easter weekend. Afternoon departures 2-5pm offer warmest temperatures. Evening cruises resume mid-April when temperatures stay above 12°C (54°F).

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Printemps de Bourges Music Spillover Events

While the main festival occurs in nearby Bourges, Lyon venues host associated concerts and showcases featuring French and international artists. Jazz clubs in Vieux Lyon and contemporary music venues in Guillotière district participate with special April programming.

Early April

Easter Sunday Celebrations

Lyon's churches hold special masses with exceptional choir performances. The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière offers organ concerts, while chocolate shops display elaborate Easter-themed creations. Traditional Easter Monday picnics occur in Parc de la Tête d'Or if weather permits.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - April rain showers average 20-30 minutes but can be intense, not just drizzle

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures 7°C (44°F) rising to afternoon 17°C (63°F) require flexible dressing

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets in Vieux Lyon become slippery when wet, avoid smooth soles

Light scarf or neck warmer - evening river walks and hilltop visits can feel chilly with 70% humidity

Compact umbrella - locals always carry one in April, essential for outdoor market visits and terrace dining

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, especially important for Fourvière Hill visits with altitude exposure

Small daypack - for carrying rain gear and layers as you shed/add clothing throughout variable April weather

Casual dressy outfit - spring restaurant terrace season means opportunity for nicer dining experiences

Warm pajamas - accommodation heating often reduced by April, nighttime lows 7°C (44°F) can make rooms cool

Portable phone charger - increased photo opportunities during cherry blossom season and spring festivals drain batteries faster

Insider Knowledge

Restaurant terraces officially reopen when temperatures consistently hit 15°C (59°F) - typically April 15-20. Call ahead to confirm terrace seating availability as weather can delay openings.

Marché Saint-Antoine operates Tuesday/Friday/Sunday mornings until 1pm - vendors pack up faster in April rain, so arrive by 10am for best selection of spring vegetables and local cheeses.

The Musée des Confluences offers free entry first Sunday of each month, but April crowds make advance online booking essential even for free admission days.

Locals shop for spring clothes during Easter week sales at Part-Dieu and Confluence shopping centers - tourist-focused souvenir shops inflate prices during this period, shop at local boutiques instead.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming traboules tours run in heavy rain - many private courtyards close access during wet weather, leaving you with shortened experiences

Booking riverside restaurant terraces too early in April - many don't open outdoor seating until mid-month when weather stabilizes above 15°C (59°F)

Underestimating walking distances in Old Lyon - wearing fashion shoes instead of comfortable walking shoes on wet cobblestones leads to slips and foot pain