How is New York in April?

Spring is one of the best times to be in New York City since the coldest days of winter are fully in the past and New Yorkers are venturing out again to local parks, restaurant terraces, and rooftop bars. It's not quite as warm as summer, but it's also not as muggy, which is a perk for those who don't like the extreme heat. However, spring weather is also notoriously wet and unpredictable, so you should be ready for anything.

In addition to the rising temperatures, there are plenty of events happening throughout New York in April to stay entertained, including some that are celebrating the seasonal blossoms popping up around the city.

New York City Weather in April

April is full spring weather in New York City with mostly sunny days, climbing temperatures, and flowers in bloom across the city. Days are often comfortably warm, but evenings and nights are still chilly so don't underestimate the cold after dark. Temperatures are also rapidly rising throughout the month and a visit at the end of April is likely to be much warmer than a visit at the beginning of the month.

• Average High Temperature: 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius)
• Average Low Temperature: 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius)

The only downside is that April can be rainy with an average of about 4 inches of precipitation. However, showers are usually short and intense, briefly interrupting a month of generally sunny weather instead of watering it down. There is also very little humidity this time of year, so when it's not raining, the air is clear and crisp.

What to Pack

April weather is fickle in New York, so pack a varied wardrobe and be sure to check the forecast before leaving. Staples like T-shirts, jeans, sweaters, and jackets are the go-to clothing items, but you should also throw in some shorts in case the weather is warm enough to sit out in the park. Most important are some comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking around the city, ideally ones that are water-resistant in case you get caught in a rainstorm.

A compact umbrella may be nice to carry around in case it starts raining, but it can also be a hindrance when navigating busy streets or getting on the subway. If you forgo the umbrella, make sure you at least have a waterproof jacket as an outer layer.

April Events in New York City

Warmer weather means outdoor activities are more inviting. You can visit some of New York City's great parks, take a walking tour, or just enjoy taking a stroll down Fifth Avenue.

• The Easter Parade is a great chance to have an "only in New York" experience. Millions of people walk down Fifth Avenue in their holiday bonnets on Easter Sunday and some of them even have costumed pets. Unlike most parades, this isn't an officially organized event and anyone can walk in the parade.
• The start of baseball season marks the official start of spring for many sports fans, and there's no better way to celebrate than heading to Opening Day at either Yankee Stadium or Citi Field for the Mets.
• Earth Dayofficially takes place on April 22, but NYC hosts a variety of events around town throughout the week to educate the public about how to live a greener and more earth-friendly life.
• The Macy's Flower Show is a celebration of spring inside the iconic department store. The Macy's in Herald Square creates elaborate displays made entirely out of flowers and it's a sight to behold.
• Sakura Matsuriis the name for the cherry blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. It's one of the best places to see these bright pink flowers in bloom in all of New York City.
• The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx stages its annual Orchid Showin the spring. In addition to seeing these gorgeous flowers, there is music, dancing, and food.
• The Tribeca Film Festivalis one of the premier film festivals in the world. This annual film festival has grown since its inception in 2002 and now features roughly 300 films with screenings at a variety of locations around Manhattan.

April Travel Tips

• Many American schools have spring break in early April, especially when Easter falls in this time. The city may be extra crowded during the first half of the month with families on vacation, but the second half of the month is considered shoulder season and one of the best times to find travel deals.
• Brunch is always a big deal in NYC, but the sunny days in spring make weekend brunch extra enjoyable. Seek out an outdoor spot on warm weekend days to enjoy the sunshine, or pick a restaurant with bottomless mimosas if you're looking for boozy brunch. Wherever you go, definitely make reservations if possible.
• Make sure you have a Metrocard in case you need to get around and it starts raining. If you're staying for at least a few days and plan on using the subway, the seven-day unlimited pass is a great deal for easy riding.

For planning out your trip to New York City, read more about the best time to visit NYC.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is April a good time to visit NYC?

  April is an excellent time to visit New York City, especially toward the end of the month. Daytime temps are warming up, the city is blooming with flowers, and events like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Cherry Blossom Festival and Opening Day at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field bring the city back to life after a long, cold winter.

• In April, daytime temperatures are often warm, with New York City experiencing average highs in the low 60s. However, the average low is 46 degrees F, so it can be quite chilly in the early morning and evening.

• Is April a rainy month in NYC?

  NYC sees an average of 4 inches of precipitation in the month of April. On the upside, rain showers are typically short, with the weather being sunny in general this time of year.

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