London in April works well for most travelers, but the month behaves like three different trips, and Easter decides which one you get. Daytime highs average about 13°C, nights about 5°C, and roughly 14 days bring some rain, with around 14 hours of daylight. Parks and gardens flower, and evenings are long enough to fit a museum and a river walk into one day.

Easter does not always fall in April. In 2027 it lands on 28 March, with Good Friday on 26 March and Easter Monday on 29 March. In 2027, the Easter school holidays still run into the first days of April. The TCS London Marathon will also run over two days, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April, which affects roads, Tube stations and hotel demand. This guide explains when to go, what stays open at Easter, what to pack and what entry rules apply.

Is Easter the Perfect Time to Visit London?

Easter is a good time to visit London, but not a perfect one. You get blossom, long evenings and a full programme of events. You also get school-holiday crowds, bank-holiday transport changes and a few closed sights.

Easter suits families, because it is when many school-age children can travel. It also suits first-time visitors who want spring flowers. It suits crowd-averse travelers less. If you dislike queues, aim for the weeks after the holidays end.

Easter moves from year to year, so check the calendar before you book:

Year	Good Friday	Easter Sunday	Easter Monday
2026	3 April	5 April	6 April
2027	26 March	28 March	29 March
2028	14 April	16 April	17 April

For England and Wales in 2027, many schools break up on 25 March and return on 12 April. Exact dates vary by local council, so treat that as a guide.

Which Part of April 2027 Works Best?

The table below is an editorial reading of the 2027 calendar. Crowd levels are expectations, not guarantees.

Window	What to expect	Best for
1–11 April	Easter school holidays continue. Family attractions stay busy.	Families tied to school breaks
12–23 April	Schools return. Queues are often shorter. St George’s Day falls on 23 April.	Couples, solo travelers, first-timers
24–25 April	Marathon weekend. Expect road closures and crowded Tube stations near the route.	Marathon fans only
26–30 April	Normal pace returns.	Flexible travelers

For the Marathon, Blackheath and Greenwich stations can get very busy in the morning. If you are not watching the race, stay away from Greenwich, the City and Westminster routes that weekend. Organizers have said details may change, so check the official marathon site before you book.

London Weather in April: What to Pack

April weather swings more than the averages suggest. The Met Office records the highest April temperature in the UK at 29.4°C, at Camden Square in London on 16 April 1949. In 2018, a spell of record April heat was followed days later by a snow warning for the South East. In 2026, England recorded just 38% of its average April rainfall. A typical April sits between those extremes, so plan for anything.

Pack in layers:

• A light waterproof jacket
• A compact umbrella
• Comfortable shoes that handle wet pavement
• A warm layer for evenings, which still turn cool

Keep an indoor backup for each outdoor day. London’s large museums and theatres make that easy.

What Easter Changes in London

Easter affects transport and opening hours more than it affects the attractions themselves.

• Transport: Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, so the Underground may run a reduced service. Check Transport for London for planned engineering work.
• Attractions: Top attractions, bars and restaurants typically stay open on Easter Sunday, but hours can change.
• Churches: St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey usually limit visits to worship on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Book sightseeing for another day.
• Shops: Large shops generally close on Easter Sunday under English trading rules.

For event ideas and holiday opening hours, see Visit London’s official Easter guide.

Best Things to Do in London in April

See cherry blossom. Greenwich Park, St Paul’s Cathedral and Kew Gardens are known for blossom from March to April. Peak bloom typically lasts only 10 to 14 days, so check Kew’s updates before you go. With an early Easter in 2027, late March and the first days of April are the likely window.

Walk among bluebells and tulips. Bluebells appear between April and mid-May. Osterley Park and Kew are popular spots. Hampton Court Palace also plants tulips by the thousands.

Use the long evenings. Book a late river cruise or a West End show, then walk back through a lit-up South Bank.

Mark St George’s Day. St George’s Day falls on 23 April. Check local listings for events.

Entry Rules for London in April

Many visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before flying. It costs £20 and you cannot get a refund after you apply. It lasts two years or until your passport expires, and covers unlimited trips. The Home Office recommends applying at least three working days before travel.

Apply only through the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK ETA service. Lookalike sites often charge more. British and Irish citizens are exempt.

Planning the Rest of Your Trip

London costs add up quickly in school-holiday weeks, so set a budget early. Our Europe trip budget guide shows how to price flights, stays and daily spending. If you plan to add a Eurostar leg to France, read our Paris pass comparison before you buy any sightseeing pass.

Drawbacks to Know Before You Book

• Rain can arrive any week, and showers are frequent.
• Easter and the Marathon weekend raise demand for hotels and flights. Compare dates before you commit.
• Some sights change hours on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• Blossom timing shifts with each spring, so no one can promise a peak date.

If you want warmer, steadier weather and do not mind longer lines, consider late May or June instead.

FAQs

Is April a good month to visit London?

Yes. Mild days, long evenings and spring flowers make it a strong month, but pack for rain.

Is London crowded at Easter?

Often, yes. School holidays and the bank-holiday weekend bring more visitors, so book popular attractions ahead.

What should I pack for London in April?

Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, a small umbrella and comfortable shoes. Evenings stay cool.

Are the Tube and attractions open on Good Friday and Easter Monday?

Yes, but the Tube may run a reduced service. Most attractions open, though some churches and small sites change hours.

Do I need an ETA to visit London in April?

Most visitors who do not need a visa do. It costs £20 and you should apply through the official app or GOV.UK.

Conclusion

London in April rewards flexible travelers. The weather is mild but unpredictable, the parks are at their best, and the long evenings add real time to every sightseeing day. Easter adds events and energy, but it also adds crowds and some closures.

For 2027, the quietest stretch is likely 12 to 23 April, after schools return and before the Marathon. Check Easter dates, confirm opening hours for the days you plan to visit, and apply for your ETA early. Time-sensitive details can change, so verify them before you fly.