A Year in New York: April in NYC

A person in a red coat with a rainbow umbrella walks along a brick path in a park with blooming trees and city buildings.

Who is this for? 


Travelers planning a spring trip to New York City.


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  • April in New York City
  • April Holiday Events
  • April Fairs and Festivals
  • Things to do in April
  • Stay at Incentra Village House

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Vibrant purple coneflowers in the foreground with a calm pond and New York City skyline in the background.

April in New York City


By April, Spring is in full swing in New York City. April is one of the most refreshing times to visit New York City. The month of April may be known for its showers, but it’s also full of warm weather, colorful flowers, lively outdoor markets, and festivals celebrating culture and food. Parks fill with people enjoying the fresh air, cafés open their outdoor seating, and neighborhoods buzz with renewed energy. Whether you’re strolling beneath cherry blossoms in the park or exploring a street festival, April offers a vibrant glimpse of the city in spring.

Weather


There’s a reason spring is one of the best times to visit the city, and that’s the weather. April’s weather ranges from cool and breezy to pleasantly warm, making for a comfortable visit. The season is also graced with a mix of sun and rain, perfect for helping the parks and gardens around the city bloom.


The average temperatures:



  • Average High: 60°F - 63°F
  • Average Low: Around  41°F - 48°F


What to expect: Cool evenings and temperate days, with average temperatures rising throughout the month. Expect breezy weather and short but intense rain showers throughout the month.

What to Pack


When it comes to travel, it’s always a good idea to prepare for anything. While April’s weather is fairly mild, the shifts in temperature and rainfall require a little extra planning. 


Consider packing:


  • A light jacket or trench coat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A compact umbrella or poncho for spring showers
  • Light sweaters or long-sleeve shirts
  • Sunglasses for bright spring afternoons


A person wears a large, wide-brimmed pink hat adorned with tulle and artificial flowers, viewed from behind in a city.

Holiday Events


New York does a lot of things right, and holidays are one of them. The city is crazy about hosting big holiday celebrations, and April offers several opportunities. Here are a few of our favorite April holiday events.

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival


Join in one of the city’s quirkiest traditions at this colorful parade. Held along Fifth Avenue, participants and spectators alike wear elaborate handmade hats and festive spring outfits as they stroll between 49th and 57th Streets. The Bonnet Festival is less of a formal parade and more of a joyful celebration of creativity and spring spirit after a long season of snow.

Passover


Passover is widely observed throughout the city’s Jewish communities with private and public events. Visitors are welcome to respectfully explore Jewish cultural landmarks or enjoy traditional dishes like matzo ball soup and brisket at delis and restaurants throughout the city. Many restaurants even offer special menus throughout the 8 days of Passover.

Earth Day


New York City is the largest city in the United States, so you might think its residents don’t care about nature. But you would be wrong. New Yorkers love their green spaces and celebrate Earth Day with environmental events, park cleanups, educational exhibits, and outdoor activities. Parks, gardens, and community organizations host programs encouraging visitors and locals to appreciate and protect nature within the city.

The twin towers of the San Remo building in New York City are framed by lush, blooming pink cherry blossom branches.

New York Fairs and Festivals


New York celebrates its unofficial holidays with as much vigor as the official ones. And in April, the festivals are all about getting back outside and enjoying life. From sweet spring flowers to delicious dishes and lively music, here are some of the best fairs to look forward to in April.

JAPAN FES


Enjoy a taste of Tokyo in the heart of Manhattan at JAPAN FES. This popular street fair celebrates Japanese culture with food, arts, crafts, music, and beautiful cultural performances. Visitors can sample everything from takoyaki and ramen to matcha and sakura desserts while soaking in Japan’s unique cultural legacy, without crossing the ocean.

Smorgasburg


Who doesn’t love a good Smorgasbord? New Yorkers certainly do! One of the largest open-air food markets in America, Smorgasburg returns in spring with dozens of vendors offering creative street food, desserts, and international cuisine. It’s the perfect place for foodies to treat their taste buds while enjoying the best parts of city life.

Brooklyn Folk Festival


Most people associate New York with high culture and fine arts, but New York also has a vibrant folk scene. Music lovers will enjoy this lively celebration of traditional folk music. The Brooklyn Folk Festival features live performances, workshops, dancing, and jam sessions that highlight the diverse roots of American folk culture.

A vast field of colorful tulips in pink, red, and white blooms with a cityscape and trees visible in the background.

Things to do


It’s easy to get swept away in the energy of spring celebrations, but sometimes you need a little break from big events. Spring can also be a surprisingly peaceful season in New York. The weather is warming, the flowers are blooming, and the summer crowds are still months away. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in April, here are some of our favorite things to do.

View the Cherry Blossoms


Early April is the peak cherry blossom season in New York City. Parks fill with delicate pink blooms, creating stunning backdrops for picnics, photography, and relaxing walks. Popular viewing spots include Central Park, Riverside Park, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Tulip Festival


If you miss the cherry blossoms, don’t worry. Tulips begin blooming throughout the city in mid-April. While there are beds of tulips all through the city, the West Side Community Garden’s is especially beautiful. Their vibrant colors add a cheerful touch to the cityscape and signal the arrival of full spring. 

Stroll Through the Wisteria Tunnel at The Cloisters


Add a touch of history to your spring stroll at The Cloisters, a medieval-style museum and garden located in Fort Tryon Park. Toward the end of April and into early May, the wisteria vines at The Cloisters begin to bloom. The Cloisters in spring is a real slice of peaceful paradise within the Big Apple. 

A brick building with a sign that says ' incentra village house ' on it.

Stay at Incentra Village House

Enjoy spring in the city with us at Incentra Village House. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, our guest house is the perfect place to enjoy all New York has to offer. 


Our inn is the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort, with amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, gas fireplaces, private bathrooms, and air conditioning in every room! Imagine coming back from a day of exploring the city to rest in privacy and comfort. You can enjoy quiet time in our garden room courtyard, or admire the view of tree-lined city streets from your window.


Experience the beauty of a New York spring when you book your stay today!

About the Author


Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.