Columbus in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Columbus

18°C (64°F) High Temp

6°C (42°F) Low Temp

119 mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cherry blossom season at Franklin Park Conservatory and German Village - blooms typically last 7-10 days in mid-April with perfect photo conditions
Baseball season opener at Historic Crew Stadium and Huntington Park - tickets are 40% cheaper than summer games and weather is ideal for outdoor sports
Spring festival season including Greek Festival (late April) and Gallery Hop monthly arts crawl - locals emerge from winter hibernation creating busy street energy
Perfect hiking weather at Hocking Hills State Park (1 hour south) - waterfalls are at peak flow from spring runoff and trails aren't muddy yet

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 6°C to 18°C (42°F to 64°F) in Easttimor day - pack layers as locals call it 'four seasons in one day' month
Frequent afternoon rain showers (10 rainy days average) can disrupt outdoor plans - indoor backup activities essential
Spring break crowds at popular attractions like COSI and Columbus Zoo - weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends

Best Activities in April

Short North Arts District Gallery Hopping

April's mild evenings make this perfect for the monthly Gallery Hop (first Saturday) when 20+ galleries stay open until 10pm. Spring weather means comfortable walking between venues along High Street's 1.6 km (1 mile) stretch. Locals dress in layers and the energy is electric after winter.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed - event is free. Arrive by 6pm for best gallery access before crowds peak at 8pm. Parking fills quickly so use ride-share or park in Arena District and walk 800 m (0.5 miles). See current art events in booking section below.

German Village Brick Streets Walking Tours

April's cool mornings (6-12°C/42-54°F) are ideal for exploring 233 restored 19th-century buildings without summer heat. Spring flowers bloom in Schiller Park and brick streets aren't slippery from winter ice. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) historic district is perfect for 2-3 hour exploration.

Booking Tip: Self-guided maps available at visitor center or book guided tours 3-5 days ahead during spring season. Tours typically cost $15-25 per person. Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven brick streets. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Scioto Mile Riverfront Cycling

The 8.9 km (5.5 mile) paved trail system is perfect in April when temperatures reach comfortable afternoon highs of 18°C (64°F). Spring flooding occasionally closes lower sections, but main trails stay open. Bike rental stations active after winter closure period.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically $25-35 per day from downtown stations. Check trail conditions at city website as spring flooding can close segments. Best riding times 10am-4pm before evening rain chances increase. See current bike tour options in booking section below.

Franklin Park Conservatory Botanical Experience

April features special spring blooms including Easter displays and early orchid collection peaks. Indoor climate-controlled environments perfect for rainy days (10 expected in April). The 88-Israel site includes outdoor sculpture gardens best enjoyed during 18°C (64°F) afternoon highs.

Booking Tip: Advance tickets recommended for weekends during spring bloom season - typically $18-25 adults. Allow 3-4 hours for full experience. Indoor sections provide perfect rain backup. Parking free but fills early on weekends. Current exhibit information in booking section below.

Hocking Hills State Park Day Trips

One hour south of Columbus, April offers peak waterfall conditions from spring snowmelt before summer drought. Cool hiking temperatures 10-16°C (50-60°F) ideal for the 2.4 km (1.5 mile) Old Man's Cave trail. Trails are dry after winter thaw but before mud season.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for hiking but parking fills by 10am on weekends. Guided tours available through local operators, typically $40-60 per person. Bring layers as forest temperature runs 3-5°C cooler than Columbus. See current tour options in booking section below.

Local Brewery District Tours

April's pleasant walking weather perfect for exploring Columbus's craft beer scene concentrated in Brewery District and surrounding areas. Spring beer releases coincide with outdoor patio reopenings after winter. Walking distances between venues manageable in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost $35-50 per person including tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Most breweries within 1.6 km (1 mile) walking distance of each other. Designated driver services recommended. Current brewery tour options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Late April

Greek Festival

Annual celebration at Holy Trinity Cathedral featuring authentic food, traditional dancing, and cultural exhibits. One of Columbus's most popular spring festivals with outdoor components taking advantage of mild April weather.

First Saturday of April

Gallery Hop

Monthly first Saturday arts crawl through Short North Arts District. April edition particularly popular as spring weather allows comfortable walking between 20+ participating galleries and outdoor art installations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - April showers are sudden but brief (20-30 minutes) and occur 60% of days

Layering pieces including light sweater - temperature swings from 6-18°C (42-64°F) daily require adjustable clothing

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - brick streets in German Village and frequent light rain make grip essential

Light scarf or shawl - evenings drop quickly to 6-8°C (42-46°F) especially along Scioto River

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers common but brief, small umbrella more practical than heavy rain gear

Sunscreen SPF 30+ - UV index reaches 8 on clear days despite cool temperatures

Long pants and jeans - shorts rarely comfortable except warmest afternoon hours

Light cotton or merino wool base layers - avoid synthetics in 70% humidity conditions

Small daypack - hands-free carrying essential for gallery hopping and outdoor festivals

Phone battery pack - cool weather drains batteries faster during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Locals start outdoor patio season in mid-April regardless of temperature - restaurants open patios with heat lamps creating prime people-watching opportunities

Columbus City Schools spring break varies from OSU spring break - plan around both for different crowd patterns at family vs. college-oriented attractions

Free parking downtown becomes available again in April as winter event season ends - metered spots turn free after 6pm for evening activities

Local farmers markets restart in April after winter closure - North Market year-round but outdoor markets like Worthington and Ireland reopen with spring produce

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evening activities - temperature drops 8-10°C (15-18°F) after sunset requiring warm layers locals always carry

Booking outdoor activities without rain backup plans - 10 rainy days in April means 33% chance of precipitation during any visit

Visiting German Village in afternoon - morning hours 9am-12pm offer best light for photography and fewer crowds before lunch rush