Weather in United Kingdom in April

April climate overview

Daytime highs across United Kingdom in April run from 12.3°C (Cornwall) to 13.5°C (London). Even in London only 0% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 5.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Cornwall fall to 4°C or below.

Rainfall in April

Expect around 12 rainy days (1 mm or more) in April, with London the driest (11 days) and Cornwall the wettest (13 days). The wettest April at London between 1991 and 2020 was 1998 with 123 mm; the driest was 2011 with 3 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 10.0°C around United Kingdom in April. That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 13.6 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

April against the rest of the year in United Kingdom

April is the 7th warmest month of the twelve in United Kingdom. It is 2.5°C warmer than March and 2.8°C warmer in May. The hottest month here is July (20°C) and the coolest January (8°C).

Which part of United Kingdom in April?

• Most sunshine: Cornwall, 4.9 h a day.
• Driest: London, about 11 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Cornwall, 10°C.
• Hottest: London, 14°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Cornwall, 12°C.

What to pack for United Kingdom in April

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 13°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 6°C; a rain jacket - roughly 12 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in April

Within 1.5°C of United Kingdom's April daytime average: Bled (14°C), Krakow (14°C), Amsterdam (13°C, sea 9°C). See the full ranking for April.

London for warmer days and outdoor exploring

London is the better fit if daytime warmth is your priority, averaging 14°C in April. That is mild rather than hot, so plan on a jumper or light jacket instead of relying on short sleeves. With 11 rainy days, it also has a slight advantage over Cornwall for time outdoors, although a waterproof layer remains useful. The catch comes after dark: nights average 5°C, making an extra layer sensible if you will be out late. April therefore suits travellers who enjoy walking in cooler conditions and can swap outdoor time for indoor plans when it rains. Do not choose it expecting summer heat.

Cornwall for milder nights, not warm-water swimming

Cornwall reverses London's balance: days are cooler at 12°C, but nights are milder at 7°C. Choose it if that gentler evening temperature matters more than daytime warmth, while still packing something warm for after sunset. Rain falls on 13 days on average, so keep coastal plans flexible and bring a waterproof jacket. The sea averages 10°C, which is cold for casual swimming; this is not the month to build a trip around comfortable dips. Cornwall is a better match for travellers happy to spend time by the water without getting in. For either destination, layers are more useful than packing only for fair weather.