Fancy a trip to Normandy in April?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Normandy in April (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- Things to do in Normandy in April, special activities and events
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Going to Normandy in April: quick answers
What’s the weather like in Normandy in April? Is this a good time to visit?
In April, the sun gradually returns – the skies are clear more often than in winter. This is the least rainy month of the year. The wind is also blowing less strongly, including on the coastal heights more exposed to the elements. On the other hand, it is still very cool, even cold, especially near the coast.
Visitors are moderately numerous. Rates are also higher than in winter, but remain reasonable. It’s a good compromise for people looking for a vacation away from the crowds.
Travelling to Normandy in April – summary of conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are cold. The thermometer averages 14°C (57°F) across the region, and 11°C (52°F) near the coast.
Water temperatures
In April, the sea is cold. Its average temperature is 10°C (50°F). It’s not a good time for swimming.
Crowds and prizes
There are a moderate number of tourists. Rates are reasonable, even if they are higher than in winter.
Opening conditions
Almost everything is open in April: attractions, hotels, restaurants… Some castles remain closed until summer, but others open.
Day
The sun rises around 7.15am and sets just before 9pm.
Best things to do in Normandy in April
In April, we enjoyed visiting these sites:
- The D-Day landing beaches and their museums
- Immerse yourself in history by visiting the region’s castles and abbeys
- The magnificent towns and villages of Normandy
- The beauty of the Alabaster Coast and its famous cliffs
- The incomparable Mont-Saint-Michel
- The magnificent cliffs of Étretat and the charm of Honfleur
- …
See our article on things to do in Normandy.
And lots of activities like these:
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
1. Normandy in April – weather forecast
Normandy is known for its oceanic climate. This is especially true on the coasts, where most of the holidaymakers’ favorite towns are located. Temperatures are moderate in both winter and summer. Rainfall is frequent in all seasons, but varies according to local relief and year.
In April, it’s cold on the coast, but the skies are beginning to clear. Above all, it’s the month of the year when it rains the least. The wind is losing strength but continues to blow, especially on the most exposed coastal heights – near Cherbourg, for example. On the sea side, the water temperature is not conducive to swimming.
2. Temperatures in Normandy in April
Temperatures in Rouen:
- 10°C (46°F) average
- Number of days with average temperature above 18°C = 5
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
Temperatures in Le Havre:
- 11°C (48°F) average
- Number of days with an average temperature of over 18°C = 0
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
Temperatures in Caen:
- 11°C (46°F) average
- Number of days with an average temperature of over 18°C = 3
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
Temperatures in Cherbourg:
- 10°C (48°F) average
- Number of days with an average temperature of over 18°C = 1
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
Temperatures on Mont-Saint-Michel:
- 11°C (48°F) average
- Number of days with an average temperature of over 18°C = 3
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Rain in Normandy in April
It rains all year round in Normandy. Rainfall varies greatly from one year to the next, depending above all on the relief and exposure of your location. Cherbourg, for example, receives more rain than Caen, which is protected by hills.
- Rainfall in Rouen: 75 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Le Havre: 60 mm
(over 4 days on average) - Rainfall in Caen: 68 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Cherbourg: 55 mm
(over 3 days on average) - Rainfall on Mont-Saint-Michel: 70 mm
(over 5 days on average)
4. Sunshine in Normandy in April
In April, the days get longer. The sun rises around 7.15am and sets just before 9pm, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
5. Water temperature – swimming in Normandy in April
April is not a good time to swim in Normandy. The sea is very cold. Discover the average sea temperature below:
- Le Havre: 10°C (50°F)
- Cherbourg: 10°C (50°F)
- Mont-Saint-Michel: 10°C (50°F)
6. Wind in Normandy in April
Ocean means wind. Normandy in April is windy, but less so than in winter. The wind blows strongest in high places, on the coast.
7. Crowds and other conditions
In April, tourists are well represented in Normandy, but remain moderately numerous. It’s mid-season. You won’t have too much trouble finding a hotel or a parking space. Please note: spring vacations attract more visitors.
8. April events in Normandy
- Cherbourg Carnival
Every year, thousands of people attend the Cherbourg Carnival and its many attractions: parade, concerts, dance shows, confetti, etc.
- Harcourt Medieval Festival
Between late April and early May, the Harcourt estate recreates a medieval village for three days, with knights, falconers, axe-throwing, chivalry tournaments and more. It welcomed over 10,000 visitors.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
9. April prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. We offer a wide range of accommodation, from campsites to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget.
Prices are moderate in April, but may rise during the spring vacations.
When to go to Normandy, the other months…
- Normandy in January
- Normandy in February
- Normandy in March
- Normandy in April
- Normandy in May
- Normandy in June
- Normandy in July
- Normandy in August
- Normandy in September
- Normandy in October
- Normandy in November
- Normandy in December
Or read our article on when to go to Normandy.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
