Munich - Things to Do in Munich in April

Things to Do in Munich in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Munich

15°C (59°F) High Temp
5°C (41°F) Low Temp
56 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect spring awakening - beer gardens reopen mid-April when temperatures consistently hit 12°C+ (54°F+), locals emerge for outdoor dining after winter hibernation
  • Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer peak, with luxury hotels offering spring packages €120-180 vs €250+ in July
  • Spargelzeit (asparagus season) begins - white asparagus appears on every menu from mid-April, paired with local Weissbier and celebrated at weekend markets
  • Ideal hiking weather in nearby Alps - snow melts at lower elevations, cable cars resume full operations, and day trips to Garmisch-Partenkirchen become feasible again

Considerations

  • Unpredictable daily swings - morning frost at 2°C (36°F) can shift to afternoon warmth at 18°C (64°F), requiring layered clothing strategy
  • Rain interrupts outdoor plans - April showers are brief but frequent, hitting 10 days per month and often during prime afternoon sightseeing hours
  • Some attractions still on winter schedules - outdoor pools, certain castle tours, and mountain restaurants may not fully reopen until May 1st

Best Activities in April

Englischer Garten Spring Walks and Beer Garden Sessions

April is when Munich's massive urban park truly comes alive - cherry blossoms bloom along the paths, locals return for weekend picnics, and the iconic Chinesischer Turm beer garden reopens for the season. The famous Eisbach surfers are back in action as water temperatures rise. Perfect weather for the 3.7 km (2.3 mile) walk from Odeonsplatz to Kleinhesseloher See without summer crowds.

Booking Tip: No booking needed for park access. Beer gardens operate weather-dependent schedules in April - call ahead on cloudy days. Traditional tours typically cost €15-25 per person and book up 5-7 days ahead during spring weekends.

Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trips

April offers the sweet spot for castle visits - winter closures end, but summer tour bus chaos hasn't begun. Clear spring air provides stunning Alpine backdrop views, and the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) uphill walk to the castle is comfortable in cool temperatures. Road conditions to Füssen are reliable again after winter weather.

Booking Tip: Castle tickets must be reserved online exactly 2 days in advance - they open bookings at 8am CET. Day trip tours from Munich typically cost €45-65 including transport and run 9-10 hours total. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekend departures.

Traditional Bavarian Brewery Tours and Tastings

Spring marks the brewing season for Maibock beer - stronger seasonal brews released in late April. Brewery tours showcase the winter brewing process, and you'll taste fresh batches before tourist season peaks. Augustiner, Löwenbräu, and Spaten offer behind-the-scenes access with smaller April groups.

Booking Tip: Small group brewery tours typically cost €35-50 including 4-5 beer samples and pretzels. Book 1 week ahead - April weekends fill up with locals celebrating spring. Tours run 2.5-3 hours and include transportation between breweries.

BMW Welt and Museum Experience

April weather is perfect for the outdoor BMW delivery ceremonies and test drive experiences that resume after winter break. The museum's new 2025 electric vehicle exhibit launches in April. Cool temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) walk from Olympic Park U-Bahn comfortable.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets cost €10-15, advance booking recommended for weekends. Factory tours (€8-12) must be booked online 7-10 days ahead and sell out faster in spring. Combined tickets with Olympic Tower visits save €5-8 per person.

Viktualienmarkt Food Tours and Market Exploration

April brings spring vegetables, early asparagus, and the return of outdoor market stalls after winter's reduced hours. Local food tours focus on seasonal specialties - radish and beer pairings, fresh herb varieties, and Easter pastries still available early month. Weather is ideal for the standing/walking format.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €25-40 per person for 2-2.5 hour experiences including 6-8 tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead - spring market tours are popular with locals too. Independent exploration is free, but guided tours reveal vendor stories and seasonal specialties.

Munich City Center Historical Walking Tours

Cool April temperatures are ideal for the 3-4 km (2-2.5 mile) walking tours covering Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and Residenz. Spring light provides excellent photography conditions for Gothic architecture. Fewer crowds mean better access to key viewpoints and the famous Glockenspiel performances.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost €12-20 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Free walking tours available but tips expected (€5-10 per person standard). Book 2-3 days ahead for weekend tours. Indoor portions provide shelter during April's brief rain showers.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival)

Munich's smaller, more local version of Oktoberfest runs for 2 weeks at Theresienwiese. Features traditional rides, beer tents, and spring-themed decorations. Much less touristy than autumn festival, with authentic local atmosphere and easier tent access.

Mid April

Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums)

Annual event where 90+ Munich museums stay open until 2am for one ticket price (typically €15). Perfect April weather activity when rain threatens outdoor plans. Includes transport between venues and special exhibitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - April brings 10 rainy days with wet cobblestones in Altstadt, plus potential puddles in beer gardens
Layering system - morning temperatures of 5°C (41°F) can jump to 15°C (59°F) by afternoon, requiring removable jacket and sweater combo
Compact umbrella - April showers are brief (20-30 minutes) but frequent, and many outdoor attractions have limited covered areas
Light rain jacket with breathable fabric - 70% humidity makes waterproof-breathable materials essential for walking tours
Warm scarf for morning and evening - temperature drops quickly after sunset, especially in beer gardens
Comfortable walking socks - Munich requires 8,000-12,000 steps daily for main attractions, and April dampness increases blister risk
Portable phone charger - cool weather drains battery faster, essential for navigation and museum audio guides
Small day backpack - needed for carrying and removing layers as temperature fluctuates throughout the day

Insider Knowledge

Beer gardens open weather-dependent in April - if temperature hits 10°C (50°F) by 11am and no rain forecast, they'll open. Call ahead or check Instagram stories for real-time updates
Local tip: April 30th is Walpurgisnacht - many venues close early for traditional celebrations, but some bars host special events. Plan accordingly if visiting late month
Book accommodations near U-Bahn or S-Bahn stations - April weather makes underground transport preferable to walking, and day passes (€8.80) become worthwhile
Münchener Weisswurst breakfast tradition is strongest in spring - order before 12pm with sweet mustard and pretzel, best experienced at traditional places like Donisl or Ratskeller

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning castle trips - many visitors pack only for afternoon Munich temperatures, but Alpine locations like Neuschwanstein are 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler
Not checking beer garden opening status - tourists assume all outdoor venues operate daily in April, but weather-dependent closures are common and frustrating
Overpacking for rain - April showers are brief and locals don't let them disrupt plans. Heavy rain gear is overkill; light, packable options work better

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