Things to Do in Munich in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Munich
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring blooming season transforms the English Garden and Nymphenburg Palace grounds into stunning displays - cherry blossoms typically peak mid-April, and you'll catch locals picnicking under flowering trees without the summer tourist crush
- Beer garden season officially kicks off in late March, meaning April gives you authentic experiences at Augustiner-Bräu and Hofbräukeller with mostly locals rather than tour groups - tables fill up by 5pm on warm evenings but you'll actually find seating
- Accommodation prices run 25-35% lower than summer peak season, and you can book quality hotels in Altstadt-Lehel or Maxvorstadt within 2-3 weeks of arrival rather than the 2-3 months needed for July-August
- Temperatures hover in that perfect 10-15°C (50-59°F) range for walking the city - you can comfortably cover 8-10 km (5-6 miles) daily exploring neighborhoods without the exhausting heat that hits in July or the bone-chilling damp of January
Considerations
- Weather genuinely swings wildly - you might get 18°C (64°F) sunshine one day and 7°C (45°F) drizzle the next, which makes packing frustrating and means you'll be carrying layers everywhere
- About 10 rainy days means roughly one-third of your trip could involve wet weather - these aren't tropical downpours but persistent drizzle that lasts hours, and outdoor beer gardens close when it rains despite technically being open for the season
- Easter timing affects everything - when Easter falls in April (like in 2026 when it's April 5), you'll hit higher accommodation prices that specific weekend, many restaurants close Good Friday through Easter Monday, and Germans flood the city for long weekend trips
Best Activities in April
Beer Garden Exploration Routes
April marks the actual start of beer garden season when locals emerge after winter, and you'll experience these institutions authentically before summer tourists arrive. Temperatures in the 12-15°C (54-59°F) range feel perfect under chestnut trees with a Maß in hand. The traditional gardens in Englischer Garten, around Nymphenburg, and in Haidhausen neighborhoods operate on unpredictable spring hours - they open when weather permits, which adds to the local experience of checking if your preferred spot has raised the flag that day. Crowds stay manageable, and you'll hear more Bavarian dialect than English at communal tables.
Cycling Tours Through City Parks
April weather sits in that ideal cycling window - cool enough that you won't overheat on hills but warm enough to enjoy 2-3 hour rides comfortably. The Isar River paths from Thalkirchen to the English Garden cover about 15 km (9.3 miles) of car-free riding through blooming landscapes. Spring means the paths aren't crowded with summer cyclists and inline skaters yet. Rain happens roughly every third day, but the paths drain well and locals cycle in light drizzle anyway. The English Garden alone offers 78 km (48 miles) of paths connecting beer gardens, the surfer wave at Eisbach, and meadows where sheep graze in April.
Day Trips to Alpine Foothills
April creates this unique window where Munich warms into spring but mountains 90 minutes south still have snow - you can breakfast in a beer garden and be at Zugspitze base station by lunch. The Bavarian Alps region offers hiking at lower elevations around Tegernsee or Schliersee where trails at 800-1000 m (2,625-3,280 ft) are snow-free and wildflowers start appearing. Higher peaks like Zugspitze at 2,962 m (9,718 ft) remain snow-covered, offering cable car rides to winter landscapes. Weather stays unpredictable - bring layers for 15°C (59°F) swings between valley and summit. Tourist crowds haven't arrived for summer hiking season yet.
Museum District Deep Dives
Those 10 rainy days in April make museum-heavy days essential, and Munich's Kunstareal museum quarter contains enough world-class collections to fill a week. April avoids the summer crowds at Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne - you'll actually have space to view major works without jostling. The Deutsches Museum, one of the world's largest science museums, easily absorbs 4-5 hours and provides indoor backup for any weather. Temperatures hovering around 10°C (50°F) make the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) walk between Kunstareal museums comfortable. Sunday admission costs just 1 EUR at state museums, though expect slightly larger crowds.
Food Market and Neighborhood Walking Routes
April brings spring produce to Viktualienmarkt - white asparagus season starts mid-April and Bavarians obsess over it, along with wild garlic and early strawberries. The market operates year-round but spring weather makes browsing the outdoor stalls actually pleasant rather than freezing or sweltering. Walking food-focused routes through Glockenbach, Gärtnerplatz, and Haidhausen neighborhoods covers 5-7 km (3-4 miles) at a leisurely pace, connecting markets, bakeries, and traditional butchers. Cool temperatures mean you can carry purchased foods without spoilage concerns. The 70% humidity actually enhances bread and pretzel texture when you're eating fresh.
Dachau Memorial Site Visits
April weather suits the somber, reflective nature of visiting Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial - cool temperatures around 10-12°C (50-54°F) allow for the 2-3 hours of outdoor walking the site requires without weather extremes distracting from the experience. The memorial sits 20 km (12 miles) northwest of Munich center, easily reached by S-Bahn in 40 minutes. Spring timing means fewer tour buses than summer peak, allowing more contemplative visits. Rain happens but the site remains powerfully affecting in any weather - actually, the gray skies feel appropriate. Bring layers as the exposed grounds feel colder than city center.
April Events & Festivals
Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival)
Munich's second-largest beer festival runs for two weeks from mid-April through early May on Theresienwiese, the same grounds as Oktoberfest but with about 75% fewer tourists. You'll find the same massive beer tents, traditional rides, and festival atmosphere but with primarily local crowds. Temperatures in April make the indoor heated tents more comfortable than Oktoberfest's packed September heat. A Maß costs the same 13-15 EUR as Oktoberfest, and traditional roasted chicken or pork runs 12-16 EUR. The festival opens around April 18-20 depending on the year, and weekday afternoons offer the most authentic local experience before evening crowds arrive.
Easter Markets and Celebrations
Easter 2026 falls on April 5, and Munich transforms Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt into traditional Easter markets from about March 28 through April 13. These markets sell hand-painted eggs, spring decorations, and seasonal foods - nothing like Christmas markets but worth an hour if you're in the city center anyway. Easter Monday (April 6) sees locals heading to beer gardens for the traditional first major outdoor gathering of spring. Many shops and restaurants close Good Friday through Easter Monday, which affects dining options but creates a quiet, local atmosphere in neighborhoods.