Fresno - Things to Do in Fresno in April

Fresno in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Fresno

26°C (79°F) High Temp
13°C (55°F) Low Temp
12 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall
45% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect outdoor weather with daily highs of 26°C (79°F) and cool mornings at 13°C (55°F) - ideal for hiking in Sierra Nevada foothills and exploring Forestiere Underground Gardens without summer's brutal heat
  • Wildflower superbloom season in nearby Carrizo Plain and Antelope Valley - April is the only month when California poppies, lupines, and goldfields create spectacular displays just 90 minutes from Fresno
  • Baseball season begins with Fresno Grizzlies home games at Chukchansi Park - tickets are cheapest in April ($8-15) before summer crowds arrive, plus evening games are comfortable in 21°C (70°F) temperatures
  • Farm-to-table dining peaks with spring harvests - asparagus, strawberries, and early stone fruits are at their freshest, while restaurant patios reopen after winter closures

Considerations

  • Minimal rainfall means dusty conditions and poor air quality on windy days - the San Joaquin Valley's agricultural dust can trigger allergies and reduce visibility in the Sierra Nevada
  • Tourist season hasn't fully started so some seasonal attractions have limited hours or are closed for maintenance - Shaver Lake area businesses may still be on winter schedules
  • Spring break timing means higher hotel rates during the first two weeks of April, especially near Fresno State University campus areas

Best Activities in April

Sequoia National Park Giant Forest Hiking

April offers perfect hiking conditions with snow mostly melted from lower elevation trails but temperatures still cool enough for comfortable day hikes. The General Sherman Tree area is accessible without chains, and wildflowers begin blooming along the Big Trees Trail. Morning temperatures start at 7°C (45°F) rising to pleasant 18°C (64°F) afternoons.

Booking Tip: Park entry requires timed permits on weekends starting in May, but April weekdays are unrestricted. Budget $35 vehicle entry fee, book lodging 2-3 months ahead as Wuksachi Lodge fills up. Reference booking widget for current tour packages.

San Joaquin River Parkway Cycling

The 22-mile (35 km) parkway trail system is at its most beautiful in April when cottonwoods leaf out and wildflowers bloom along the riverbank. Cool morning temperatures of 13°C (55°F) are perfect for longer rides, and you'll spot migrating birds returning for nesting season.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $25-40 per day from local shops. The Lewis S. Eaton Trail section is newest and best maintained. Check current trail conditions and guided tour options in booking section below.

Forestiere Underground Gardens Tours

April's mild weather makes the contrast between above-ground gardens and the cool underground grottos particularly enjoyable. Spring citrus blossoms are at their peak, and the 65°F (18°C) underground temperature feels refreshing during warm afternoons rather than necessary relief from summer heat.

Booking Tip: Tours run Wednesday-Sunday, $19 adults. Book 5-7 days ahead in April as group sizes are limited to 10 people. The underground passages maintain year-round temperature of 18°C (65°F).

Millerton Lake Water Recreation

Early season boating and fishing before summer crowds arrive. April water temperature averages 16°C (61°F) - still chilly for swimming but perfect for kayaking and fishing for bass and catfish. The lake is at good levels from winter runoff, and marina facilities reopen for full season operations.

Booking Tip: Boat rentals resume full operations in April, typically $200-350 per day. Fishing licenses required ($17 daily, $52 annual). Book watercraft rentals 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends.

Blossom Trail Self-Drive Tours

The famous 67-mile (108 km) Fresno County Blossom Trail peaks in early April when almond, cherry, and apricot orchards create a pink and white canopy. Cool mornings are perfect for photography with soft light, and you can stop at farm stands selling fresh seasonal produce.

Booking Tip: Trail is self-guided and free, but organized bus tours cost $45-75 per person. Peak bloom lasts only 2-3 weeks, typically first half of April. Check current bloom status before traveling.

Fresno Art Museums and Cultural District

April's perfect weather makes walking between downtown cultural attractions enjoyable. The Fresno Yaounde, Arte Americas, and various galleries in the Arts District are all within 0.8 km (0.5 miles) of each other. Evening gallery walks coincide with comfortable 21°C (70°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Most museums charge $5-12 admission. First Friday Art Hop is free and features food trucks. Many galleries offer group discounts when booked ahead through visitor center.

April Events & Festivals

Early to mid April

Fresno County Blossom Trail Peak Season

The world-famous 67-mile driving route through blooming almond, cherry, apricot, and peach orchards. Millions of trees create a spectacular pink and white landscape unique to the Central Valley. Free self-guided tour with maps available from visitor centers.

Early April

Fresno Grizzlies Baseball Season Opening

Triple-A Pacific Coast League baseball returns to Chukchansi Park with affordable family entertainment. April games feature perfect weather for outdoor sports and cheapest ticket prices of the season before summer demand increases.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing for 13°C (55°F) mornings rising to 26°C (79°F) afternoons - pack light sweater and t-shirts
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7 and Central Valley sun is intense with minimal cloud cover
Dust mask or allergy medication - agricultural valley creates dusty conditions on windy days
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - perfect weather means lots of outdoor exploration
Light rain jacket for occasional spring showers - only 3 rainy days expected but can be sudden
Camera with good zoom lens for blossom trail photography and distant Sierra Nevada views
Reusable water bottle - low humidity at 45% means you'll dehydrate faster than expected
Light jacket for evening baseball games - temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) after sunset
Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic materials that trap heat during warm afternoons
Polarized sunglasses for driving blossom trail routes with bright morning sun through trees

Insider Knowledge

Local farmers markets peak in April with asparagus, strawberries, and early citrus - Vineyard Farmers Market (Saturdays) has best selection and prices 40% lower than grocery stores
Fresno State campus has free parking and beautiful walking paths through their agricultural research plots where you can see experimental crops and fruit varieties not available commercially
The Tower District's best restaurants open their patios in April - make dinner reservations for outdoor seating as locals emerge after winter hibernation
Gas up before heading to Sequoia National Park - fuel prices increase $0.50-0.75 per gallon once you leave Fresno city limits

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the drive time to Sierra Nevada attractions - Sequoia National Park entrance is 90 minutes from downtown Fresno with no services for the final 32 km (20 miles)
Not checking air quality before outdoor activities - Central Valley agriculture and wind patterns can create unhealthy air days that require indoor backup plans
Assuming summer operating hours - many seasonal businesses around Shaver Lake and Sierra foothills don't resume full schedules until May

Activities in Fresno