Things to Do in Sacramento in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Sacramento
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season timing - you'll dodge the intense summer heat that arrives in May and June while enjoying consistently warm days averaging 18-24°C (65-75°F). April sits in that sweet spot before the real heat kicks in.
- Farm-to-fork season peaks in April with asparagus harvest, strawberry picking at local farms within 16 km (10 miles) of downtown, and the Saturday farmers market under the freeway hitting its stride with 40-plus vendors and minimal crowds compared to summer weekends.
- River activities become viable again as American River water levels stabilize after winter rains. Kayak and paddleboard rentals along the Parkway see 30-40% lower demand than summer months, meaning easier access and sometimes better midweek rates in the $35-50 range.
- Baseball season starts at Sutter Health Park - minor league games offer that genuine Sacramento experience without the crowds or pricing of major league cities. Tickets run $12-25 and the weather is actually comfortable for sitting through nine innings, unlike the 38°C (100°F) July games.
Considerations
- Weather variability makes packing tricky - mornings can start at 10°C (50°F) while afternoons hit 27°C (80°F). You'll need layers, and those 10 rainy days listed in the data tend to be unpredictable. When it rains, it usually clears quickly, but it might derail an hour or two of outdoor plans.
- Allergy season peaks hard in April as the Central Valley's grasses, trees, and agricultural pollen all hit simultaneously. If you're sensitive, Sacramento consistently ranks among the worst US cities for spring allergies. Bring antihistamines or plan more indoor time than you'd expect.
- Tourist infrastructure operates at lower capacity - some river tour operators don't run daily schedules until May, and a few seasonal restaurants in Old Sacramento have limited April hours. It's not a ghost town, but you'll want to verify hours before assuming places are open.
Best Activities in April
American River Parkway Cycling and Walking
April weather makes the 51 km (32 mile) Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail absolutely ideal - warm enough for comfortable riding at 20-24°C (68-75°F) but without the brutal summer heat that makes afternoon rides miserable. The parkway is genuinely beautiful right now with wildflowers blooming and the river running clear. Locals pack this trail on weekends, but weekday mornings you'll have long stretches to yourself. The 70% humidity sounds high but feels manageable in motion, especially under tree cover.
Old Sacramento Waterfront and History Tours
The waterfront district becomes walkable again after winter rains, and April's moderate temperatures make the cobblestone streets and outdoor exhibits actually pleasant to explore. This is when you'll appreciate that 70% humidity isn't oppressive - it's just enough to keep dust down. The Delta King riverboat, underground tour tunnels, and California State Railroad Museum all work perfectly as indoor-outdoor combinations when those variable conditions shift. Worth noting that weekday afternoons see minimal crowds compared to summer when school groups dominate.
Delta Waterway Boat Tours
April marks the start of reliable boat tour season as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta calms down after winter storms. Water temperatures are still cool but air temps in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) make deck time comfortable. You'll see migrating birds, historic drawbridges, and the network of sloughs that define the region. This is honestly one of Sacramento's most underutilized experiences - the Delta covers 4,500 square km (1,100 square miles) and most visitors never see it. Tours run 2-4 hours depending on route.
Midtown Arts District Gallery Walks and Murals
Second Saturday art walks happen year-round, but April's weather makes the outdoor mural hunting and gallery hopping between venues actually enjoyable. The Midtown and downtown grid has 100-plus murals within a 2.4 km (1.5 mile) radius, and walking between them in April beats doing it in July when sidewalks radiate heat. The arts district peaks on Second Saturday evenings from 6-9pm, but any afternoon works for self-guided exploration. That variable weather means having gallery interiors as backup if clouds roll in.
Local Farm Visits and U-Pick Experiences
April is strawberry season in the Sacramento Valley, and several farms within 19-24 km (12-15 miles) of downtown offer picking experiences. This is peak freshness - berries picked in the morning are sold at farmers markets by afternoon. The weather is perfect for this: warm enough that fruit ripens quickly but not so hot that you're miserable in the fields. Most farms also have asparagus ready in April, which is THE Sacramento Valley crop. You're looking at 2-3 hours for a farm visit including picking and usually some farm stand shopping.
Capitol Building and Park Grounds
The California State Capitol and its surrounding 16 hectare (40 acre) park hit peak beauty in April with roses beginning to bloom and the massive tree collection fully leafed out. Free guided tours run hourly, and the building's air conditioning provides perfect relief when that variable weather turns warm. The park itself is underrated - 200-plus tree varieties from around the world, wide lawns for picnicking, and memorials scattered throughout. Locals use this as their downtown green space, so you'll see the real Sacramento here, not just tourist traffic.
April Events & Festivals
Sacramento Earth Day and Environmental Fairs
Multiple Earth Day celebrations happen throughout April at various parks and community spaces. These typically feature local environmental organizations, sustainable food vendors, live music, and activities focused on the region's water and agricultural issues. Sacramento takes this seriously given its role as the state capital and agricultural hub. Events are usually free and family-oriented, running 10am-4pm on weekends.
Tower Bridge Dinner Series Launch
The seasonal outdoor dinner series on the Tower Bridge typically kicks off in late April, weather permitting. This involves closing the bridge to vehicle traffic for ticketed farm-to-fork dinners with views of the river and downtown. It's become a signature Sacramento experience, though tickets sell out weeks in advance and run $150-200 per person. Worth knowing about even if you don't attend, as it closes the bridge on certain evenings.