Things to Do in Richmond in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Richmond
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring bloom season transforms the city - magnolias and cherry blossoms peak in early April along Monument Avenue and throughout Maymont Park, creating stunning backdrops without the summer heat or winter chill
- Shoulder season pricing means hotel rates run 25-35% below summer peaks, and you'll actually get tables at popular restaurants without week-ahead reservations. Flight deals from major East Coast hubs typically drop to their lowest point between early April and mid-May
- Perfect outdoor activity weather - temperatures in the 15-21°C (59-70°F) range make this ideal for the James River trails, Belle Isle scrambling, and brewery-hopping in Scott's Addition without the 32°C (90°F) summer humidity that makes walking miserable
- Festival season kicks into gear with genuine local events rather than tourist-focused productions - the Monument Avenue 10K brings out 40,000 runners and creates a massive street party vibe, while smaller neighborhood festivals in Church Hill and the Fan actually showcase what Richmond residents care about
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability is real - you might get 24°C (75°F) and sunny one day, then 12°C (54°F) with drizzle the next. Those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout the month, making it tough to plan outdoor activities more than 48 hours ahead
- Spring break crowds from nearby universities (UVA, VCU, William & Mary) descend on weekends, particularly around breweries and the James River Park System. Parking at Belle Isle and Texas Beach becomes genuinely difficult between 11am-4pm on Saturdays
- Pollen counts spike hard in April - Richmond sits in a river valley that traps allergens, and the tree pollen index regularly hits HIGH or VERY HIGH ratings. If you have seasonal allergies, you'll be dealing with itchy eyes and congestion even if you don't typically react this strongly at home
Best Activities in April
James River Park System Trail Running and Hiking
April weather hits the sweet spot for the 240 km (150 miles) of trails along the James River - cool enough that you won't overheat on the North Bank Trail's exposed sections, but warm enough that river crossings at Belle Isle are manageable without neoprene. The water level tends to be higher in April from spring runoff, making the Class III-IV rapids at Hollywood more dramatic for viewing. Buttercup Spring Trail shows wildflowers you won't see later in summer. The variable weather actually works in your favor here - overcast days mean softer light for photography of the city skyline from the Pipeline Walk.
Monument Avenue and Fan District Architecture Walking Tours
The tree canopy along Monument Avenue and the Fan's side streets creates a tunnel effect in April when leaves are just emerging - you get the architectural details without summer foliage blocking views of the Victorian and Edwardian rowhouses. The 70% humidity isn't oppressive yet, and those 15-18°C (59-64°F) mornings are perfect for the 5-8 km (3-5 mile) walks these neighborhoods demand. Church Hill's cobblestone streets and Federal-era homes look particularly good after April rain showers clean the brick. The Confederate monument removals in 2020-2021 transformed Monument Avenue into something more interesting than a Confederate memorial - the empty pedestals and new street art tell a more complex story worth seeing.
Craft Brewery Trail in Scott's Addition
Scott's Addition transformed from light industrial wasteland to brewery district in the past decade, and April weather makes the neighborhood crawl actually enjoyable. Most breweries have outdoor spaces that are perfect in 18-21°C (64-70°F) afternoons but would be sweltering in July. The 1.5 km (1 mile) loop between The Veil, Ardent, Isley, and others is walkable without sweating through your shirt. Spring seasonal releases hit taps in April - you'll find more variety than the summer lager dominance. The neighborhood still has rough edges and warehouse aesthetics rather than polished tourist-district vibes, which keeps it interesting.
Maymont Park and Estate Exploration
This 40-hectare (100-acre) Victorian estate hits peak beauty in April when the Japanese Garden's cherry trees and azaleas bloom, typically around the second and third week of the month. The mansion tours showcase Gilded Age Richmond wealth without the oppressive heat that makes indoor museum visits more appealing in summer. The Italian and Japanese gardens require 2-3 hours to see properly, and April temperatures make that walking manageable. The nature center and wildlife exhibits work well as backup plans during those scattered rain showers - you can duck inside for 30-40 minutes until weather clears.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Extended Visits
One of the few free major art museums in the US, and April's variable weather makes it a perfect anchor for days when outdoor plans get rained out. The collection is legitimately impressive - particularly strong in Art Nouveau, French Impressionism, and contemporary American work. You need 3-4 hours minimum to see the highlights properly. The sculpture garden is at its best in April before summer heat makes outdoor wandering less appealing. The museum restaurant (Amuse) is actually good rather than museum-cafeteria-adequate, making this a solid lunch stop.
Civil War and American History Site Tours
Richmond's role as Confederate capital means the city is dense with Civil War sites - Tredegar Iron Works (now the American Civil War Museum), Hollywood Cemetery where 18,000 Confederate soldiers are buried, and the White House of the Confederacy. April weather makes the cemetery walks and battlefield sites at nearby Gaines Mill and Cold Harbor manageable - you'll be doing 3-5 km (2-3 miles) of walking at outdoor sites. The city's reckoning with Confederate memory since 2020 adds contemporary relevance to these historical sites. The new interpretive approach focuses more on slavery and emancipation rather than Lost Cause mythology, making visits more intellectually honest than they were a decade ago.
April Events & Festivals
Monument Avenue 10K
One of the largest 10K races in the US with around 40,000 participants, this event shuts down Monument Avenue and creates a massive street party atmosphere. Even if you're not running, the course route becomes a festival with live music stages, neighborhood block parties, and locals setting up front-yard tailgates. The post-race scene in the Fan District turns into an all-day celebration. Worth experiencing for the community energy rather than the race itself - this is Richmond showing off its neighborhood pride.
Easter on Parade
Monument Avenue tradition where locals dress up in elaborate Easter outfits and promenade down the avenue after church services. It's less formal than it sounds - you'll see everything from Victorian-era costumes to ironic hipster interpretations. The event reflects Richmond's odd mix of Southern tradition and contemporary weirdness. Free to watch, and the people-watching is genuinely entertaining if you're into street photography or cultural observation.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights Spring Opening
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's spring displays peak in mid-to-late April with tulips, cherry blossoms, and azaleas across the 20-hectare (50-acre) property. The Victorian-era conservatory provides indoor backup during rain. This is more elaborate than Maymont's gardens and worth the 30-minute drive from downtown if you're into horticulture. The children's garden area is surprisingly well-designed if you're traveling with kids who are bored of historical sites.