April is when San Francisco’s spring arrives. Rain becomes rare, the gardens in Golden Gate Park bloom and Japantown hosts the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival over two weekends. Days are mild, in the low 60s, and the evenings are light until after 7:30pm.
In this guide
This page is part of our San Francisco events calendar.
April 2027 at a glance
- Apr 4 Free First Sunday at the Asian Art Museum
- Apr 6 Free First Tuesday at the de Young and Legion of Honor
- Apr 10 to 11 Cherry Blossom Festival, first weekend
- Apr 17 to 18 Cherry Blossom Festival, second weekend, with the Grand Parade on Sunday, April 18
- Weather Average high 63°F, low 50°F, about 1.6 inches of rain
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival fills Japantown with taiko drumming, dance, martial arts, food and craft booths on April 10 and 11 and April 17 and 18, 2027. The Grand Parade runs on Sunday, April 18. The festival is free to attend. Muni’s 22 Fillmore and 38 Geary stop nearby. See the Japantown guide for places to eat.
Spring gardens
April is a good month for the gardens in Golden Gate Park. The Japanese Tea Garden’s cherry trees usually flower in late March and early April, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden and Conservatory of Flowers are at their best in spring. See outdoor activities in San Francisco.
Wildflowers and coastal walks
Drier weather makes April a good time for the Lands End trail, the Presidio’s paths and the climb up Bernal Heights or Twin Peaks. Wildflowers are often still out on the hillsides. See the best views in San Francisco.
Every week in April
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm.
- Free Saturdays at the de Young and Legion of Honor for Bay Area residents.
Coming up in May
Bay to Breakers is on Sunday, May 16, 2027, and Carnaval San Francisco takes over the Mission on May 29 and 30. See San Francisco events in May.
Official resources: Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, San Francisco Recreation and Parks.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco in 2027?
April 10 and 11 and April 17 and 18, 2027, in Japantown, with the Grand Parade on Sunday, April 18.
Is April a good time to visit San Francisco?
Yes. Rain tapers off, gardens are in bloom and summer crowds have not arrived yet.
Is the Cherry Blossom Festival free?
Yes, the street festival and parade are free to attend.
Photo credits
Featured image: Michael Ocampo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.