Things to Do in Hanover in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Hanover
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring awakening timing - April hits that perfect window when the Herrenhausen Gardens burst into full bloom, with over 12,000 tulips and early roses peaking mid-month. The city sheds its winter grey without the summer tourist crowds that pack the gardens in June and July.
- Affordable accommodation rates - You're catching the tail end of shoulder season before May's conference rush drives prices up 40-60%. Hotels in the Altstadt typically run €80-120 per night in April versus €140-200 in peak summer, and you'll actually have your pick of properties.
- Outdoor cafe culture returns - Locals emerge from winter hibernation and the sidewalk tables along Lister Meile and Limmerstrasse fill up by mid-April. That 58°F (14°C) high feels genuinely pleasant after months of cold, and you'll experience the city at its most optimistic and social.
- Maschsee lakefront accessibility - The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) walking path around Maschsee becomes genuinely enjoyable without the summer heat or winter wind. April mornings around 9-10am offer that crisp clarity perfect for the full loop, which takes about 35-40 minutes at a comfortable pace.
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability requires layering strategy - That 19°F (11°C) temperature swing between morning and afternoon means you'll be carrying a jacket you don't need by 2pm. The 70% humidity makes 39°F (4°C) mornings feel colder than the thermometer suggests, while afternoons can surprise you with sudden warmth.
- Rain disrupts outdoor plans 10 days of the month - Those 1.4 inches (36 mm) tend to arrive as quick showers rather than all-day rain, but they're unpredictable enough to complicate day trips to Celle or Hamelin. Indoor backup options exist but require flexibility in your schedule.
- Some attractions operate on reduced spring hours - The Herrenhausen Palace Museum and several smaller museums still run winter schedules until late April, closing at 4pm instead of 6pm. This matters if you're trying to squeeze in afternoon visits after lunch.
Best Activities in April
Herrenhausen Gardens exploration
April is objectively the best month for the Grosser Garten, when tulip season overlaps with the first roses and the baroque hedges show fresh green growth. The Great Garden covers 50 hectares (124 acres) and you'll want 2-3 hours to properly explore. Morning visits between 9-11am offer the best light for photography and fewer visitors. The grotto and fountains restart operations in early April after winter shutdown, and the main fountain reaches 72 m (236 ft) on calm days.
Altstadt walking routes
The Old Town's half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets work perfectly in April's variable weather since you're never more than 2 minutes from a cafe or museum entrance when rain hits. The compact 1.5 km (0.9 mile) core around Marktkirche and the Old Town Hall takes 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. April's softer light actually enhances the medieval architecture photography better than harsh summer sun. The UV index of 8 means you'll want sunscreen for extended outdoor time despite the moderate temperatures.
Maschsee lakefront activities
The artificial lake becomes the city's social center in April when locals start jogging, cycling, and picnicking again after winter. The complete 6 km (3.7 mile) loop works for walking, running, or casual cycling, with multiple cafes and beer gardens along the north shore opening for the season mid-month. Paddle boat rentals typically restart around April 15th depending on weather, running €12-15 per hour. The lake's protected position means less wind than the Leine River, making it more pleasant for outdoor sitting.
New Town Hall observation platform visits
The Neues Rathaus dome elevator becomes more appealing in April when visibility improves compared to winter fog and summer haze. The unique curved elevator rises 98 m (322 ft) to the observation deck offering 360-degree views across the city and toward the Deister hills 20 km (12 miles) southwest. April's variable weather means you might catch dramatic cloud formations that make for better photos than clear summer skies. The indoor component means rain doesn't cancel plans.
Eilenriede forest walking paths
This 640-hectare (1,581-acre) urban forest shows early spring transformation in April with beech trees leafing out and forest floor wildflowers emerging. The network of marked trails ranges from easy 2 km (1.2 mile) loops to 8 km (5 mile) cross-forest routes. April conditions mean muddy patches on unpaved sections after rain, but the main paths stay accessible. The forest provides natural shelter from wind and the canopy creates interesting dappled light even on overcast days.
Museum visits during rain windows
Hanover's museum cluster along the Maschsee provides essential backup options for those 10 rainy days. The Sprengel Museum houses major 20th-century art including the largest Niki de Saint Phalle collection, requiring 2-3 hours. The Lower Saxony State Museum combines art, natural history, and archaeology under one roof for 2-4 hours of exploration. April's lower tourist numbers mean you'll actually have space to view major works without crowds. The indoor climate control feels particularly welcome when outside humidity reaches 70%.
April Events & Festivals
Hanover Spring Festival at Schützenplatz
This smaller spring fair typically runs late April with carnival rides, beer tents, and food stalls. Not as massive as the October Oktoberfest version, but locals appreciate it as the season's first major outdoor gathering. Expect typical German fair food, regional beer, and family-friendly atmosphere. Evening visits after 6pm offer the best energy when lights come on and crowds build.