Things to Do in Sanjose in April

April Weather in Sanjose

34°C (93°F) High Temp

27°C (80°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for air-conditioned sightseeing - outdoor attractions like Guadalupe River Park are comfortable before 11am and after 4pm when temps drop to 29°C (84°F)
Shoulder season pricing means hotel rates are 25-40% lower than summer peak season, with mid-range downtown hotels averaging $120-160 vs $200+ in July
Cherry blossoms at Japanese Friendship Garden peak in early April, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops that locals consider the city's most beautiful 2-week window
Baseball season launches with San Jose Giants home games at Municipal Stadium - tickets start at $12 and afternoon games avoid evening fog that rolls in May-August

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, lasting 20-30 minutes but intense enough to flood outdoor markets and delay outdoor activities
Morning marine layer creates overcast skies until 10am on 15-18 days, affecting sunrise photography and early outdoor plans
Pollen count peaks in April averaging 8.2 grains per cubic meter, making it challenging for travelers with seasonal allergies

Best Activities in April

Winchester Mystery House Tours

April's mild mornings (22°C/72°F at 9am) make the 65-minute indoor walking tour comfortable before crowds arrive. The mansion's 160 rooms stay naturally cool, and you'll avoid the summer heat that makes the non-air-conditioned sections unbearable. Morning light streaming through the stained glass windows creates optimal photo conditions that don't exist during winter's shorter days.

Booking Tip: Book online 7-10 days ahead for $45-65 depending on tour length. Morning slots (9-11am) offer cooler temperatures and smaller groups of 12-15 people versus afternoon tours with 20+ people. Look for operators offering photography add-ons since April lighting is ideal.

Guadalupe River Park Cycling

The 11 km (6.8 mile) trail system is perfect in April when morning temperatures hit 24°C (75°F) and wildflowers bloom along the creek beds. You'll cycle through three distinct ecosystems while avoiding the 38°C+ (100°F+) heat that makes summer rides miserable. April's moderate rainfall keeps the trail dust-free but not muddy like winter months.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost $35-50 per day from downtown shops. Start early (8-10am) to complete the full trail before afternoon heat peaks. Look for hybrid bikes with wide tires for the mixed pavement and gravel sections. Current rental options available through booking platforms.

Tech Museum Interactive Experiences

April's variable weather makes indoor attractions essential, and IMAX shows paired with hands-on exhibits provide perfect 3-4 hour refuge during afternoon thunderstorms. The museum's earthquake simulator and flight simulators are comfortable year-round, while nearby attractions can become unbearable in summer heat. Spring school groups create buzz but not overwhelming crowds.

Booking Tip: General admission ranges $15-25, IMAX adds $8-12. Buy combo tickets online for 15% savings. Weekday mornings (10am-noon) have smallest crowds. Check current exhibit rotations in booking section below as special displays change quarterly.

Santana Row Shopping and Dining

The outdoor lifestyle center is designed for California's April weather - covered walkways protect from brief afternoon showers while allowing al fresco dining when it's 28°C (82°F) and sunny. Evening temperatures around 25°C (77°F) make the restaurant patios and outdoor bars comfortable until 10pm, something impossible during foggy summer nights.

Booking Tip: Restaurant reservations recommended 5-7 days ahead for weekend dinners. Lunch costs typically $18-35, dinner $35-65 per person. Visit Tuesday-Thursday for best availability and local pricing. Valet parking runs $8-12 but street parking is free after 6pm on most blocks.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park Hiking

April transforms this 1,573-hectare (3,889-acre) park with green hillsides and wildflower carpets that disappear by May. The moderate 22-28°C (72-82°F) temperatures make the steep 3.2 km (2 mile) climb to the historic mining sites manageable. You'll see California poppies and lupines at peak bloom while avoiding rattlesnake season that begins in late May.

Booking Tip: Free park entry with $6 parking fee. Guided historical tours available weekends for $12-18 per person - book through county parks website 2 weeks ahead as April is peak season. Bring 2+ liters of water as elevation gain reaches 305m (1,000 ft) and afternoon sun is intense.

Japanese Friendship Garden Photography Tours

The cherry blossoms peak during the first 2 weeks of April, creating the year's most spectacular photography opportunity. Morning light at 8-9am illuminates the pink petals against traditional architecture, while afternoon storms create dramatic cloud backdrops. This 2-week window attracts photographers from across Northern California who know it's the garden's annual highlight.

Booking Tip: Garden entry is $8-12 for adults. Photography workshops run $45-75 and book out completely during cherry blossom peak. Arrive by 8am for best light and smaller crowds. Weekday mornings offer nearly private access compared to weekend crowds of 200+ people. See current guided photography options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

San Jose Giants Baseball Season Home Opener

Minor league baseball at its finest with $12-28 tickets and a festive atmosphere as the season launches. The stadium's intimate setting means every seat offers great views, and April games avoid the summer heat that makes afternoon baseball uncomfortable. Local food vendors and craft beer selection rival major league stadiums at half the price.

First and second weekends of April

Cherry Blossom Festival at Japanese Friendship Garden

Two weekends of cultural performances, traditional tea ceremonies, and guided garden tours coinciding with peak cherry blossom bloom. Local taiko drumming groups and origami workshops create an authentic cultural experience beyond just flower viewing. This is when the garden looks most like Kyoto.

Late April weekend closest to April 22

Earth Day Festival at Discovery Meadow

Family-friendly outdoor festival with 100+ vendors, live music, and hands-on environmental activities. The perfect April weather makes this one of the year's most comfortable outdoor events, with food trucks, local craft booths, and educational exhibits about Bay Area conservation. Free admission draws 15,000+ attendees.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms are intense but brief, and umbrella becomes useless in the wind

Layered clothing system: t-shirt + light cardigan for 15°C (27°F) temperature swings between morning fog and afternoon sun

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 means burns happen in 15 minutes on exposed skin

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - morning dew and afternoon rain make surfaces slippery at outdoor attractions

Allergy medication if sensitive - April pollen count peaks at 8.2 grains per cubic meter, especially tree pollen

Portable phone charger - you'll use GPS constantly and indoor attractions have limited charging stations

Light backpack or daypack - weather changes require carrying layers, water, and rain protection

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps heat and feels sticky

Polarized sunglasses - essential for morning glare off wet surfaces and afternoon sun reflection

Water bottle (750ml minimum) - dehydration happens quickly when humidity jumps from morning fog to afternoon heat

Insider Knowledge

Local food trucks gather at Roosevelt Community Center every Tuesday 11am-2pm in April, offering authentic Mexican and Vietnamese food at $6-12 per meal - tourists never find this spot but it's where city workers eat

The municipal rose garden (free admission) peaks in late April with 3,500 rose bushes in bloom, rivaling expensive private gardens and located 800m (0.5 miles) from paid tourist attractions

Download the VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) app for real-time light rail updates - April construction projects cause delays that Google Maps doesn't reflect, but locals know the alternate bus routes

Farmers markets on Wednesday (downtown) and Saturday (Willow Glen) offer seasonal strawberries and artichokes at peak ripeness in April - vendors give samples and it's a genuine local experience for under $20

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities between 2-5pm when thunderstorms are most likely - reschedule for early morning or evening instead

Underestimating morning marine layer - many visitors plan sunrise activities only to find overcast skies until 10am on most days

Wearing dark colors in afternoon humidity - locals wear light colors and loose-fitting clothes to stay comfortable when heat index reaches 38°C (100°F)