Things to Do in San Jose in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in San Jose

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season temperatures - highs around 26°C (79°F) with cool 16°C (61°F) evenings ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining without summer heat
Cherry blossom season in nearby Japanese Friendship Garden and Kelley Park blooms peak in early April, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops
Tech conference season brings energy to downtown with SAP Center events, plus hotel rates drop 20-30% after March business travel peaks
Farmers market season launches with perfect weather for outdoor food tours - Saturday San Jose Farmers Market reopens full outdoor operations

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - April brings 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon showers that can disrupt outdoor plans without warning
Tourist shoulder season means some seasonal attractions have reduced hours or maintenance closures before summer opening
Morning fog from San Francisco Bay can linger until 11am, affecting early outdoor activities and photography

Best Activities in April

Silicon Valley Tech Campus Tours

April's mild weather makes walking tours of Google, Apple, and Facebook campuses comfortable. Post-earnings season means fewer corporate restrictions and some campuses offer special spring programming. Morning tours avoid afternoon rain and fog burns off by 11am.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified tour operators. Tours typically cost $45-65 per person. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) that include transportation. See current tech tour options in the booking section below.

Winchester Mystery House Extended Tours

Perfect indoor backup for rainy April days. Spring maintenance is complete and special 'Behind the Scenes' tours launch in April before summer crowds. Cool indoor temperatures provide relief from variable outdoor conditions.

Booking Tip: Extended tours ($39-55) book out 2 weeks ahead in April. Regular tours available same-day. Purchase online for 10% discount. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting

April is crush season with perfect 26°C (79°F) temperatures for outdoor tastings. Vines are budding and tasting rooms reopen patios after winter. Ridge Vineyards and other mountain wineries offer special spring releases.

Booking Tip: Book designated driver tours ($85-120 per person) 10-14 days ahead. Look for tours that include 3-4 wineries with lunch. Mountain roads require experienced operators with proper insurance. See current wine tour options below.

San Francisco Bay Kayaking

Ideal water conditions in April - bay temperatures reach 16°C (61°F) and afternoon winds are lighter than summer months. Harbor seal pupping season provides wildlife viewing opportunities near Elkhorn Slough.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $65-85 including equipment. Book with certified operators offering wetsuits and safety briefings. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon wind. Check current kayaking tours in booking section below.

Gilroy Garlic Farm Experiences

Spring planting season offers behind-the-scenes farm tours before summer festival crowds. April weather is perfect for outdoor experiences and garlic scapes are harvesting. Local farms offer cooking classes using fresh spring produce.

Booking Tip: Farm tours typically $25-40 per person, cooking classes $75-95. Book directly with farms 1 week ahead. Saturday tours most popular. Transportation not included - rental car recommended for flexibility.

Almaden Quicksilver Mining Park Hiking

Perfect hiking weather with wildflower blooms peaking in April. Trail conditions are ideal after winter rains but before summer heat. Historic mining sites and 58 km (36 miles) of trails offer options for all fitness levels.

Booking Tip: Free park access, guided tours $15-25. Hiking groups meet weekends at 9am visitor center. Bring layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings between morning fog and afternoon sun. No advance booking needed for self-guided hikes.

April Events & Festivals

All of April

Silicon Valley Open Studios

Annual month-long event where local artists open private studios to public. Over 350 artists participate across South Bay with free studio visits, demonstrations, and art sales. Perfect indoor activity for rainy April days.

Mid April

Cherry Blossom Festival at Kelley Park

Japanese Friendship Garden hosts traditional festival during peak bloom period. Features tea ceremonies, taiko drumming, and traditional crafts. Bloom timing varies by weather but typically peaks early to mid-April.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket - April showers are sudden and can last 30-60 minutes with little warning

Layered clothing for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings between foggy mornings at 16°C (61°F) and sunny afternoons at 26°C (79°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - tech campus tours involve 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking on smooth concrete

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and bay area sun reflects off concrete and glass buildings

Light sweater or hoodie for evening dining - temperatures drop quickly after sunset

Compact umbrella fits in day bag better than bulky rain gear for unpredictable afternoon showers

Moisture-wicking fabrics instead of cotton - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable when damp

Sunglasses essential for morning fog glare and afternoon sun reflection off Silicon Valley's glass buildings

Day pack for wine country tours - most operators allow small bags but restrict large luggage

Cash for farmers markets and food trucks - many vendors don't accept cards despite tech-forward city reputation

Insider Knowledge

San Jose locals avoid outdoor lunch plans 12-3pm in April due to unpredictable shower timing - book indoor restaurants with patio options instead

Tech campus tours are more accessible in April because it's between major product launches and summer intern programs - fewer security restrictions

Downtown parking meters are free on Sundays and after 6pm weekdays - time wine country return trips accordingly to save $15-25 daily parking fees

Japanese Friendship Garden cherry blossoms peak 7-10 days earlier than San Francisco due to warmer South Bay microclimate - check their Instagram for real-time bloom status