Greensboro - Things to Do in Greensboro in April

Greensboro in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Greensboro

70°C (159°F) High Temp
48°C (118°F) Low Temp
2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect spring weather - daytime temperatures reach 21-24°C (70-75°F), ideal for outdoor festivals and concerts at venues like Tanger Center and downtown parks
  • Peak azalea and dogwood blooming season throughout April - Greensboro Arboretum and Bicentennial Garden offer spectacular displays that locals plan their weddings around
  • ACC Tournament aftermath energy - sports bars still buzzing, March Madness watch parties continue, and basketball culture is at its most accessible for visitors
  • Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - rates drop 25-30% compared to May graduation season, with downtown hotels averaging $95-120/night versus $140-180 in May

Considerations

  • Unpredictable rainfall pattern - 10 rainy days means frequent afternoon showers that can cancel outdoor events with little warning, particularly frustrating for planned picnics or outdoor concerts
  • Pollen count peaks in mid-April - tree pollen reaches severe levels (150-200+ grains per cubic meter), making outdoor activities miserable for anyone with allergies
  • Spring break exodus - UNCG students leave town, so the youthful energy in downtown bars and restaurants noticeably diminishes, particularly evident on Elm Street

Best Activities in April

Greensboro Science Center Adventure Zones

April's mild temperatures make the outdoor adventure components like the treetop challenge course and zip lines comfortable without summer's oppressive heat. The aquarium and indoor exhibits provide perfect rainy day alternatives during April's frequent showers. Animal activity peaks in spring breeding season.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online 3-5 days ahead for 10% discount. Combination passes including SkyWild aerial park typically cost $35-45. Choose morning slots (9-11am) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms that close outdoor attractions.

Historic Downtown Walking Food Tours

April's comfortable walking weather coincides with spring menu launches at downtown restaurants. Many establishments introduce seasonal dishes featuring local spring vegetables. The 70% humidity actually enhances food aromas, making this the year's best month for culinary exploration.

Booking Tip: Self-guided food crawls work best - download the Greensboro Food Trail app. Budget $60-80 for a full evening covering 4-5 stops. Book restaurant reservations for 6-7pm to avoid pre-theater dinner rushes from Tanger Center events.

Piedmont Greenway Cycling Adventures

The 8-mile greenway system connects multiple parks and offers perfect cycling conditions before summer heat arrives. April brings wildflower blooms along the trail corridors, and morning fog creates atmospheric photography opportunities. Trail maintenance is completed by April after winter.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes at multiple downtown locations for $25-35/day. Start early (7-9am) to capture morning mist photography and avoid afternoon storms. The full loop takes 2-3 hours including photo stops at notable bridges and art installations.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Historical Programs

April marks the anniversary month of the Revolutionary War battle (March 15, 1781), with extended programming continuing through April. Cooler temperatures make the 2.3-mile battlefield trail comfortable, and spring growth hasn't yet obscured historical sight lines that summer vegetation blocks.

Booking Tip: Ranger-guided programs run weekends in April, typically 10am and 2pm, lasting 90 minutes. Free admission but popular programs fill up - call ahead. Combine with nearby Tannenbaum Historic Park for a full historical day (5-6 hours total).

Bog Garden and Bicentennial Garden Photography Tours

Peak spring blooming season creates Instagram-worthy backdrops that draw wedding photographers from across the Triad. April mornings offer perfect lighting conditions, and the elevated boardwalk through Bog Garden provides unique wetland views before summer mosquito season begins.

Booking Tip: Golden hour (6:30-7:30am and 6:30-7:30pm) offers best lighting. Free admission but parking fills by 9am on weekends. Bring telephoto lens for bird photography - spring migration peaks in mid-April. Allow 2-3 hours for both gardens.

Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Pre-Season Training

The water park typically opens late April/early May, but April offers unique behind-the-scenes tours and season pass holder preview days. Staff training sessions sometimes allow public observation, giving insider access to North Carolina's largest water park before crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Follow their social media for surprise preview announcements in late April. Season passes (best value at $70-85) often go on sale during April preview events. Opening day weather dependent - call ahead to confirm seasonal opening schedule.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

North Carolina Azalea Festival

While the main festival is in Wilmington, Greensboro celebrates with its own azalea displays at local gardens and parks. The Greensboro Beautiful organization coordinates neighborhood garden tours showcasing private azalea collections, typically featuring 15-20 exceptional residential gardens.

Late April

Piedmont Earth Day Festival

Annual environmental celebration in downtown Greensboro featuring local sustainability vendors, educational exhibits, and live music. The event typically draws 5,000+ attendees and includes guided nature walks, electric vehicle displays, and local food trucks serving farm-to-table options.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - April's 10 rainy days feature sudden afternoon thunderstorms lasting 15-45 minutes, often with little warning
Allergy medication and nasal spray - tree pollen count exceeds 150 grains/cubic meter during peak blooming season, affecting even non-allergy sufferers
Layered clothing system - temperature swings of 15-20°F (8-11°C) between morning and afternoon require adaptable wardrobe choices
Waterproof phone case - protect devices during unexpected downpours while capturing spring blooming photos at gardens and parks
Comfortable walking shoes with grip - morning dew and frequent light rain make sidewalks and garden paths slippery until mid-morning
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with 70% humidity creates intense sun exposure that feels deceptively mild
Compact umbrella - more practical than bulky rain gear for brief afternoon showers while exploring downtown on foot
Insect repellent with DEET - warming weather activates mosquito populations around Bog Garden and greenway water features
Breathable cotton or linen shirts - synthetic fabrics trap moisture in 70% humidity, becoming uncomfortable by midday
Light sweater for evenings - temperatures drop to 48°C (118°F) making outdoor dining and evening events surprisingly cool

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants switch to spring menus in early April - ask servers about seasonal specials featuring ramps, morel mushrooms, and early asparagus that don't appear on printed menus
Downtown parking meters are free after 6pm and all day Sunday, but April's mild weather means prime spots near Tanger Center fill by 5pm on event nights
UNCG students typically leave for spring break during the second week of April, temporarily reducing crowds at popular coffee shops and late-night dining spots on Elm Street
Greensboro Farmers Market vendors begin selling spring seedlings and plants in April - locals know to shop early Saturday mornings for best selection of heirloom tomato varieties

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor events without weather backup plans - April's 10 rainy days include severe thunderstorms that can develop within 30 minutes, particularly between 2-6pm
Underestimating pollen severity - visitors often skip allergy precautions, then spend their trip miserable during peak tree pollen season that coats cars and outdoor surfaces in yellow dust
Booking accommodations during UNCG graduation week (early May) thinking it's still April pricing - rates jump dramatically, so verify exact graduation dates to avoid $200+/night hotel costs

Activities in Greensboro