Gdansk in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Gdansk

12°C (53°F) High Temp

3°C (38°F) Low Temp

33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Tourist season hasn't started - attractions like Cracow and Neptune Fountain have minimal crowds, perfect for photos without people in the background
Hotel prices are 40-50% lower than summer rates, with premium Old Town hotels available for €60-80 per night instead of €120+ in peak season
Spring blooming transforms the city - Oliwa Park and Westerplatte Memorial are spectacular with cherry blossoms and emerging greenery, ideal for walking tours
Perfect weather for exploring on foot - cool enough for comfortable 3-4 hour walking tours of the Old Town's 1 km² (0.4 mi²) historic center without overheating

Considerations

Unpredictable weather means you'll experience sunshine, rain, and cool winds all in one day - pack layers and waterproof gear
Some waterfront restaurants and Baltic Sea activities operate limited hours or remain closed until May, reducing dining options along the harbor
Daylight varies dramatically - early April has 13 hours of daylight while late April extends to 15 hours, affecting your sightseeing schedule planning

Best Activities in April

Old Town Historical Walking Tours

April's cool temperatures (12°C/53°F highs) make this perfect for exploring Gdansk's reconstructed medieval center without summer heat exhaustion. The spring light creates ideal photography conditions for the colorful facades along Długa Street. Tourist groups haven't arrived yet, so you'll have unobstructed views of the Kiev and Artus Court.

Booking Tip: Book historical walking tours 3-5 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost 80-120 PLN per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Look for guides certified by the Polish Tourist Organization. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Westerplatte and WWII Memorial Tours

April's emerging spring weather eliminates the harsh winter conditions that make this outdoor memorial site uncomfortable. The 7 km (4.3 mile) peninsula is perfect for contemplative walks, and you'll avoid the summer crowds that can detract from the solemn atmosphere. Cherry blossoms around the monument create a poignant contrast to the historical significance.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 100-150 PLN including transport from Old Town. Book 5-7 days ahead as local schools often visit in April. Choose tours that include both Westerplatte and the European Solidarity Centre. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Oliwa Cathedral and Park Exploration

April transforms Oliwa Park into a spring showcase with blooming magnolias and cherry trees, making the 12 km (7.4 mile) trip from city center worthwhile. The famous cathedral organ concerts resume regular schedule after winter break, and the cooler weather makes the 2 km (1.2 mile) park walks comfortable for all fitness levels.

Booking Tip: Organ concerts happen Fridays at 15:00 and cost 15-25 PLN. Combined park and cathedral tours range 60-90 PLN. Book concert tickets 1 week ahead through the cathedral directly. See current combined tour options in booking section below.

Baltic Sea Coastal Walks

April's moderate temperatures make the windswept coastline manageable, though bring windproof layers as Baltic breezes can drop the perceived temperature by 5°C (9°F). Jelitkowo Beach, 8 km (5 miles) from Old Town, offers 6 km (3.7 miles) of uncrowded shoreline perfect for photography and reflection. Sea temperatures are still cold at 6°C (43°F), but the dramatic spring skies create spectacular sunset conditions.

Booking Tip: Coastal hiking tours cost 70-100 PLN for half-day experiences including transport. Book 3-4 days ahead through outdoor activity operators. Look for tours that include both Jelitkowo Beach and Sopot pier access. Current coastal tour options in booking section below.

Amber Museum and Jewelry Workshop Tours

April's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential for rainy days (expect 10 rainy days this month). The Amber Museum in the Foregate showcases the Baltic's 'gold' with hands-on workshops where you can create jewelry. The cool spring weather is perfect for walking between the museum and nearby amber shops without summer heat affecting the delicate pieces.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs 12-18 PLN, workshops add 40-80 PLN depending on complexity. Book jewelry workshops 5-7 days ahead as they limit groups to 8 people. Combined museum and workshop experiences typically run 60-120 PLN. See current workshop options in booking section below.

Craft Beer and Local Food Tours

April marks the return of outdoor beer garden season, though most operate limited hours until May. The cooler weather is perfect for walking between traditional milk bars and modern craft breweries within the 2 km² (0.8 mi²) central area. Spring seasonal beers debut in April, and pierogi with fresh spring vegetables become menu highlights at local restaurants.

Booking Tip: Food and beer tours range 120-180 PLN for 4-5 hour experiences including 4-6 stops. Book 7-10 days ahead as group sizes are limited to 12 people for authentic venues. Look for tours including both traditional milk bars and modern craft breweries. Current food tour options available in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Easter Markets in Long Market

Traditional Polish Easter markets fill the Long Market square with handcrafted decorations, painted eggs, and seasonal foods. Local artisans demonstrate traditional egg painting techniques and sell unique amber jewelry combined with Easter motifs. The market operates with extended hours leading up to Easter Sunday.

Mid April

St. Dominic's Fair Preparation Festival

Local craftspeople and merchants hold workshops and demonstrations preparing for the summer fair season. This gives visitors insight into traditional Gdansk crafts like amber working, wood carving, and traditional Polish pottery without the summer crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 3°C (38°F) mornings to 12°C (53°F) afternoons, requiring base layer, insulating layer, and outer shell

Waterproof jacket with hood - spring showers are frequent and sudden, lasting 15-45 minutes with little warning

Comfortable walking boots with good tread - cobblestone streets in Old Town become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily

Lightweight scarf and hat - Baltic winds can make 12°C (53°F) feel like 7°C (45°F), especially near the waterfront

Small umbrella - compact enough for day bags but essential for sudden spring downpours in the narrow Old Town streets

Sunglasses - April sun can be surprisingly bright reflecting off wet cobblestones and building facades

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with cool winds creates dry skin conditions

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively navigating the historic quarter

Cash in small denominations - many traditional milk bars and small amber shops don't accept cards, and tips for tour guides are customary

Light gloves - handling cameras and phones in cool, windy conditions becomes uncomfortable without protection

Insider Knowledge

Visit Cracow between 10:00-11:00 AM when natural light streams through the medieval windows creating the best interior photography conditions, and tourist groups haven't arrived yet

Take tram line 6 or 12 to Oliwa instead of tour buses - costs 3.80 PLN versus 40+ PLN for tourist transport, and locals use these lines to reach the cathedral for regular services

Book restaurant reservations for Friday and Saturday evenings even in April - while tourist crowds are minimal, locals celebrate spring weather by dining out more frequently

Amber authenticity test: real Baltic amber floats in salt water and feels warm to touch, unlike plastic imitations sold at tourist-focused shops near the main gates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evening temperatures - April days can reach 12°C (53°F) but drop to 3°C (38°F) after sunset, catching visitors in light clothing unprepared

Assuming all waterfront restaurants are open - many seasonal establishments don't resume full operations until May 1st, limiting dining options along the harbor

Not checking museum schedules - several attractions operate reduced April hours before summer season begins, and some close on specific weekdays for maintenance