Things to Do in Turin in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Turin
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring blooms transform the city - Parco del Valentino and the royal gardens hit peak color in April, with magnolias and cherry blossoms creating photo opportunities that summer visitors miss entirely
- Comfortable walking weather for Turin's arcade-covered streets - daytime temps around 15-18°C (59-64°F) are perfect for exploring the 18 km (11 miles) of porticoes without the summer heat or winter bite
- Easter traditions bring unique food experiences - pastry shops display elaborate chocolate eggs and colomba pasquale (dove-shaped Easter cake) that you won't find other months, plus Sunday markets have spring produce like fresh asparagus from nearby Santena
- Fewer tourists than summer months but everything's open - museums, cafes, and restaurants operate full schedules without the July-August crowds, meaning shorter lines at Egyptian Museum and easier reservations at historic caffès
Considerations
- Weather genuinely unpredictable - you might get 20°C (68°F) sunshine one day and 8°C (46°F) drizzle the next, making outfit planning frustrating and outdoor plans somewhat risky
- Occasional closure for Easter Monday - many shops and some restaurants close for Pasquetta (the Monday after Easter), which in 2026 falls on April 6th, potentially disrupting your itinerary if you're here that week
- Alpine day trips can still be chilly - if you're planning excursions to nearby mountains or Lake Como, temperatures drop significantly with altitude and some higher hiking trails might still have snow patches in early April
Best Activities in April
Royal Palace and Museum Circuit Tours
April's moderate temperatures make this the ideal month for Turin's palace-hopping circuit without summer's oppressive heat in unair-conditioned historical rooms. The Reggia di Venaria Reale gardens come alive with spring plantings, and indoor queue times at Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale average 15-20 minutes versus summer's 45+ minute waits. Morning tours (9-11am) offer the best light for photography in the ornate halls.
Piedmont Wine Region Day Trips
Late April marks the start of wine tourism season in Langhe and Barolo regions, about 60-90 km (37-56 miles) south of Turin. Vineyards show bright green spring growth, temperatures hover around 16-18°C (61-64°F) for comfortable cellar visits, and you'll avoid the summer tour bus crowds. Many wineries open their agriturismos (farm restaurants) for the season in mid-April after winter closures.
Po River Cycling Routes
April weather sits in the sweet spot for cycling Turin's riverside paths - warm enough to enjoy but cool enough that you won't overheat on longer rides. The 30 km (18.6 mile) path from Parco del Valentino to Superga Basilica offers manageable hills with spring wildflowers along the route. Bike paths stay relatively uncrowded on weekdays, though Saturday mornings see local cycling clubs out in force.
Egyptian Museum Extended Visits
The world's second-largest Egyptian collection deserves 3-4 hours, and April's unpredictable weather makes this an excellent rainy-day anchor activity. Recent 2024-2025 renovations added new interactive displays on the third floor. Afternoon slots (2-4pm) typically have lighter crowds than mornings when tour groups arrive. The museum's climate control makes it comfortable regardless of outside conditions.
Historic Caffe Culture Experiences
April's comfortable temperatures make Turin's legendary cafe culture particularly enjoyable - you can actually sit outside at places like Piazza San Carlo without freezing or sweating. Spring brings seasonal pastries like the Easter colomba and fresh fruit tarts that aren't available in winter. Late afternoon (4-6pm) merenda time lets you experience how locals actually use these historic spaces, not just tourists grabbing quick espresso.
Superga Basilica and Hill Town Visits
The rack railway up to Superga Basilica (672 m / 2,205 ft elevation) offers spectacular city and Alps views when April weather cooperates - aim for morning departures (9-11am) before afternoon clouds potentially roll in. Spring wildflowers bloom along hillside paths, and you'll dodge summer's heat and haze that obscures mountain views. Combine with nearby Pino Torinese for lunch at family-run trattorias.
April Events & Festivals
Salone Internazionale del Libro (Turin International Book Fair)
While the main fair typically runs in May, the 2026 edition may include late April preview events and author appearances - worth checking if you're a literature enthusiast. Italy's largest book fair brings hundreds of publishers, author readings, and literary panels to Lingotto Fiere convention center.
Easter Week Celebrations and Markets
Easter 2026 falls on April 5th, bringing special masses at Turin's baroque churches, particularly impressive at the Duomo which houses the Shroud of Turin. Piazza Vittorio Veneto hosts an Easter market with artisan chocolate eggs, regional food products, and spring flowers throughout the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Pasquetta (Easter Monday, April 6th) sees locals picnicking in Parco del Valentino.
Cioccolato Festival Preparation
While the main CioccolaTò chocolate festival happens in November-December, many chocolatiers debut their spring collections in April, particularly elaborate Easter eggs that showcase Turin's chocolate-making heritage. Shops along Via Garibaldi and Via Po display window installations worth seeing even if you're not buying.