Things to Do in Baltimore in April

April Weather in Baltimore

19°C (66°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

84 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Cherry blossoms peak at Sherwood Gardens and Patterson Park - thousands of Yoshino cherry trees bloom mid-to-late April creating Instagram-worthy backdrops without the crowds of DC
Perfect sailing weather in Chesapeake Bay - consistent 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) winds and 19°C (66°F) temperatures make April ideal for skipjack tours and harbor cruises
Baseball season begins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards - opening homestand typically occurs in April with ticket prices 40% lower than summer games ($15-45 vs $25-75)
Soft shell crab season starts - local restaurants begin serving Maryland's signature dish fresh from Bay waters, available through October but April offers the sweetest, most tender crabs

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) within 48 hours, requiring layered clothing and flexible outdoor plans
Afternoon thunderstorms 40% of days - typically 2-4 PM, lasting 30-45 minutes but can disrupt harbor activities and outdoor dining
Pollen levels peak mid-April - tree pollen reaches severe levels (150+ grains per cubic meter) affecting sensitive visitors, particularly around wooded areas like Druid Hill Park

Best Activities in April

Inner Harbor Waterfront Walking Tours

April's mild 19°C (66°F) afternoons are perfect for exploring Baltimore's crown jewel. Spring weather means comfortable 2-3 hour walks without summer's humidity or winter's harsh winds. Cherry blossoms frame harbor views, and outdoor dining patios reopen. Crowds are manageable compared to peak summer tourism.

Booking Tip: Book harbor cruises 7-10 days ahead as boat tours resume full schedules in April. Walking tours typically cost $15-25 per person. Choose afternoon departures (1-4 PM) for best weather, but have indoor backup plans for frequent April showers. See current tour options in booking section below.

Fort McHenry National Monument Historical Tours

Cool spring weather makes the 1.6 km (1 mile) waterfront walk to the fort comfortable, with fewer crowds than summer months. April's clear days offer excellent harbor views for photography. The star-shaped fort's outdoor exhibits are pleasant to explore without summer heat or winter closures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits are free, but ranger-led programs (typically $5-10) provide insider historical context. Book weekend programs 5-7 days ahead as they fill quickly in pleasant spring weather. Allow 2-3 hours for full experience including waterfront walk.

American Visionary Art Museum Indoor Experiences

Perfect rainy day activity for April's 10 precipitation days. This uniquely Baltimore museum showcases outsider art impossible to see elsewhere. Spring's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural attractions essential, and AVAM offers 3-4 hours of climate-controlled exploration.

Booking Tip: Admission typically $15-20 for adults. No advance booking needed except for special exhibitions. Visit on rainy afternoons (common in April) when outdoor activities are disrupted. Combine with nearby Federal Hill Park if weather clears.

Chesapeake Bay Sailing and Boat Tours

April marks the resumption of full sailing schedules after winter. Consistent spring winds (15-20 mph/24-32 km/h) and mild temperatures create ideal sailing conditions without summer's oppressive heat. Bay waters warm enough for comfortable 2-3 hour excursions, and marine life becomes more active.

Booking Tip: Book skipjack tours and sailing charters 10-14 days ahead as schedules expand in April. Tours typically cost $35-75 per person for 2-3 hour excursions. Choose morning departures (9-11 AM) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Licensed operators required for Bay waters.

Cherry Blossom Photography at Sherwood Gardens

Sherwood Gardens' 80,000 tulips and thousands of cherry trees peak in mid-to-late April, creating Baltimore's most spectacular spring display. Unlike crowded DC cherry blossoms, this northern Baltimore neighborhood offers intimate photography opportunities with locals' knowledge required to find it.

Booking Tip: Free admission to this residential neighborhood garden. Peak bloom typically April 15-30 depending on winter severity. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (5-7 PM) for best light and fewer visitors. No advance booking needed but check Baltimore.gov for bloom status updates.

Baltimore Orioles Baseball Games

Opening homestand occurs in April with crisp 15°C (59°F) evening games perfect for baseball. Camden Yards becomes comfortable without summer's humidity, and ticket prices remain low before tourist season peaks. April games offer authentic local atmosphere with fewer out-of-town visitors.

Booking Tip: Single game tickets $15-45 for most seating areas, significantly cheaper than summer games. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend games, day-of for weeknight games. Bring layers as temperatures drop 10°C (18°F) after sunset. Stadium opens 2 hours before first pitch.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Baltimore Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrating the peak bloom at Sherwood Gardens and throughout the city's parks. Features guided garden tours, photography workshops, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. Less commercialized than Washington DC's festival but equally spectacular blooms.

Early April

Opening Day Baltimore Orioles

Traditional season opener at Camden Yards with ceremonial first pitch, player introductions, and citywide baseball fever. Tickets become available in February and represent Baltimore's unofficial start of spring social season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - April showers occur 40% of days, lasting 30-45 minutes with little warning

Layering system (t-shirt, sweater, light jacket) - temperatures swing 15°C (27°F) between morning lows of 9°C (48°F) and afternoon highs of 19°C (66°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - harbor cobblestones become slippery when wet from frequent spring rain

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 6 on clear days, higher due to harbor water reflection

Allergy medication if sensitive - tree pollen peaks mid-April with severe levels around wooded areas

Compact umbrella - more practical than large umbrella for sudden afternoon thunderstorms in windy harbor area

Long pants for evening - temperatures drop quickly after sunset, making shorts uncomfortable for dinner or baseball games

Light scarf or neck warmer - harbor winds create wind chill effect, especially on boat tours

Insider Knowledge

Locals know Sherwood Gardens cherry blossoms peak 1-2 weeks after DC's Tidal Basin - track Baltimore.gov bloom updates rather than relying on Washington forecasts

April restaurant patios reopen but request indoor tables as backup - many establishments overestimate spring weather stability and outdoor seating can become uncomfortable quickly

Harbor boat tours resume full schedules in April but captains still cancel for small craft advisories - book morning departures to avoid afternoon thunderstorms that frequently disrupt 2-4 PM time slots

Patterson Park's pagoda offers the best free city skyline views in April when trees begin leafing but don't yet block sightlines - locals visit at sunset around 7:30 PM for optimal lighting

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - April's temperature swings catch visitors unprepared when morning starts at 9°C (48°F) despite afternoon forecasts of 19°C (66°F)

Scheduling too many outdoor activities - with 10 rainy days in April, visitors need 2-3 indoor backup plans for weather disruptions

Assuming cherry blossoms follow DC timing - Baltimore's blooms typically peak 1-2 weeks later due to slightly cooler harbor climate