Have you ever thought about visiting Milan in April? Other Italian destinations like Florence or Rome probably come to mind first planning a spring getaway, but trust me, April is one of the best months to experience this stylish, culture-packed Italian city.
Why? Well, in Milan in April the weather is pleasantly mild, spring is in full bloom, and the city’s event calendar is overflowing with world-class cultural happenings — from art fairs to design showcases, iconic races, and even historic national celebrations.
Milan is often considered a business-focused, fast-paced city, but in April, it reveals a softer, more romantic side. Think blossoming trees lining the streets, locals gathering at outdoor cafes, and parks bursting with flowers. Not to mention, Milan’s famous aperitivo culture becomes even more enjoyable when you can sip a spritz by the canals at sunset without the chill of winter.
The flipside of the coin is that April also marks the start of shoulder season, which also means increased tourist numbers compared to the quieter winter months. On top of that, April is also the month of Design Week, attracting crowds of professionals and design enthusiasts from all over Europe. It’s probably the busiest and most expensive week of the year in Milan, but the atmosphere is really wonderful.
Ready to explore Milan in April? Let’s dive into the city’s weather, what to pack, unmissable events, and insider tips for making the most of your trip.
Weather in Milan in April
Did you know that Milan’s spring weather can be surprisingly unpredictable? While April usually brings mild temperatures and sunny days, occasional rain showers can catch you off guard. But here’s the good news: even the rain adds a certain charm to Milan, making its cobblestone streets glisten and giving its historic buildings a moody, cinematic feel.
Overall, April is a comfortable month for sightseeing, with longer daylight hours and temperatures that are just right — warm enough for outdoor activities but still cool enough for exploring the city’s museums and galleries without breaking a sweat.
Average Temperatures
Let’s talk numbers — after all, knowing what to expect weather-wise can make packing so much easier! In April, Milan enjoys a pleasant climate that’s perfect for walking tours, park picnics, and even day trips to the nearby lakes.
Average high temperatures range between 13-15 °C (55-59°F) at the start of the month, warming up to 18-20°C (64-68°F) towards the end of April. At night, temperatures dip as low as 8-10°C (46-50°F).
Here’s the thing: mornings and evenings can still be chilly, especially if you’re sitting outside for dinner or strolling along the Navigli after sunset. That’s where layering comes in handy. During the day, you can expect plenty of sunshine, especially toward the end of the month when temperatures start to climb even higher. However, if you’re planning to be out the whole day, make sure you pack something warm!
What to Wear
Milan in April is all about mastering the art of layering. You’ll want to dress comfortably for sightseeing, but bear in mind that it can get warm during the day, especially if it’s sunny, and considerably colder as soon as the sun goes down.
Also, Milan is indeed a fashion capital, but you don’t have to “look stylish to blend in with the chic locals”. I mean, you can if you want to, but not all Milan locals are stylish or care about fashion. Just dress as you would in any other city, nobody would judge you. Trust me, I am a local, born and raised in Milan.
Here’s what we recommend packing for your trip to Milan in April:
• Light Jacket or Blazer: A practical outer layer for mornings and evenings.
• Sweaters and Long-Sleeve Tops: Great for layering under jackets or wearing alone on warmer days.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Milan is a walkable city, and the cobblestone streets of the city center can be tough on fancy shoes.
• Umbrella or Waterproof Jacket: April showers are common, so be prepared.
• Jeans and Trousers: A versatile choice that works for both day and night.
Does It Rain in Milan in April?
Yes, it does rain in Milan in April — but not enough to spoil your trip. In fact, those short, refreshing spring showers often clear up quickly, leaving behind bright blue skies. On average, Milan experiences 8-10 rainy days in April, but don’t let that scare you off.
When it rains, take the opportunity to visit one of Milan’s many museums, indulge in some (window) shopping in the center, or settle into a cozy cafe with a caffé and a freshly baked brioche (the brekfast pastry called cornetto elsewhere in Italy).
And don’t forget — rain in Milan means fewer crowds at popular attractions, making your visit even more special.
April Events and Festivals in Milan
Did you know that April is one of Milan’s busiest months for events? Besides the world-famous Design Week, there’s also an interesting art festival, and Milano Marathon, one of the largest in Italy. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a design lover, or just someone looking to experience authentic Italian culture, Milan in April won’t disappoint.
Let’s take a closer look at the top events happening throughout the month:
Easter (Pasqua)
People in Milan usually celebrate Easter with their friends and family, with a delicious lunch featuring specialties like casatiello (a ring-shaped bread filled with cured meats, cheese and egg), roasted lamb or capretto (goat), and naturally uova di Pasqua (chocolate eggs).
You’ll notice decorated shop windows, and pastry shops selling traditional colomba, a sweet, dove-shaped Easter cake. Another traditional cake that many people have for Easter is pastiera, a Neapolitan specialty made with cooked wheat and lemon-scented ricotta.
If you are religious, we recommend attending Easter Mass at the Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Just be aware that it gets crowded, so arrive early if you want a good spot.
Easter Monday, known as Pasquetta, is a public holiday in Italy. It’s customary to head out of town for the day, and many locals head to the countryside or nearby lakes for picnics, so expect Milan to be quieter, with some businesses closed. On the other hand, places like Lake Como will be crowded and traffic may be heavier, especially if the weather is nice.
miart – Milan Art Fair
Are you passionate about contemporary art? Then you can’t miss miart, Milan’s international art fair held at the MiCo convention centre. It’s one of the most prestigious art events in Europe, featuring works from a diverse selection of artists, galleries and collectors.
Even if you’re not a serious art collector, miart is a fantastic opportunity to experience Milan’s cutting-edge creative scene through exhibitions, guided tours, and cultural talks.
The dates for 2025 will be April 4th-6th, and the exhibition will be divided in three sections – Established, featuring well-known 20th century artists, Portal, with works by artists that encompass more than one discipline, and Emergent, for experimental and younger artists.
Milan Design Week (Salone del Mobile/Fuorisalone)
Design Week typically takes place in mid-April, attracting scores of design enthusiasts to the city. 2025 dates are April 7th-13th.
During the week, two main events take place – Salone del Mobile, the official design and furniture fair, and Fuorisalone, including a program of design-focused installations and events happening in several locations around Milan.
Salone del Mobile is the world’s largest design and furniture fair, taking place at Fiera Milano in Rho. You need a ticket to access this exhibition, which is usually only given to professionals, but the city-wide Fuorisalone events are free for everyone to enjoy – save for some invitation-only events.
During Design Week, expect to see spectacular installations, pop-up galleries, and interactive exhibits in neighborhoods like Brera, Tortona, and Isola. Even if you’re not a design expert, the creative energy is infectious, and it’s like stepping into an open-air museum!
Milano Marathon
Are you a runner? Milano Marathon is one of Italy’s top sporting events, up to its 23rd edition in 2025, and attracts thousands of runners from around the world. The scenic route starts and ends in Piazza del Duomo and winds through Milan’s most iconic landmarks, including Castello Sforzesco, CityLife, the San Siro stadium and more.
It’s also one of Italy’s ‘fastest’ marathons, as the course is almost entirely flat and there are very little cobblestones (runners will know this is a very good thing!) – so if you are looking for the idea marathon to improve your PB, Milano is a very good marathon! That’s where I also got my personal best (3 hours 54, in case you were wondering).
Not a runner? No problem. Cheer on the participants or enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere, with live music, food stands, and entertainment along the marathon route. You also have the option of running the relay marathon for charity as a team of 4, perfect if you want to ‘breathe’ the marathon atmosphere but can’t quite make 42 km.
Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)
April 25th marks Liberation Day, a national holiday celebrating Italy’s liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II. In Milan, you’ll see parades, political speeches, and cultural events commemorating this historic day.
While many businesses close, major museums and landmarks remain open, so expect them to be more crowded than usual. It’s also a popular occasion for day trips, as being the end of the month the weather is usually good.
Things to Do in Milan in April
April is a good time to explore Milan, before the chaos of the high season kicks in. The weather is perfect for both indoor and outdoor adventures — for example, you can spend time in the park or take a trip to the lake on a nice day, and plan to visit churches and museums when it rains.
Here are some ideas to experience the best of the city, from well-known landmarks to parks and canals.
Visit the Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano is a true Gothic masterpiece, and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of Milan and the surrounding Alps — it’s especially breathtaking on a clear April day.
If you are planning to visit for Design Week, make sure you book your Duomo tickets in advance as it’s often very busy.
See The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is a must-see, but tickets sell out fast, so book well in advance. This legendary fresco, housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie, is one of the world’s most famous works of art.
We recommend booking a guided tour to learn more about the Last Supper, maybe including visits to other Leonardo masterpieces in Milan. Did you know that Leonardo spent several years of his life in Milan?
Picnic in Parco Sempione
Nothing says April in Milan like a picnic in the park — and Parco Sempione is always a great choice, given its vicinity to the city center.
Spend a perfect day visiting the museums of Sforza Castle and then exploring the park located just behind, the former hunting reserve of the Lords of Milan. Take some food with you — visit the stunning food shop Peck and grab some cured meats, cheeses, fresh focaccia, and a bottle of wine for a relaxing afternoon.
You can also grab panini from the two kiosks located just outside the castle, on either side of the fountain — one is football-themed, and in the other panini are named after politicians. Both are an excellent choice for quick eats!
Bike Ride Along the Navigli
Another popular activity to enjoy on a sunny April day in Milan is renting a bike and exploring Milan’s historic canals in the Navigli district.
Head to the Darsena, the artificial lake (and former harbour) about 15 minutes by tram from Piazza Duomo. From there, you can ride along the scenic Naviglio Grande, stopping at cafes, galleries, and vintage shops. The canal continues for 20 km all the way to Abbiategrasso, a smaller town with an interesting castle and historic centre, from where you can catch a train back.
If you have good legs, you can also ride along Naviglio Pavese for 30 km to the city of Pavia, visiting the Renaissance Certosa di Pavia monastery along the way.
Day Trip to Lake Maggiore
Spring is when the lakes start getting busy, especially during public holidays and nice weekends. April is the perfect time for a day trip to Lake Maggiore, less than two hours from Milan. It is not as popular as Lake Como, but it is just as picturesque, with a charming fin-de-siecle atmosphere and stunning mountains all around.
Take a train from Centrale or Garibaldi station to Stresa, a charming lakeside town, from where you take a boat tour of the Borromean Islands, known for their stunning palaces and gardens. Isola Bella is a true marvel, an entire island turned into a whimsical Baroque palace, Isola Madre is known for its botanical gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori is the only permanently inhabited of the three.
Another interesting town to visit is Arona, another chilled town on the shores of the lake, known for its large statue of San Carlo Borromeo – affectionately known as ‘sancarlone’.