Things to do in Leiden in April

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Overview

April is a good time to visit Leiden. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 43—55°F (6—13°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Leiden during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend King's Day celebrations in Leiden, visit the Leiden Botanical Garden, visit the National Museum of Antiquities, and more!

Leiden has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your April trip to Leiden. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to April. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Leiden in April. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout April, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Leiden in April

Top experiences in April
Attend King's Day celebrations in Leiden
On April 27th, the Netherlands celebrates King's Day, a national holiday filled with lively street markets, live music, and colorful parades. In Leiden, the city comes alive with orange decorations and festivities, including boat parties along the canals, outdoor concerts, and traditional Dutch games. It's a fun and festive way to experience Dutch culture and join in the national celebration.
Visit the Leiden Botanical Garden
In April, the Leiden Botanical Garden is bursting with new life as the spring flowers and plants come into bloom. The garden, which is the oldest in the Netherlands, features a wide variety of rare and exotic plants from around the world, as well as beautiful outdoor and indoor displays. It's a peaceful and serene escape from the city, perfect for nature lovers and plant enthusiasts.
Visit the National Museum of Antiquities
The National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden is home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including Egyptian mummies, Greek and Roman sculptures, and archaeological treasures from around the world. In April, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, offering visitors the chance to delve deeper into the fascinating world of ancient civilizations.
Explore the Leiden Windmill Museum
The Molenmuseum de Valk, or Windmill Museum, is a must-visit attraction in Leiden, especially in April when the surrounding landscape is alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and mechanics of windmills, as well as climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and countryside.
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Take a day trip to the beach in Katwijk or Noordwijk
In April, the weather in South Holland is starting to warm up, making it the perfect time to visit the nearby coastal towns of Katwijk and Noordwijk. Both towns offer beautiful sandy beaches, charming seaside promenades, and a relaxed atmosphere, providing a refreshing escape from the city and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Dutch coast.
Visit the Keukenhof Gardens
In April, the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, just a short drive from Leiden, are in full bloom with millions of tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers. The vibrant colors and sweet scents make for a truly magical experience, and the park also features art installations, themed gardens, and special events throughout the month.
Take a boat tour of Leiden's canals
In April, the weather in Leiden is starting to warm up, making it the perfect time to explore the city's picturesque canals by boat. Several companies offer guided tours that take you past historic buildings, charming bridges, and hidden courtyards, providing a unique perspective of the city's rich history and architecture.
Take a bike ride through the flower fields
April is the perfect time to explore the stunning flower fields of South Holland by bike. Rent a bicycle and pedal through the countryside, where you'll be surrounded by endless fields of blooming tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. The vibrant colors and fresh spring air make for a picturesque and unforgettable experience.
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Holidays in Leiden in April
April

There are no holidays in Leiden in April

Weather in Leiden in April

Temperatures on an average day in Leiden in April

The average temperature in Leiden in April for a typical day ranges from a high of 55°F (13°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Leiden, August, has days with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Leiden in April based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in April
55°F
highs
43°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
21%
Chance of rain
0.049 in
Amount
15.7 mph
Wind speed
75%
Humidity
13.9 hrs
Daylight length
6:46 AM
Sunrise
8:38 PM
Sunset
48%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in April
With an average high of 55°F (13°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Leiden in April

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Leiden has to offer for travelers in April, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Leiden that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Leiden for April.
Corpus
1. Corpus
4.3
(6728)
Museum
Conference center
Giant medically accurate model of the human body with walk-through audio tour from knee to brain.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden
2. Hortus Botanicus Leiden
4.5
(5733)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Botanical gardens, founded in 1590, with a tropical glasshouse, a winter garden & an airy cafe.
Burcht van Leiden
3. Burcht van Leiden
4.4
(4662)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
City park with the remains of a 12th-century castle fortification structure & dramatic views.
National Museum of Ethnology
4. National Museum of Ethnology
4.4
(3113)
Ethnographic museum
Museums
Permanent & temporary exhibitions from around the world, including many Japanese artifacts.
National Museum of Antiquities
5. National Museum of Antiquities
4.5
(5567)
Archaeological museum
Museums
National archaeology museum with noted collections of Egyptian, Greek & Roman artifacts.
Naturalis Biodiversity Center
6. Naturalis Biodiversity Center
4.4
(6631)
Natural history museum
Museums
Child-friendly natural history museum showing a giant squid, dinosaur bones & large rotating globe.
Molen De Valk
7. Molen De Valk
4.6
(739)
Museum
Information services
History museum telling the story of Dutch windmills and featuring an 18th-century windmill.
Pieterskerk, Leiden
8. Pieterskerk, Leiden
4.4
(1286)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark, 12th-century former church now hosting grand dinners & parties, conferences & trade shows.
Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
9. Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
4.5
(2589)
Science museum
Museums
Former hospital displaying scientific & medical objects dating back to 16th century.
Catootje aan de Markt
10. Catootje aan de Markt
4.7
(184)
Restaurant
Shopping
Japan Museum SieboldHuis
11. Japan Museum SieboldHuis
4.3
(1004)
Art museum
Museums
A center for Japanese culture that hosts exhibitions, workshops & lectures.
Museum De Lakenhal
12. Museum De Lakenhal
4.5
(1498)
Art museum
Museums
Artworks by Rembrandt, plus Delft crafts & local history in elegant, 17th-century clothmakers' hall.
Molen De Put
13. Molen De Put
4.6
(112)
Mill
Sights & Landmarks
Morschpoort
14. Morschpoort
4.5
(509)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Leiden American Pilgrim Museum
15. Leiden American Pilgrim Museum
4.5
(101)
Heritage museum
Museums
The world of the Pilgrim Fathers with 16th/17th-century artifacts exhibited in a 14th-century house.
Brasserie de Poort
16. Brasserie de Poort
4.4
(781)
Restaurant

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