When to go · Banff
Banff in April
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing). Across Canada: Thaw and mud; Rockies trails still snowy; Vancouver cherry blossoms.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) / −3°C (26°F)26°F (−3°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 12
- Crowds
- Low
- Canada overall
- Prices
- Low
- Canada overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing). Across Canada: Thaw and mud; Rockies trails still snowy; Vancouver cherry blossoms.
Is another month better than April?
April is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- JuneGreatInside Banff's best window: Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing.
- JulyGreatInside Banff's best window: Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing.
- AugustGreatInside Banff's best window: Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing.
- SeptemberGreatInside Banff's best window: Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing.
Weather in April
- BanffHighs around 9 °C (48 °F), lows around -3.5 °C (26 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 48 °F (9 °C), lows around 26 °F (-3.5 °C), rain on about 12 days
- Rockies, Canada · Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Yohocool
Lakes thaw in June; Moraine Lake road and many trails open about June–October; wildfire smoke in some summers; ski season December–April.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Canada overall
- Low
- Prices · Canada overall
- Low
Canada overall: Thaw and mud; Rockies trails still snowy; Vancouver cherry blossoms.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Banff, side by side.
Verdict
Apr: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Apr: 9 °C (48 °F)48 °F (9 °C)
Jan: -3.5 °C (26 °F)26 °F (-3.5 °C)
Night low
Apr: -3.5 °C (26 °F)26 °F (-3.5 °C)
Jan: -13.5 °C (8 °F)8 °F (-13.5 °C)
Rain days
Apr: 12
Jan: 12
Crowds
Apr: Low
Jan: Low
Prices
Apr: Low
Jan: Low
Festivals listed
Apr: 0
Jan: 0
April: Outside the best window (Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing). Across Canada: Thaw and mud; Rockies trails still snowy; Vancouver cherry blossoms.
January: Inside Banff's best window: Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing.
Banff: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket