What April feels like in Calgary
April is mid-spring in Calgary. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. The day–night swing is wide (about 12.2°C (22°F)): nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, so mornings and evenings feel very different from midday. The air is comfortable — neither muggy nor dry.
Rain in Calgary in April
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Wet days average about 4.4 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Calgary's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.3 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in April
On 15 April the sun rises at about 6:43 am and sets around 8:30 pm local time, giving 13 h 46 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 2 h more daylight than mid-March. Measured sunshine covers about 76% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
April is the 6th coolest month of the year in Calgary. Afternoons run 5.7°C (10.3°F) warmer than in March, with 17 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into May. The next month's average high: 16.3°C (61.3°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Calgary in April
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Calgary in April?
Afternoons average 9.9°C (49.8°F) and nights about -2.3°C (27.9°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 6th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Calgary in April?
Quite a lot — 39 mm spread over about 9 days.
What should I wear in Calgary in April?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is April or May better for visiting Calgary?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#3 of 12 vs #7), rated Good against Fair. May is warmer and has more rainy days.