Things to Do in Lausanne in April

April Weather in Lausanne

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - cool mornings (8-12°C/46-54°F) ideal for Lake Geneva shoreline walks and vineyard trails without summer heat exhaustion
Tourist shoulder season means 40-50% lower accommodation rates and minimal crowds at major attractions like Olympic Museum and cathedral
Spring awakening in Lavaux vineyards - budding vines create stunning photography opportunities before summer tourist influx
Ideal conference and business travel weather - comfortable temperatures for outdoor networking events and lakeside meetings

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layering - can swing from 8°C (46°F) morning fog to 18°C (64°F) afternoon sun within hours
12 rainy days mean frequent light showers that can disrupt outdoor market visits and lakeside dining plans
Some seasonal attractions and mountain cable cars may have limited schedules or weather-dependent closures

Best Activities in April

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces Hiking

April offers perfect conditions for exploring UNESCO World Heritage vineyard terraces. Cool mornings (8-12°C/46-54°F) make the steep climbs comfortable, while budding vines create spectacular photo opportunities. The famous Lavaux Express train runs limited April schedules, making self-guided hiking more rewarding. Minimal crowds mean unobstructed Lake Geneva views from Cully to Montreux.

Booking Tip: Self-guided trails are free and well-marked. For guided wine tastings, book 3-5 days ahead as many domaines operate reduced April hours. Typical wine tasting fees range 15-25 CHF per person. Check weather forecasts and start early to avoid afternoon showers.

Lake Geneva Steamboat Cruises

April marks the full reopening of CGN steamboat services after winter maintenance. Cool, crisp air provides exceptional Alpine visibility across to Mont Blanc. The historic paddle steamers offer heated indoor salons perfect for April's variable weather. Tourist season hasn't begun, so deck space is plentiful and dining reservations easier to secure.

Booking Tip: CGN offers spring promotional rates in April, typically 20-30% below summer prices. Book day-of for flexibility with weather. Round-trip lake cruises range 25-45 CHF depending on route length. Reserve restaurant tables online for lunch cruises.

Olympic Museum and Ouchy Waterfront Walking

Perfect spring weather for combining indoor museum exploration with lakefront strolls. April's mild afternoons (15-18°C/59-64°F) make the museum's outdoor Olympic Park comfortable for families. The rose garden begins early blooming, and waterfront cafés reopen terraces with heaters for cool evenings.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets are 18 CHF adults, 10 CHF students. April sees 40% fewer visitors than summer months. Combine with lake walking - the Ouchy to Lutry coastal path (4.5km/2.8 miles) takes 90 minutes with museum stop. Book ahead for special exhibitions.

Gruyères and Chocolate Factory Day Trips

April weather is ideal for scenic drives through Swiss countryside to medieval Gruyères village. Cool temperatures make cheese fondue more appealing, and spring landscapes provide stunning photography. Maison Cailler chocolate factory offers indoor activities perfect for rainy April days, with seasonal Easter-themed demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Organized day trips typically cost 85-120 CHF including transport and tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend departures. Self-drive option via A12 takes 90 minutes each way. Gruyères castle and HR Giger Museum combination tickets offer best value at 23 CHF.

Lausanne Cathedral and Old Town Discovery

April's comfortable walking weather (no summer heat or winter ice) makes exploring Lausanne's steep medieval streets pleasant. The cathedral's night illumination begins earlier in April darkness, and fewer tour groups mean better photography opportunities. Spring cleaning reveals restored building details often obscured by summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Cathedral visits are free, but guided tours (15 CHF) operate limited April schedules. The historic Funi funicular connecting Ouchy to city center runs every 7-15 minutes. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough old town exploration including Place de la Palud market square.

Thermal Baths and Wellness Retreats

April's variable weather makes indoor wellness activities particularly appealing. Lavey-les-Bains thermal center (45 minutes from Lausanne) offers outdoor thermal pools perfect for cool spring evenings. Local spas provide seasonal detox treatments after winter, targeting spring energy renewal popular with Swiss wellness culture.

Booking Tip: Lavey-les-Bains day passes cost 32 CHF adults. April weekdays offer 20% discounts and smaller crowds. Book spa treatments 1-2 weeks ahead - spring is peak season for wellness tourism. Combine with scenic train journey through Rhône Valley vineyards.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

Lausanne Easter Market

Traditional Swiss Easter market in Place de la Palud featuring local artisans, seasonal foods, and handcrafted decorations. Local chocolatiers showcase Easter specialties, and spring flower vendors create colorful displays. Combines perfectly with cathedral visits and old town exploration.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - April's 12 rainy days bring frequent light showers lasting 15-45 minutes

Layering system: thermal base, fleece mid-layer, and light jacket for 10°C (18°F) daily temperature swings

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and vineyard trails can be muddy

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden showers during market visits and outdoor dining

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 reflects strongly off Lake Geneva water

Light wool sweater - evenings drop to 8°C (46°F) even after warm afternoons

Dress clothes for upscale restaurants - Lausanne maintains formal dining culture year-round

Portable phone charger - shorter April daylight means more indoor photography and navigation use

Small daypack - perfect for carrying layers as weather changes throughout hiking days

Warm hat and light gloves - early morning lake walks and hilltop viewpoints remain quite chilly

Insider Knowledge

Locals take advantage of April's shoulder season by booking weekend lake cruises and vineyard tours before summer prices increase by 40-60%

The Lausanne Palace hotel's rooftop bar reopens in April with heated terraces - best sunset views in the city with minimal tourist crowds

April is optimal for apartment hunting if considering longer stays - landlords show properties before peak summer rental season begins

Swiss punctuality becomes more flexible in April weather - trains and buses may run 5-10 minutes late during heavy morning rain, which locals expect and plan for

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - tourists pack only for forecast highs and get caught in 8°C (46°F) morning temperatures while waiting for attractions to open

Assuming summer schedules apply - many seasonal attractions, mountain lifts, and vineyard tours operate reduced hours or weekend-only service in April

Booking outdoor restaurant reservations without backup plans - April's 12 rainy days frequently force last-minute indoor alternatives that may be fully booked