Things to Do in Saint Petersburg in April

April Weather in Saint Petersburg

10°C (49°F) High Temp

2°C (35°F) Low Temp

38 mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

White Nights begin - daylight extends until 8:30pm by late April, giving you 16+ hours of sightseeing time daily compared to 7 hours in winter
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates 40-60% lower than summer peak, and you can book Hermitage timed entries just 2-3 days ahead instead of weeks
Perfect palace garden weather - Peterhof fountains restart April 27th with 10°C (49°F) temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration without summer crowds
Ice breaks on Neva River - canal boat tours resume mid-April, offering unique perspective of city architecture from water level

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather requires layered clothing - temperature swings from 2°C to 15°C (35°F to 59°F) within same day, plus frequent light rain
Mud season affects some suburban palaces - pathways at Tsarskoye Selo can be soggy from snowmelt until late April
Limited outdoor cafe culture - most rooftop bars and street terraces don't fully open until May, restricting evening dining options

Best Activities in April

Hermitage Museum Extended Tours

April's shoulder season means 30-40% fewer visitors than summer, allowing genuine appreciation of world-class art collections. Cool 8-12°C (46-54°F) indoor temperatures feel comfortable after chilly streets. Book timed entries easily 2-3 days ahead instead of summer's 2-week requirement.

Booking Tip: Reserve official timed entries online 2-3 days ahead for ₽700-1200 ($7-12). Extended 3-4 hour guided tours typically cost ₽3,500-5,000 ($35-50). Avoid ticket scalpers near Palace Square - official online booking is reliable and cheaper.

Peterhof Palace and Fountain Tours

Fountains ceremonially restart April 27th after winter shutdown - witness this magical spring awakening with minimal crowds. Cool 10°C (49°F) weather perfect for walking 200+ hectares (494 acres) of gardens. Golden autumn colors replaced by fresh spring greens.

Booking Tip: Fountain season opening tours cost ₽2,000-3,500 ($20-35) including palace entry. Book 1 week ahead for opening weekend. Hydrofoil boats from city center resume service weather permitting - 40-minute scenic journey costs ₽800-1200 ($8-12) each way.

Neva River and Canal Boat Tours

Ice breaks by mid-April, reopening water-level perspectives of baroque architecture impossible in winter. April's extended daylight until 8:30pm allows evening tours with golden light on palace facades. Water temperature keeps tourist boats uncrowded until May.

Booking Tip: Canal tours typically cost ₽1,200-2,500 ($12-25) for 1.5-2 hour routes. Evening departures start mid-April with best photography light 6-8pm. Book through licensed operators at pier locations - avoid advance booking until weather stabilizes around April 15th.

Mariinsky Theatre Opera and Ballet

April marks end of main season with star performers before summer break. Cool evening temperatures make formal dress comfortable, and shoulder season means better seat availability. Historic venue heating ensures comfort during 2-3 hour performances.

Booking Tip: Orchestra seats cost ₽4,000-12,000 ($40-120) depending on production. Book quality seats 2-3 weeks ahead through official website. Dress code enforced - bring layers as theatre can be cool. Performance typically start 7pm, ending by 10pm.

Metro Art and Architecture Tours

Underground 'palace' stations provide warm refuge during April's variable weather. Self-guided exploration perfect for rainy days - 10 most ornate stations accessible with single ₽60 ($0.60) ticket. Less crowded than summer tourist peak.

Booking Tip: Metro day passes cost ₽210 ($2.10) for unlimited rides. Guided metro tours typically ₽1,500-2,500 ($15-25) for 2-hour underground architecture focus. Photography allowed in most stations - bring charged phone/camera for low-light conditions.

Catherine Palace and Amber Room Tours

April's cooler temperatures make the 24km (15-mile) journey to Pushkin comfortable, and spring crowds haven't arrived. The famous Amber Room maintains perfect climate control year-round, while palace gardens begin showing early spring colors.

Booking Tip: Combined palace and park tickets cost ₽1,200-2,000 ($12-20). Audio guides add ₽500 ($5). Electric train from Vitebsk Station costs ₽65 ($0.65) each way, journey takes 35 minutes. Book palace entry 3-5 days ahead to guarantee access.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Easter Orthodox Celebrations

Russian Orthodox Easter typically falls in April with midnight services at Kazan Cathedral and St. Isaac's. Experience traditional kulich bread and paskha dessert at local markets. Church bells ring across city at midnight - unique cultural immersion opportunity.

Late April

Opening of Fountain Season at Peterhof

Annual ceremonial restart of 150+ fountains after winter shutdown, typically April 27th. Local families celebrate with picnics despite cool weather. First weekend draws thousands of Russians marking spring's arrival - authentic cultural experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots - cobblestones stay wet from melting snow and spring rain, ankle support essential for uneven surfaces

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 8-13°C (14-23°F) daily, pack lightweight merino base layers plus medium-weight sweater

Compact umbrella - spring showers occur 10-12 days per month, usually brief but frequent throughout day

Warm hat and gloves - early morning and evening temperatures drop to 2°C (35°F), wind from Baltic Sea adds chill factor

Comfortable indoor shoes - extensive museum walking requires supportive footwear, many venues have marble floors

Portable phone charger - extended 16-hour daylight drains batteries quickly when taking photos, outdoor charging limited

Light rain jacket - breathable shell protects from wind off Neva River, temperatures too warm for heavy winter coat

Sunglasses - UV index reaches 3-4 with bright reflection off wet pavements and remaining snow patches

Cash in small bills - many local cafes and market stalls don't accept cards, ATMs charge foreign transaction fees

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity plus indoor heating creates dry skin conditions, especially during long museum visits

Insider Knowledge

Locals wear rubber overshoes called 'galoshi' in April - practical footwear for wet cobblestones that tourists never think to bring

Museum heating systems run until April 15th, then switch to minimal settings - early April visits are warmer indoors than late April

Nevsky Prospect construction projects typically restart after winter freeze, causing pedestrian detours - allow extra 10-15 minutes for walking routes

April 2025 marks completion of new Admiralteyskaya Metro stations improvements - direct access to Hermitage area without surface walking

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming spring equals warm weather - April averages just 6°C (43°F), pack like you're visiting northern Canada in early fall

Booking accommodations near tourist areas without checking construction schedules - spring renovation season creates noise and blocked views

Planning extensive outdoor sightseeing without indoor backup plans - 10 rainy days means 33% chance of wet weather any given day