Tehran - Things to Do in Tehran in April

Tehran in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Tehran

22°C (72°F) High Temp
12°C (54°F) Low Temp
36 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect temperatures for walking - mornings start cool at 12°C (54°F), warming to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by afternoon, ideal for exploring Tehran's sprawling bazaars and mountain trails
  • Nowruz aftermath means fewer crowds at major attractions like Golestan Palace and Banjul - locals are back at work after the 13-day holiday period
  • Alborz Mountains are at their most spectacular with snow-capped peaks clearly visible on pollution-free days, perfect for day trips to Tochal or Darband hiking
  • Spring produce floods Tehran's markets - fresh herbs for Persian New Year dishes are abundant and cheap, making cooking classes and food experiences exceptional

Considerations

  • Unpredictable spring weather means you'll experience all four seasons in one day - pack layers as morning frost can turn into warm afternoon sun within hours
  • Air pollution spikes on windless days when temperatures invert - consider indoor activities like museums when AQI exceeds 150
  • Many government offices and tourist sites have irregular hours as staff return from Nowruz holidays - call ahead or risk closed attractions

Best Activities in April

Alborz Mountain Day Hikes

April offers the perfect window for mountain hiking before summer heat arrives. Snow melt creates rushing waterfalls in Darband and Tochal areas, while temperatures remain comfortable for the 2-3 hour climbs to traditional teahouses. Locals flock here on Fridays for family picnics, creating authentic cultural experiences.

Booking Tip: Join group hikes through local mountaineering clubs or book private guides through licensed operators. Cost typically ranges 800,000-1,500,000 IRR ($15-30). Book 3-5 days ahead as weekend slots fill quickly. Look for guides with mountain rescue certification.

Grand Bazaar and Traditional Craft Workshops

April's mild weather makes navigating Tehran's covered bazaars comfortable without summer's stifling heat. Post-Nowruz period means artisans are restocking with fresh inventory, and you'll find carpet weavers, metalworkers, and spice merchants at their most productive. The 1 km (0.6 mile) bazaar complex is perfect for 3-4 hour explorations.

Booking Tip: Book guided bazaar tours with cultural context through certified tour operators, typically 1,200,000-2,000,000 IRR ($25-40) for 4-hour experiences. Private craft workshops cost 2,500,000-4,000,000 IRR ($50-80). Reserve craft sessions 1 week ahead.

Persian Garden and Palace Tours

April showcases Tehran's historic gardens at their peak with spring blooms and comfortable walking temperatures. Golestan Palace, Sa'Dabad Complex, and Niavaran Palace offer 2-3 km (1.2-1.8 mile) walking circuits through manicured gardens without summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat. Cherry blossoms peak in mid-April.

Booking Tip: Purchase combination tickets for palace complexes to save 30-40%. Private guided tours cost 1,500,000-2,500,000 IRR ($30-50) for half-day experiences. Book morning slots (9-11am) for best light and smaller crowds. See current palace tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Hammam and Wellness Experiences

April's variable weather makes traditional Persian bathhouses particularly appealing after cool mountain mornings or dusty bazaar afternoons. Historic hammams in old Tehran quarters offer real feels with rose water treatments and traditional massage techniques, perfect for 2-3 hour relaxation sessions.

Booking Tip: Book traditional hammam experiences through cultural tour operators, typically 1,800,000-3,500,000 IRR ($35-70) including treatments. Reserve women's sessions 5-7 days ahead as they're limited. Look for hammams with historical significance and traditional architecture.

Modern Art and Museum Circuit

April's unpredictable weather makes Tehran's world-class museum scene ideal for flexible itineraries. Tehran Museum Of Contemporary Art, Banjul, and Carpet Museum offer climate-controlled environments showcasing Iran's artistic heritage. Each venue requires 2-3 hours, perfect for rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Purchase Tehran Museum Pass for 40% savings on multiple venues. Private art history tours cost 2,000,000-3,500,000 IRR ($40-70) for full-day experiences. Book cultural tours through licensed operators with art history expertise. Check current museum tour options in booking section below.

Food Market Tours and Cooking Classes

Post-Nowruz April brings fresh spring ingredients to Tehran's neighborhood markets. Tajrish Bazaar and local fruit markets overflow with herbs, early fruits, and specialty ingredients. Cooking classes focusing on Persian New Year dishes are readily available with fresh, seasonal ingredients at their peak quality.

Booking Tip: Book market tours with cooking class combinations through culinary tour operators, typically 2,500,000-4,500,000 IRR ($50-90) for 5-6 hour experiences. Home cooking classes with local families cost 1,500,000-2,500,000 IRR ($30-50). Reserve 1 week ahead for real feels.

April Events & Festivals

April 2nd

Nature Day (Sizdeh Bedar)

April 2nd marks Iran's Nature Day when entire families picnic outdoors to complete Nowruz celebrations. Parks across Tehran transform into massive picnic grounds with traditional music, food sharing, and kite flying. Join locals in Mellat Park, Laleh Park, or mountain parks for authentic cultural immersion.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with thermal base layer for 12°C (54°F) mornings, add cotton shirt for 22°C (72°F) afternoons, removable fleece for temperature swings
Waterproof jacket with breathability - 36 mm (1.4 inches) of rain over 10 days means frequent light showers, not heavy downpours
Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - bazaars and mountain trails cover 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces
High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index of 8 at Tehran's 1,200 m (3,937 ft) elevation burns quickly, especially with mountain reflection
Pollution mask or scarf - AQI frequently exceeds 100, particularly problematic for those with respiratory sensitivity
Modest clothing including headscarf - women need loose-fitting clothes covering arms/legs plus headscarf for all public spaces
Portable phone charger - temperature swings from 12-22°C (54-72°F) drain batteries faster, essential for navigation and translation apps
Cash in small denominations - many traditional bazaars and teahouses don't accept cards, carry 500,000-1,000,000 IRR notes
Insect repellent - spring weather brings mosquitoes to garden areas and mountain streams, especially problematic at dawn/dusk
Compact umbrella - afternoon showers arrive quickly but last only 20-30 minutes, easier than full rain gear

Insider Knowledge

Friday mornings offer the best mountain hiking experience - locals start early to avoid afternoon crowds, and you'll find authentic teahouse culture in full swing by 10am
Bazaar vendors restock Thursday nights after weekend sales - hit Grand Bazaar early Thursday or Saturday for freshest inventory and better prices
Many restaurants close between 2-5pm during April as owners adjust to post-Nowruz schedules - plan lunch before 2pm or after 5pm to avoid disappointment
Tehran's metro extends to mountain areas now (2025 updates) - Line 1 connects directly to Tajrish for Darband hiking access, saving 45 minutes versus taxi traffic

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking layers - tourists pack for either cold OR warm weather, not both, then suffer through 10°C (18°F) temperature swings throughout the day
Planning outdoor activities during midweek government holidays - many post-Nowruz administrative holidays extend through early April, affecting site access and tours
Ignoring Friday prayer times - major attractions close 11:30am-2pm Fridays for prayers, disrupting sightseeing plans if not factored into scheduling

Activities in Tehran