April in Columbus is a total wildcard. Honestly, if you’re looking for a month that defines the phrase "identity crisis," this is the one. You’ve probably heard the old "April showers bring May flowers" bit, but in central Ohio, April is just as likely to bring a random dusting of snow or a 75-degree day that makes you want to quit your job and live at a park.
It’s that weird bridge between the gray slush of winter and the humid green of summer. One day you're wearing a heavy wool coat, and the next, you’re looking for your sunglasses. Basically, if you don't like the weather at 10:00 AM, just wait until lunch.
The Temperature Rollercoaster Is Real
If you look at the "official" numbers, they look pretty sane. The average high is around 64°F and the average low sits near 42°F. Sounds pleasant, right? Sorta.
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Those averages are deceptive because they hide the extremes. In April 2025, we saw temperatures swing into the 80s, but we also had nights where it dropped into the 20s. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, some days can be 10 degrees above normal while the very next week plunges 10 degrees below. It’s a literal see-saw.
Usually, the first half of the month is where the lingering winter chill hides. By the time you hit late April, the city starts to feel legitimately spring-like. But even then, there's no guarantee. I've seen people try to plant their gardens on a warm April 15th only to have a frost kill everything three days later.
Wait, Does It Actually Snow in April?
Actually, yes. It’s not just a myth your grandparents tell you.
While the average snowfall for April in Columbus is only about 0.5 to 1.1 inches, it happens more often than you'd think. Just look at the history books. Back in April 2018, the city was hit with a snowy streak where over half the days in the first two weeks saw at least a trace of snow. We even ended up with over 2.5 inches that month.
The latest "trace" of snow ever recorded in Columbus happened on May 15, 1904. So, while you probably won't be shoveling your driveway in late April, don't be shocked if you see some white flakes mixing in with the rain. It's usually that wet, heavy slush that disappears the moment it hits the pavement.
Why April Is the Real "Wet" Month
Most people think of April as the rainy month, and for once, the cliché is actually true.
- Total Rainfall: Usually around 3.2 to 3.8 inches.
- Wet Days: You’re looking at about 12 to 13 days with measurable precipitation.
- The Odds: There’s roughly a 43% chance of rain on any given day.
It’s not just light drizzles either. April 2024 was particularly messy, with several days of severe weather including high winds and even some localized flooding. The State Climate Office of Ohio has noted that as the atmosphere warms, these spring rain events are getting a bit more intense. You aren't just getting "showers"; you're getting actual thunderstorms that can drop an inch of rain in an afternoon.
Humidity and Wind: The Comfort Factor
Is it muggy? Not really. Not yet.
The humidity in April is usually "humid but cool," averaging around 60% to 76%. It feels crisp rather than sticky. The real kicker is the wind. Columbus is surprisingly breezy this time of year, with average speeds around 14 to 16 mph. That wind can make a 55-degree day feel much colder than it actually is, especially if you’re walking through the "wind tunnels" created by the buildings downtown.
Sunshine is also a bit of a premium. You only get about 7 hours of bright sun per day on average. About 50% of the time, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy. It’s a lot of "bright gray" days where the sun is trying to break through but doesn't quite make it.
Packing and Survival Tips
If you're visiting or just trying to survive a commute, you need a strategy. Layers aren't just a suggestion; they are a survival requirement.
- The "Three-Layer" Rule: Start with a t-shirt, add a hoodie or light sweater, and top it with a waterproof windbreaker.
- Footwear Matters: This is the muddiest month of the year. Avoid suede. Stick to leather or treated canvas that can handle a puddle.
- Don't Trust the Morning: If it's sunny when you leave the house, bring an umbrella anyway. The "pop-up" afternoon shower is the signature move of a Columbus April.
- Gardeners, Beware: Don't put your sensitive plants out yet. The "safe" frost-free date for central Ohio is usually Mother's Day in May. April is for pansies and snapdragons, not tomatoes.
April weather in Columbus is a test of patience. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and it’s occasionally frustrating. But when you get that one Tuesday where it’s 72 degrees, the cherry blossoms are out at the Statehouse, and the wind finally dies down? There’s nowhere better to be.
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Actionable Next Steps
Check the NWS Wilmington regional summary specifically for "departure from normal" trends before you plan outdoor events. If you're heading to a Columbus Crew game or a walk at Highbanks Metro Park, pack a poncho even if the sky looks clear; the lake-effect clouds can shift the forecast in under an hour.