The Grand National takes place on Saturday 11 April 2026 at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. Over 150,000 people attend the three-day Aintree Festival, with the majority descending on the course for the main event on Saturday. If you are going to be among them, or simply planning your race day viewing around the weather, here is what April in Liverpool typically looks like.
What April Weather Is Like in Liverpool
Liverpool sits on the north-west coast of England, exposed to Atlantic weather systems that make it one of the wetter cities in the country. April is transitional: winter is behind us, but genuine spring warmth is not yet reliable.
Here is a typical April weather profile for the Liverpool area:
| Metric | April Average (Liverpool) |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 11 to 13°C |
| Overnight low | 4 to 6°C |
| Rain days | 10 to 12 days in the month |
| Sunshine hours | 4 to 5 hours per day |
| Wind | Moderate westerlies common |
What that means in practice: on Grand National day you can reasonably expect cool temperatures, a reasonable chance of showers, and occasional blustery spells. You might be lucky and get a bright, dry afternoon. You might get persistent drizzle with a cold wind. The most common scenario is something in between: a few showers, some sunshine, and temperatures that feel colder than they look on paper once the wind picks up.
Why April Weather Matters for the Race Itself
Beyond what you wear on the day, weather has a direct effect on the race. The Grand National is run over a course that requires up to 10 minutes of racing, and ground conditions play a significant role in how horses perform.
The Going
The "going" in racing describes the condition of the ground, ranging from firm (fast, hard ground) to heavy (deep, waterlogged). Aintree in April typically rides good to soft or soft, meaning some moisture in the ground. This favours horses with stamina over pure speed.
If there is significant rainfall in the week before the race, the going can shift to heavy, which dramatically changes the dynamics. Horses that have won on heavy ground before become far more interesting; those that need faster conditions become difficult to recommend.
Aintree also has an artificial watering system, so even in a dry April the course managers can add moisture to ensure the going is safe. Check the going report on race morning: it is updated as conditions change and can influence your selections significantly.
Visibility and Conditions for Riders
Strong winds at Aintree can affect the jump at The Chair and create unpredictable landing conditions at Becher's Brook. Jockeys adjust their approach in windy conditions, typically taking a wider line into fences to allow more room for error. In extreme wind, the race can feel more chaotic than usual.
Rain during the race itself is common and generally manageable. Foggy or misty conditions are rare in April but can occasionally reduce visibility for spectators and in extreme cases affect race management.
What to Wear to Aintree in April
Getting the outfit right for Aintree requires balancing the occasion (a formal race day with dress codes on certain enclosures) with the practical reality of standing outside in British April weather for several hours.
The Basics
- Layers are your friend. Start with a base layer, add a mid-layer if the forecast is cold, and have a waterproof jacket or a coat that works over formal clothing
- Waterproof footwear is strongly advisable. The lawns and grass areas around the course can become muddy after rain. Stilettos are a genuine hazard; block heels or ankle boots are much more practical
- A small umbrella fits in most bags and earns its weight if the rain comes in during the afternoon
- Hats are encouraged in many enclosures, but secure them if the wind is forecast: lost hats are a Grand National tradition in their own right
Dress Codes by Enclosure
| Enclosure | General Dress Code |
|---|---|
| Queen Mother Stand | Smart casual to smart |
| County Stand | Smart; hats encouraged for women |
| Princess Royal | Smart casual |
| Tattersalls | Smart casual; more relaxed |
If in doubt, smarter is safer. Aintree's dress code pages on the official Jockey Club site have up-to-date guidance for each enclosure.
Planning Your Day Around the Weather
A few practical pointers if you are attending or hosting a viewing party:
Arrive early. Aintree fills up over the course of the morning. If you arrive early, you can choose your spot and settle in before the weather changes. Late arrivals often end up in exposed positions.
Check the Met Office forecast the morning of the race. Long-range forecasts are useful for planning outfits, but the morning forecast on 11 April will give you the most accurate picture of what the afternoon holds. The Met Office app provides hourly breakdowns.
Pack snacks and something warm to drink. The queues for food and hot drinks at Aintree can be long on the busiest days. A flask of tea or coffee is a sensible addition to your bag if you want to keep warm without queuing.
Have a plan if the weather deteriorates sharply. Most of Aintree's enclosures have covered areas, but they fill quickly in heavy rain. Know where the nearest shelter is from your chosen viewing spot before you need it.
The Best Weather Scenarios for the Race
Good to soft going, dry afternoon, light breeze: Near-ideal conditions. The course rides well, jumping is clean, and the full drama of the race plays out as the crowd intended.
Soft to heavy going, scattered showers: Still compelling racing but with more emphasis on stamina. Expect slower times and more attrition in the field.
Heavy rain throughout: Rarer but memorable. Heavy ground Grand Nationals are usually won by a grinding, relentless stayer rather than a slick jumper. The atmosphere in the stands can be extraordinary.
Whatever the weather throws at Aintree on 11 April, the Grand National delivers. Dress for the conditions, pick your spot early, and enjoy one of the great days in the British sporting calendar.
