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Thailand in April

Thailand in April: Songkran and the peak of the heat

April is the hottest month of the year and the month of Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival. The islands still have fine weather, the cities are sweltering and the whole country takes a holiday mid-month.

Kylian DevBy Kylian Dev

  • Good with the right region
  • Shoulder season
  • 17 ideal destinations
Good with the right region

Our verdict for April

April is a month for beaches and for Songkran. Both coasts are still in good shape, with the Andaman side enjoying its last reliable weeks before the monsoon. Bangkok and the north are at their hottest, and the north may still be smoky early in the month. If you are here from 13 to 15 April, expect to get very wet, and happily so.

North

Mixed

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai

The hottest time of year, often still hazy early in the month. Chiang Mai hosts the country's liveliest Songkran.

Bangkok & centre

Mixed

Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin

Scorching: Bangkok regularly reaches around 35°C with high humidity. Plan sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon.

Andaman coast

Great

Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta

Still good: sunny and calm for most of the month, with the first afternoon storms possible towards the end.

Gulf islands

Great

Koh Samui, Phangan, Tao

Very good: dry, sunny and calm on Samui, Phangan and Tao, a strong alternative to the busier Andaman side.

Region by region

Weather in Thailand in April, by region

The bar shows how many of our destinations in each region are in their ideal season. The strip shows the whole year, with this month outlined.

Method: each destination has a list of ideal months in our data; a region is rated from the share of its destinations in their ideal window. It is a planning guide based on typical seasons, not a forecast.

Where to go

Best places to visit in Thailand in April

The beaches are still the best bet in April. These destinations are in their ideal window.

Hua HinCentral & Bangkok

Hua Hin

Royal elegance, sea breeze and a pavilion in a cave

29°C€35 - 75 / day

Koh ChangEast (Koh Chang)

Koh Chang

Elephant Island: inland waterfalls and untouched jungle

29°C€25 - 50 / day

Koh TaoGulf of Thailand

Koh Tao

The mecca of scuba diving and sea turtles

29°C€28 - 50 / day

Koh PhanganGulf of Thailand

Koh Phangan

Two faces: legendary parties and zen yoga sanctuaries

29°C€30 - 65 / day

Koh SamuiGulf of Thailand

Koh Samui

The island of coconut palms, exceptional spas and Ang Thong marine park

30°C€50 - 120 / day

Khao SokAndaman Sea

Khao Sok

Ancient jungle, karst peaks and floating bungalows

27°C€40 - 75 / day

Also in their best season: Phuket, Krabi & Railay, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Koh Samet, Khao Lak, Koh Yao Noi, Trang Islands

Doable, off peak (11)

BangkokChiang MaiChiang Rai & the Golden TrianglePaiSukhothaiAyutthayaKanchanaburi & ErawanPattayaKhao YaiMae Hong SonNan

Outside their ideal window but usually fine to visit: expect some showers, heat or rougher seas.

Rainy season (0)

None this month.

In their rainy season according to our data. Still possible if you are flexible, but plan indoor options and check boat schedules.

Typical conditions

What the weather is like in April

April is hot almost everywhere, with afternoon highs often in the mid-30s °C inland and very humid air. Most days are dry, but the first pre-monsoon thunderstorms can appear late in the month, usually as short, heavy afternoon showers. The sea is warm and generally calm.

What to pack in April

  • A waterproof phone pouch and quick-dry clothes for Songkran
  • Breathable clothes and sandals: it is the hottest month
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
  • A small dry bag for passports and cash during the water fights
Build your packing list for April

Crowds & prices

Crowds and prices in April

Shoulder season

Shoulder season for foreign tourists, but Songkran is a major domestic holiday: buses, trains, flights and hotels fill up around 13–15 April and roads are busy. Outside Songkran week, prices on the islands are usually lower than in winter.

Tourist season through the year

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Taller bar = busier and usually pricier. Based on typical tourist seasons, not live prices.

Festivals

Festivals in Thailand in April

Lunar festivals shift from year to year: check the exact date before you book.

Chiang Mai, the city with Thailand's biggest Songkran water festival

Songkran (Thai New Year)

13–15 April (fixed), longer in some cities

Thai New Year and the country's giant water fight, 13–15 April.

Chiang Mai, Bangkok (Silom, Khao San Road), Phuket

Beach on Koh Phangan, home of the Full Moon Party

Full Moon Party

Every month, on or around the full moon

The monthly all-night beach party at Haad Rin, Koh Phangan.

Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan

Plan your April itineraryPick destinations that are in season and get transfer times and a day-by-day plan.Compare all 12 monthsOur month-by-month guide with the full region-by-month weather grid.

FAQ

Thailand in April: your questions

When is Songkran in 2026 and 2027?

Songkran is officially 13 to 15 April every year. Some cities, especially Chiang Mai, celebrate over more days. Everything else is in our complete Songkran guide.

Is April too hot for Thailand?

It is the hottest month, with highs often around 35°C inland. By the sea it is more bearable. Plan early starts, midday breaks and plenty of water.

Is April a good month for Thai beaches?

Yes. Both coasts are mostly sunny and calm. The Andaman side may see the first storms late in the month, while the Gulf islands stay reliably dry.

Keep planning

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