April in Thailand is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures often reaching 38–40°C (100–104°F).
It's great for beach and water activities in the south, but tough for inland sightseeing in central and northern areas. In the north, scorching heat is worsened by smoky skies from crop burning.
Is Thailand in April worth a visit?
Yes, if you love sunny beach days, can handle intense heat, and want to join the world-famous Songkran Festival (April 13–15). A flexible itinerary will help you make the most of it.
No. If you're heat-sensitive, dislike haze, or want uninterrupted outdoor sightseeing, it's not ideal.
What's the weather like in Thailand in April?
Quick take: North is hot and hazy, central is oven-hot by noon, and south is breezy with a few night showers.
Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand in April
The north stays dry in April, similar to March. But temperatures peak here, exceeding 38°C (100°F) for about half the month, with little relief at night. Besides, the further northern towns (Mae Hong Son, Pai) have fewer air-conditioned places, so escaping the heat can be harder than in bigger cities, like Chiang Mai.
Adding to the challenge, it's burning season. Smoke from crop fires can blanket the region—a Chiang Mai local even said, "Some years, I couldn't see Doi Suthep, our iconic mountain backdrop, for a month."
How to Travel Smart: If you're set on visiting, do outdoor activities only in the early morning to avoid heat stroke. Bring an N95 mask if you have respiratory issues.
Dull Panorama from Doi Inthanon National Park Bangkok and Central Thailand in April
April is hot and dry here, with Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi often seeing daytime highs above 35°C (95°F). By mid-morning, being outdoors feels like walking on hot plates, and evenings linger around 27°C (80°F)—turning night markets into steamy saunas.
Luckily, Bangkok offers plenty of air-conditioned escapes—from stylish malls to cozy cafés hidden in old shophouses and even some temple halls.
For a break from the city heat, head to mountain escapes like Khao Yai or seaside spots like Pattaya and Koh Chang, where highs are closer to 32°C (90°F).
How to Travel Smart: Sightsee in the morning before the heat peaks, then save your afternoons for river cruises, spa sessions, or exploring air-conditioned markets.
Taking a Longtail Boat on a Hot Afternoon in Bangkok, ThailandPhuket & Koh Samui and Other Southern Areas in April
This is Thailand's coolest region in April—but "cool" still means hot. Temperatures are usually 1–2°C lower than inland, and sea breezes take the edge off. The seas stay calm and warm at around 30°C (86°F), making it perfect for water sports and lazy beach days.
The south gets more rain than other regions—about twice as much as the north and central—but showers are brief and mostly at night. So your beach vacation is rarely affected by rainfall.
How to Travel Smart: For the driest spell, go early in the month. Gulf islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao are drier and best for sunsets and diving, while the Andaman spots like Phuket are ideal for island-hopping and pairing beach time with jungle adventures in Khao Sok.
Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh SamuiIf you are seeking the best weather to visit Thailand, you can see our guide: Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand.
Best Places to Visit in Thailand in April
- For couples & families who want peace and perfect weather
Head to Koh Samui. April brings calm seas and fewer crowds, making it the ideal place to relax without the chaos of peak season. Just enjoy yourselves in private beach resorts, indulgent spas, and snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear water.
- For easy access & plenty of water sports
Phuket and Khao Lak offer more flight options, family-friendly resorts, and everything from snorkeling to island-hopping.
- For adventure and nature lovers
Khao Sok is excellent for lake kayaking, jungle treks, boutique stays like floating bungalows, and responsible elephant encounters—great for active teens or young adults.
- For first-time visitors
Don't skip Bangkok. It's the main travel hub, home to the country's wildest Songkran celebrations, iconic temples and palaces, and packed with air-conditioned malls.
- Places to skip in April
Mae Hong Son and Pai, with their severe burning season haze, and Sukhothai, where the ruins are stunning but shade is scarce under the blazing sun.
Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out more tips on our page: How to Plan a Trip to Thailand: 7 Easy Steps.
Songkran Festival in Thailand in April
Songkran, Thailand's traditional New Year, is famed as the world's biggest and most fun water fight. The main celebrations run from April 13 to 15, with April 13 as the peak day.
Bangkok hosts high-energy street parties around Khao San Road and Silom (we were in the middle of it, a wild water fight with thousands), while families seeking calmer vibes can enjoy kid-friendly events on Koh Samui.
Beyond water fights, cities like Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai hold grand parades and peaceful Buddha bathing ceremonies, offering a glimpse into Thailand's rich traditions.
Crowds & Costs in Thailand in April
April can get crowded due to Easter holidays and Songkran. Early booking is essential, particularly for families needing larger rooms.
On the bright side, many hotels offer shoulder-season rates before April 15, about 10-25% cheaper than peak Christmas/New Year prices. After mid-April, prices often drop further to low-season levels, sometimes 30-40% off.
Travelers ❤ Highlights Travel
What to Pack for Your April Trip to Thailand
- Breathable linen or cotton clothing
- Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen
- Modest outfits for temples (light long sleeves, trousers)
- Sandals or water shoes for Songkran
- N95 mask if heading north
Average Temperatures and Rainfall in Thai Cities in April
| Destination | Min–Max Temp (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 27–35 / 80–95 | 55.9 | 7.5 |
| Ayutthaya | 27–36 / 80–97 | 58.4 | 7.9 |
| Kanchanaburi | 27–37 / 80–98 | 50.8 | 6.3 |
| Chiang Mai | 23–36 / 74–97 | 50.8 | 7 |
| Chiang Rai | 22–34 / 71–93 | 58.4 | 7.8 |
| Sukhothai | 27–37 / 80–99 | 50.8 | 6.3 |
| Krabi | 24–34 / 75–93 | 114.3 | 11 |
| Ko Phuket | 25–33 / 77–92 | 119.38 | 11.4 |
| Ko Samui | 27–32 / 81–90 | 76.2 | 7.6 |
Data source: Weather Spark.
FAQ about Thailand in April
Is April the rainy season in Thailand?
No, April is still in the dry-to-hot season. Southern coasts may have brief showers, mostly at night.
Where should I go in April for the best weather?
For calm seas and sunny days, the Gulf islands—Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao—are top picks. The Andaman coast is great early in the month for island-hopping, though brief showers are more likely than on the Gulf side.
Is April too hot for Thailand?
Inland, yes—it's very hot. This is the kind of heat where sunscreen seems to melt off in minutes. Beach destinations are more comfortable thanks to the breezes.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Thailand?
Yes—if you can handle the heat, want sunny beaches, and like the idea of joining Songkran celebrations. April is also a good middle ground in the hot season: hotter than March but mostly dry, and before the wet season kicks in May. Find out more information about the best time to visit Thailand.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Thailand
Learn about the weather in Thailand for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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