If you’ve decided on Thailand for your April getaway, are you prepared for the sizzling temperatures, exotic celebrations, and stunning destinations? Get ready to embrace the scorching heat with average temperatures ranging from 29–34°C across the country.
Don’t miss out on the famous Songkran Festival from April 13th to 15th, where water fights reign supreme. Discover the best places to visit in Thailand in this lively April guide.
Key Takeaways:
- Extreme Heat: April in Thailand is the hottest month, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F) across the country.
- Songkran Festival: Celebrated from April 13th to 15th, the Songkran Festival in Thailand is a must-visit experience, with water fights and celebrations taking place across the country.
- Best Places to Visit: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are top destinations to visit in April, offering a mix of cultural experiences, festivities, and beautiful beaches.
Thailand Weather in April Overview
Temperatures and Climate
| Temperature Range: | 29–34°C (84–93°F) |
| Rainfall: | 41 mm (1.6 inches) |
| Rainy Days: | 16 days |
| Sunny Days: | 14 days |
Sunshine and Rainfall
One of the standout features of Thailand’s weather in April is the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F) across the country. While you can expect rain on average 16 days during the month, most showers occur at night and should not disrupt your daytime plans too much. In the southern islands, the weather is slightly cooler, making it a great destination for beach lovers.
Thailand’s Regional Weather
Northern Thailand
One region to explore in Thailand in April is Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. With temperatures exceeding 36°C almost daily, the heat can be quite oppressive. However, the energy of the locals celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai is truly remarkable.
Northeastern Thailand
The northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isan, experiences similar hot temperatures in April. While the temperatures can be extreme, the celebrations during the Songkran festival make it a lively and exciting time to visit. Traditional processions and events like the Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant add to the festive spirit.
Central Thailand
Any trip to Thailand in April should include a visit to central Thailand, including Bangkok. With temperatures regularly hitting 38–40°C, the heat can be intense. However, participating in the Songkran Festival in Bangkok can be a memorable experience despite the crowds and traffic.
Southern Thailand
On the other hand, Southern Thailand offers a bit of relief from the extreme April heat, with temperatures ranging from 33–35°C. The region’s beach resorts provide a cooler escape, with the opportunity to enjoy activities like swimming and snorkelling. The Songkran festivities in popular tourist destinations like Phuket and Krabi add to the vibrant atmosphere of the region.
The 5 Best Places to Visit in Thailand in April
1. Bangkok
Your journey to Thailand in April must include a visit to Bangkok, not only for its historical sites but also to experience the vibrant Songkran Festival celebrations. Get ready to join in the biggest water fight in the country from April 13th to 15th. The refreshing splashes of water can provide relief from the scorching temperatures that soar above 30°C (86°F) in the city.
2. Chiang Mai
April is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the joyful festivities of Songkran in the charming city of Chiang Mai. Witness the locals celebrate from morning till night, engaging in traditional processions and the lively Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant. Head to Tha Phae Gate for the biggest water fights and experience the vibrant energy of Northern Thailand during this time.
3. Phuket
One of the best places to visit in Thailand in April is the stunning island of Phuket. Enjoy the ideal conditions for activities like swimming and snorkelling, taking advantage of the clear waters. Despite the occasional rain showers in late April, they usually occur at night and won’t disrupt your vacation. Experience the lively Songkran celebrations along the vibrant beaches of Patong.
4. Krabi
Embark on an adventure to Krabi in April and revel in the sea breeze that offers a cooling relief from the daily temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F). Join the energetic Songkran festivities in Ao Nang, where the main strip transforms into a lively party scene with music-filled trucks and water fights. Dive into the vibrant culture of the local celebrations in this coastal paradise.
5. Koh Samui
Indulge in the tropical paradise of Koh Samui in April, where the scorching temperatures are complemented by crystal-clear waters and a vibrant underwater world. Experience the refreshing splash of the Songkran celebrations across the island, providing a welcome break from the intense heat. Dive into the enchanting sea life while enjoying the blissful weather on this idyllic island destination.
Crowding and Costs in April
When visiting Thailand in April, be prepared for both the extreme heat and the lively atmosphere brought by the Songkran Festival. The festival may increase hotel rates in major tourist cities, so it’s advisable to book your accommodations in advance. While the heat deters some tourists, the festive spirit attracts many, creating a unique blend of excitement and cultural immersion.
Clothes to Wear in April
When packing for your trip to Thailand in April, remember to bring light, cool clothing like shorts, sun hats, and sandals to combat the intense heat. For temple visits, opt for comfortable long sleeves and trousers to respect traditions. Don’t forget necessary like umbrellas, sunglasses, swimwear, and breathable summer attire to stay comfortable and stylish during your warm-weather adventures.
Songkran Festival: Thailand’s Water Festival
What is Songkran?
Not familiar with Songkran? This festival, also known as Thailand’s New Year, is celebrated with a massive water fight from April 13th to 15th. It’s a time when locals and tourists alike take to the streets armed with water guns and buckets to playfully splash each other as a way of starting the new year fresh and cleansed.
Celebrating Songkran in Thailand
Celebrating Songkran in Thailand is a truly unique and exhilarating experience. It is a time when the entire country comes together to celebrate the Thai New Year with water fights, parades, and traditional ceremonies. Streets are filled with laughter, music, and the joyful sounds of people having fun under the hot April sun.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep drinking water to prevent dehydration from the scorching heat.
- Wear Waterproof Clothes: You will get wet, so dress accordingly.
- Protect Your Electronics: Keep your phone and camera in waterproof cases.
Safety Tips for Songkran
Not everything about Songkran is all fun and games—safety should always be a priority during the festivities. Follow these key safety tips to ensure you have a blast while staying safe:
- Respect Others: Be mindful of others’ boundaries and do not use force when playing.
- Avoid Drinking Too Much Alcohol: Stay alert and in control of your actions.
- Stay Alert on the Roads: Roads can be slippery, so be cautious.
Travel Tips for Thailand in April
Once again, April in Thailand brings scorching temperatures and the vibrant Songkran Festival celebrations. To make the most of your trip, here are some crucial travel tips for visiting Thailand in April:
- Booking Flights and Accommodations: The intense heat in April keeps many tourists away, but the Songkran Festival attracts crowds. Make sure to book your flights and accommodations in advance, especially in popular cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Packing Essentials: When packing for Thailand in April, bring lightweight, breathable clothing like shorts, sun hats, and sandals to beat the heat. Don’t forget to pack comfortable long sleeves and trousers for temple visits to respect traditions.
- Staying Healthy and Safe: Hydrate frequently, apply sunscreen, and seek shade to avoid heat-related illnesses in Thailand’s soaring temperatures. Be cautious during the water festivities of Songkran to prevent accidents and maintain personal safety.
Booking Flights and Accommodations
The intense heat in April keeps many tourists away, but the Songkran Festival attracts crowds. Make sure to book your flights and accommodations in advance, especially in popular cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Packing Essentials
When packing for Thailand in April, bring lightweight, breathable clothing like shorts, sun hats, and sandals to beat the heat. Don’t forget to pack comfortable long sleeves and trousers for temple visits to respect traditions.
Staying Healthy and Safe
Tips for staying healthy and safe in Thailand include staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to avoid heat-related illnesses in the soaring temperatures. Be cautious during the water festivities of Songkran to prevent accidents and maintain personal safety.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Thailand
Average Temperatures in April
| Average Temperature Range: | 29–34°C (84–93°F) |
| Average Rainfall: | 41 mm (1.6 inches) |
| Average Rainy Days: | 16 |
| Average Sunny Days: | 14 |
On average, temperatures in Thailand in April range from 29–34°C (84–93°F). Rainfall is around 41 mm, with 16 rainy days and 14 sunny days.
To wrap up
Following this informative guide on Thailand’s weather in April, temperatures, best places to visit, and the vibrant Songkran Festival, one can see that April is a fantastic time to visit this beautiful country. From the bustling city of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, there is something for every traveller.
The Songkran Festival adds an extra layer of excitement and cultural immersion to your trip. So pack your sunscreen, water gun, and sense of adventure, and get ready to experience all that Thailand has to offer in April.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the average temperatures in Thailand in April?
In April, the average temperatures in Thailand range from 29–34°C (84–93°F), making it the hottest month in the country.
What are the best places to visit in Thailand in April?
Some of the best places to visit in Thailand in April include Bangkok for the Songkran Festival celebrations, Chiang Mai for cultural activities, Phuket for beach activities, Krabi for sea breezes, and Koh Samui for water sports.
What is the Songkran Festival and why is it celebrated in Thailand in April?
The Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13th to 15th in Thailand. It is a time of traditional and joyful water fights symbolizing the washing away of bad luck and starting fresh for the new year.
