Thailand Weather in April 2024: Temperatures, Places to Visit, Songkran Festival

This article introduces the weather in April in Thailand, including average temperatures, rainfall, and travel tips on what to wear, travel costs, and best places to visit in April.

Thailand Weather in April Overview

• Average temperature range: 29–34°C (84–93°F)
• Average rainfall: 41 mm (1.6 inches)
• Average rainy days: 16
• Average sunny days: 14

April is the hottest month in Thailand with temperatures across the country soaring above 30°C (86°F). In some places, afternoon temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F). Regardless of where you head on your vacation, you will probably encounter the blistering heat.

You can expect rain for some days, ranging from 8-15 days, more of them will happen in the southern islands. And it always happens at night. So, it won't affect your daytime trips.

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Thailand's Regional Weather

Bangkok and central Thailand: Temperatures in Thailand's capital city and the rest of central Thailand regularly hit 38, 39, and even 40°C (100–104°F) throughout April.

Chiang Mai and northern Thailand: The heat in Chiang Mai during April gets even more oppressive than in Bangkok, with temperatures exceeding 36°C (97°F) almost daily. Chiang Rai is slightly cooler by a degree or two but is still hot, nonetheless.

Southern islands/coasts of Thailand: The daily average high temperatures in southern Thailand range from 33–35°C (91–95°F) in April, but if you are at one of the beach resorts, it feels at least 4 or 5 °C cooler than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. You may experience some rain in the south, but it will most likely come in the form of isolated showers, which happen mostly at night, so it shouldn't have much effect on your overall vacation.

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The 5 Best Places to Visit in Thailand in April

If you can handle the heat, April is a fantastic time to visit Thailand, when the Songkran Festival (Thailand's New Year) is celebrated from April 13th to 15th. In the beach destinations in the south, you are almost guaranteed to have clear blue skies and calm seas, even if you do get the odd rain shower toward the end of the month.

1. Bangkok

Floating Fruit Market in Bangkok

Bangkok is a must-visit city in April not just for its numerous historical sites, but also for the Songkran Festival celebration. Between the 13th and 15th, the capital city sees thousands of tourists and locals joining in the biggest water fight in the country for Thai New Year. Getting a bucket of water poured over you can be surprisingly refreshing given the extreme temperatures around the time of the festival.

If crowds, loud music, and traffic are not your thing, however, we would suggest skipping Bangkok between the 13th and 15th as it's almost impossible to escape the madness of Songkran.

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2. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the most suitable place if you want to experience the celebrations of Songkran in Northern Thailand. Lasting between 3 and 5 days, it's quite remarkable to see how much energy the local people have, getting up every day and celebrating from morning until night.

The biggest celebrations and water fights take place at Tha Phae Gate. There are also traditional processions in the city for Songkran, along with events like the Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant. The area around the Three Kings Monument in the Old City has a Songkran parade on Charoen Muang Road.

3. Phuket

April is a great time to visit Phuket, when water conditions are suitable for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and boating. Toward the end of April, you may experience some rain showers and storms, but these generally occur at night so shouldn't have much of a negative impact on your vacation.

Phuket is also the most popular island to experience Songkran. The festival can last for up to a week in Phuket and the major tourist destinations along the beaches turn into party central, especially in Patong.

4. Krabi

Krabi, Thailand

Although Krabi's daily temperatures can reach 34°C (93°F), you can feel much cooler with the sea breeze.

Krabi's main tourist town of Ao Nang is the heart of the local Songkran celebrations. Things get pretty wild on the main strip with trucks blaring music and hundreds of locals and tourists lining the main drag to participate in the area's biggest party and water fight.

5. Koh Samui

Koh Samui

The weather in Koh Samui in April is so hot that the Songkran soaking you will receive across the island will come as a welcome relief.

The daily average of 29°C (85°F) and low rainfall make Koh Samui a beach dweller's dream in April. The water visibility is fantastic throughout this period, giving scuba divers and snorkelers a chance to see the area's exciting and varied sea life at its finest.

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Crowding and Costs in April

As the hottest months in Thailand, the extreme heat keeps many tourists away in April. But many tourists are attracted by the Songkran Festival from April 13th to 15th. Hotel rates during Songkran can be the same as in high season, especially in the major tourist cities, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It is recommended to book your rooms in advance.

Clothes to Wear in April

It is extremely hot for the whole month of April. So, anything that can make you cool is recommended packing. Shorts, sun hats, and sandals are always needed for an April trip. Umbrellas, sunglasses, swimsuits, and light summer clothes are often used on the beach and in the resorts.

Remember comfortable long sleeves and trousers for respecting traditions at temples.

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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