Thailand Weather in April

April in Thailand is hot… very hot! Afternoon temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Thankfully, April is also when the biggest water fight in the world is held, in honor of Songkran, the Thai New Year. The party is more than a welcome distraction during Thailand’s hottest month. If you’re looking to get away from the heat, Koh Chang offers the best conditions this time of year!

Bangkok and the surrounding area

Statistically speaking, April is the hottest month in and around Bangkok. Temperatures may climb to 40(!) degrees Celsius. During the afternoon, spend as much time in the shade, air-conditioned spaces or the hotel swimming pool as possible. It very rarely rains during this time of year.

Ayutthaya – Soak up the culture and visit historical temples.
Bangkok – Thailand’s capital blends old temples with ultra modern skyscrapers.
Kanchanaburi – Town brimming with nature and history.
Khao Yai National Park – The oldest nature reserve with wild elephants.
Koh Samet – White sandy beaches, only three hours from Bangkok.

Koh Samui and the southeastern Gulf of Thailand

April is a warm month on the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Expect high afternoon temperatures here as well. Thankfully the sea is never far away to take a refreshing dip in and it’s less hot than the north of Thailand.

Koh Phangan – Serene island that hosts large beach parties.
Koh Samui – Popular island with long beaches and luxury accommodation.
Koh Tao – Thailand’s number 1 island for snorkeling and diving.

Chiang Mai and the North of Thailand

Temperatures in Chiang Mai and surrounding areas skyrocket in April. Because of the lack of rain, smoke fumes and exhaust gases remain lingering in the air. Nature is so arid and dry in April that it almost seems to yearn for rainfall. Chiang Mai is best avoided in April – though Song Kran does bring some respite from the heat.

Chiang Mai – A great city surrounded by nature and rich in culture.
Chiang Rai – Gorgeous natural surroundings and best known for the white temple.
Mae Hong Son – Mountain tribes and rice fields near the Burmese border.
Pai – Hippie-at-heart mountain village nestled in Thailand’s most beautiful valley.

Phuket and Krabi

The Andaman Sea brings April showers accompanied by fresh air. Expect a rain shower every other day. The weather’s nice and the rain is actually quite pleasant. There’s plenty of time to sunbathe and go on day trips as well. Go island-hopping!

Khao Sok National Park – Wake up in a straw cabin on a clear blue lake.
Koh Jum – Small-scale tourism near Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Lanta – Laid-back atmosphere and nice beaches.
Koh Phayam – Gorgeous but underdeveloped island.
Koh Phi Phi – Thailand’s number 1 tropical party island.
Koh Yao Yai – Big island with long and empty beaches.
Krabi (Ao Nang) – The perfect place to start your island-hopping adventure.
Phuket – Thailand’s largest island, best known for its beaches.

Koh Chang and the Eastern Gulf of Thailand

Koh Chang is our favorite April destination, especially if you’ve just celebrated Song Kran in Bangkok. It will only take a day to exchange busy and stiflingly warm Bangkok for the peace and quiet of one of Koh Chang’s most beautiful islands. Though temperatures here are similarly high, the occasional shower provides cooler spells as well. Highly recommended!

Koh Chang – Pleasant island with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
Koh Kood – A gorgeous, and partially unspoiled, island.
Koh Mak – Small-scale tourism, laid-back atmosphere.
Koh Wai – Snorkeling island between Koh Chang and Koh Kood.

Koh Lipe and the Trang islands

Koh Lipe will also see its first serious rainfall this month. It’s the start of this region’s rainy season. It sounds a lot worse than it is; Koh Lipe is a great April destination. It’s a lot less busy than in the preceding months and very likely still sunny – so get ready to enjoy that deserted tropical strip of sand.

Koh Lipe – Tropical island, home to Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.
Koh Mook – Small-scale tourism and a spectacular cave.
Koh Ngai – Long golden beaches and no roads.
Koh Tarutao – National park, a former prison island, and camping site.

Isan region

Unbelievably hot! April is not the best month to visit the northeast of Thailand. Although there’s always a chance of rainfall, the countryside is relatively arid, dry and attains a brownish hue. Visiting Thailand’s Grand Canyon – Pha Taem National Park – is a good idea, as the Mekong River will ensure some cooler air.

Pha Taem National Park – Ancient murals along the Mekong River.
Phimai – Thailand’s most beautiful Angkor Wat temples.
Ubon Ratchathani – Large city in Isan region with many sights.
Udon Thani – Large city near the Lao border, but famous mainly for its Red Lotus Sea.

Monthly weather overview