Monthly Travel Guide
Thailand in April
April is Songkran month — Thailand's most famous festival and the hottest period of the year. Temperatures across the country peak at 35–40°C. The Andaman coast transitions toward the wet season in the second half of April, while the Gulf coast remains good. Songkran (Thai New Year, 13–15 April) shuts down much of the country and transforms streets into water-fight zones. It is chaotic, joyful, and unlike anything else in the world.
Weather by Region
North (Chiang Mai)
Extremely hot: 35–40°C. Haze begins to clear after rains arrive in the second half of the month. Songkran rains provide some relief.
Central (Bangkok)
Bangkok peaks at 36–38°C. Hot and humid. Some pre-monsoon showers begin toward month's end.
South — Gulf Coast
Warm and mainly dry. Koh Samui and Koh Phangan remain good but afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent.
South — Andaman Coast
Transitional. Phuket and Krabi experience increasing clouds and occasional rain from mid-April. Seas begin to roughen.
Best Destinations in April
The most famous Songkran celebrations outside Bangkok — city-wide water fights around the moat for multiple days.
Silom Road and Khao San Road host enormous Songkran street parties with water fights lasting several days.
Gulf coast still dry and warm — a good escape from Songkran chaos if that's not your thing.
Where to Avoid in April
Phuket (late April)
Southwest monsoon begins arriving — expect increasing rain, rougher seas, and some beach closures.
Festivals & Events
Songkran (Thai New Year)
13–15 April (extended in many cities)Thailand's most important festival — a traditional water-pouring ceremony honouring elders transformed into a nationwide water fight. Chiang Mai celebrates for up to 7 days. Streets are blocked, everyone gets soaked, and the atmosphere is electric. The spiritual side involves temple visits, releasing fish and birds, and sand chedis (stupas) built at temples.
Pattaya Festival
Mid-AprilPattaya holds its own Songkran and walking street festival featuring music, fireworks, and beach events coinciding with the national holiday.