Thailand in April is the hottest month of the year on the mainland (nearly 36 °C (97 °F) in the afternoon in Bangkok), the month of Songkran, the Thai New Year, and a good time for the Gulf beaches. Verdict: ⚠️ with caveats: excellent for Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, still decent on the Andaman side, but draining in Bangkok and not recommended in the north (heat and air pollution). All periods are compared on our page on the best time to visit Thailand. To choose between Ko Phangan, Ko Tao and the Andaman coast, our selection of the best beaches in Asia shows where and when to go.
April closes the hot season, just before the southwest monsoon arrives in May. There is still little rain, but humidity makes the heat feel stronger. Choosing the right region therefore matters more than in winter. The following month is covered on our page Thailand in May.
Thailand in April: key facts
- Bangkok: average high of 35.7 °C (96 °F), 27 °C (81 °F) at night, 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain (TMD normals)
- Best beach option: the Gulf (Ko Samui: 31.8 °C (89 °F), 83 mm (3.3 in))
- Andaman coast: end of the dry season, rain increasing (135 mm (5.3 in) in Phuket)
- North: 36.7 °C (98 °F) in Chiang Mai and often poor air quality
- Songkran: 13 to 15 April, transport and hotels in high demand
Thailand weather in April: region by region
| City | Max °C (°F) | Min °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (central) | 35.7 °C (96 °F) | 27.2 °C (81 °F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | ⚠️ Very hot |
| Chiang Mai (north) | 36.7 °C (98 °F) | — | 54 mm (2.1 in) | ❌ Heat, polluted air |
| Phuket (Andaman) | 34.2 °C (94 °F) | — | 135 mm (5.3 in) | ✅ End of dry season |
| Ko Samui (Gulf) | 31.8 °C (89 °F) | — | 83 mm (3.3 in) | ✅ Good |
In Bangkok, April rain comes from thunderstorms that are often short, late in the day. In the north, agricultural burning and forest fires often degrade air quality from February to April: if you have respiratory sensitivities, save Chiang Mai for another season. On the Andaman side, the sea is generally still fine for swimming, but showers increase at the end of the month ahead of the monsoon.
What to do in Thailand in April
- The Gulf islands: Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao are in their good season; Ko Tao is well suited to diving.
- Phuket, Krabi, Ko Lanta: the last weeks of the dry season, with fewer people than in winter.
- Songkran: water fights and ceremonies across the country, very lively in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Bangkok: visit temples and markets early in the morning, then retreat to museums, air-conditioned malls or the pool in the afternoon.
For a specific destination: when to go to Koh Samui, when to go to Phuket or when to go to Bangkok.
Songkran: what you need to know
Songkran, the Thai New Year, takes place from 13 to 15 April. It is a family and religious holiday, but also a giant water fight in the streets of the big cities. In practice: protect your phone and documents in a waterproof pouch, expect to get soaked, and book transport and hotels well in advance, as many Thais travel during these public holidays. Some government offices and shops close.
Crowds and prices in April
Outside Songkran, April is a mid-season month: the winter high season is over and the monsoon has not started. Prices rise around mid-April and during spring school holidays in Europe. For those dates, book flights several months ahead; otherwise, 1 to 2 months is often enough.
What to pack for Thailand in April
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing.
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples.
- Hat, sunscreen, water bottle and oral rehydration salts.
- A waterproof pouch for Songkran.
- Mosquito repellent (dengue is present in the country).
Before you go, check the entry rules below and read our Thailand travel guide.
Entry requirements and safety
US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (page last updated August 20, 2026), pre-arrival online registration is required. A passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival is strongly recommended, and you may be asked for an onward or return ticket or proof of funds.
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 12 October 2026), your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with 1 blank page. From 15 September 2026, visa-exempt entry is up to 30 days, for tourism only. Visa-exempt entries over land borders are normally limited to 2 per calendar year. You may need proof of funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family) and onward travel. The overstay fine is 500 THB a day, up to 20,000 THB.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has been mandatory for all foreign nationals since 1 May 2025 and can be completed within the 3 days before arrival. The U.S. State Department page (last updated August 20, 2026) still mentions 60 days, but it predates the change: under the Thai rules in force since 15 September 2026, US citizens are also limited to 30 days (Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1 September 2026). Check with the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington before you travel.
Safety: the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of southern Songkhla (Thailand–Malaysia border), and to areas within 20 km (12 mi) of the Cambodian land border; land crossings with Cambodia are suspended. Time difference in April: Thailand (UTC+7, no daylight saving) is 6 hours ahead of London and 11 hours ahead of New York.
Two-week itinerary idea for April
In April, the idea is to limit the time spent in very hot cities and finish on the Gulf beaches, which are in their good season:
- Days 1 to 3: Bangkok, visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the canals early in the morning; quiet afternoons.
- Days 4 and 5: Ayutthaya as a day trip, ideally at sunrise.
- Days 6 to 14: Ko Samui, then Ko Phangan or Ko Tao by boat: beaches, snorkelling and diving.
- If you are there for Songkran: stay in Bangkok or Chiang Mai from 13 to 15 April for the atmosphere, then head to the islands; book journeys well in advance.
- Andaman alternative: Krabi and Ko Lanta are still an option early in the month, before the rain increases.
Good to know on the ground
- Heat and humidity are high: drink regularly and limit exertion between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Late-afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in Bangkok: have an indoor plan B.
- During Songkran, do not endanger motorcyclists and scooter riders by splashing them, and take care on the roads, where accidents increase.
- At sea, respect red flags, especially on the Andaman side at the end of the month.
If April does not suit you
February and March offer drier, less hot weather on the mainland. For summer, see Thailand in August (favour the Gulf); for autumn, Thailand in November, when the dry season returns to Bangkok and the north.
Other destinations in April: Bali, which enters its dry season, Vietnam or Japan for spring. More ideas: where to go in April.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Thailand in April?
Very hot: an average high of 35.7 °C (96 °F) in Bangkok and 36.7 °C (98 °F) in Chiang Mai, according to Thai Meteorological Department normals. Rainfall stays moderate (93 mm (3.7 in) in Bangkok), in the form of thunderstorms.
Where should I go in Thailand in April?
The Gulf islands (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao), in good season, or the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi) for the end of the dry season. If possible, avoid the north, which is hot and often polluted.
What is the weather like in Phuket in April?
Hot (34.2 °C (94 °F) in the afternoon) with increasing showers: 135 mm (5.3 in) on average over the month. It is the end of the dry season, before the May monsoon.
When is Songkran?
From 13 to 15 April every year. Book transport and accommodation in advance and protect your valuables from water.
Is April a good month for Chiang Mai?
No, it is one of the least favourable: nearly 37 °C (99 °F) in the afternoon and air quality often degraded by burning. November to January is better.
Our sources
- Thai Meteorological Department, 1991–2020 climate normals published by the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA NCEI archive): Bangkok Metropolis, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui (data published on our page on the best time to visit Thailand)
- Entry requirements, safety and health checked on 24 October 2026: Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT Newsroom, 1 September 2026: new 30-day visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026; UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Thailand (updated 12 October 2026); U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov: Thailand (last updated August 20, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.