Thailand weather in April
April is Thailand’s hottest month—often oppressively hot. Daytime highs commonly reach the high-30s °C (high-90s °F), with “feels-like” a few degrees higher. Northern haze can linger, central cities swelter, the Gulf side stays beach-friendly, and pre-monsoon showers begin to stir on the Andaman coast. Songkran (Thai New Year, 13–15 April) brings nationwide water celebrations and peak domestic travel.
1 | Quick-Look Table
| Region | Avg High °C | Rainfall (mm) | Typical Conditions | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok & Central | 35 – 37 | 50 – 70 | Oppressively hot; isolated storms | Guarantee A/C rooms; sightsee dawn & late afternoon. |
| Chiang Mai & North | 36 – 38 | 20 – 40 | Very hot; seasonal haze | AQI can spike; keep indoor options and eyedrops. |
| Isan / Mekong | 35 – 37 | 30 – 60 | Dry heat; river breezes | Evenings on the Mekong feel cooler. |
| Gulf Islands (Samui / Phangan / Tao) | 32 – 34 | 40 – 70 | Best beach & diving window | Calm seas; showers brief. |
| Koh Chang & East | 32 – 33 | 50 – 80 | Sunny, hot | Great snorkelling before late-year rains. |
| Phuket / Krabi (Andaman) | 33 – 35 | 90 – 130 | Warm; showers increase | Some marine parks begin seasonal closures in May. |
2 | April Highlights
- Heat management — Split days: sunrise touring, long midday break (pool/spa), evening markets.
- Northern haze — Crop-burning can reduce visibility & irritate eyes/throat; consider coastal bases if sensitive.
- Best beaches — Gulf side (Samui–Phangan–Tao) and Koh Chang deliver the most reliable sun & calm seas.
- Andaman shift — Short, gusty showers become more frequent; still plenty of rain-free beach hours early month.
- Songkran travel — 13–15 April brings water festivals and sold-out hotels—book early and pad transfer times.
3 | Packing Essentials
- Ultra-light, breathable clothing; wide-brim hat; reef-safe sunscreen
- Electrolyte tablets & reusable bottle
- Guaranteed A/C accommodation; pool access if possible
- Saline eyedrops / light mask if visiting the North during haze
4 | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q 1. Is April too hot to visit Thailand?
It’s very hot—but manageable with smart pacing. Sightsee at dawn and dusk, build long midday breaks, and choose air-conditioned stays. Beach time on the Gulf side remains excellent.
Q 2. Which beaches in Thailand have the best weather in April?
The Gulf of Thailand—Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao—and the Koh Chang area usually offer the most sun and calm seas. The Andaman coast (Phuket/Krabi) sees more frequent late-day showers as the month progresses.
Q 3. How bad is smoke and haze in Northern Thailand in April?
Haze often peaks from March into early April due to agricultural burning. Air quality can fluctuate; sensitive travellers should monitor AQI and consider coastal alternatives.
Q 4. Does Songkran affect travel plans in Thailand in April?
Yes. 13–15 April features nationwide water festivals, parades and road closures. Book hotels & flights early, secure waterproof pouches, and allow extra transit time.
Q 5. Do some Thai islands close after April?
A few marine parks and offshore islands on the Andaman side begin seasonal closures in May for conservation and safety. Late April can be the last reliable window for certain boat trips there.
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