Benjakitti Forest Park, host of the Maha Songkran World Event in 2026 Photo above: Sittichai Srisanguansakul via Google
April in Bangkok means Songkran, the Thai New Year, and the hottest weather of the year. Songkran is a public holiday from April 13 to 15, 2027, according to the Bank of Thailand, and in Bangkok it brings water celebrations in Silom and Siam Square, riverside events and merit-making at temples. April is also Bangkok's hottest month, with an average high of 35.7°C (96°F), so the best things to do in Bangkok in April mix early-morning sightseeing, air-conditioned museums and malls, and the water fights of Songkran week.
What is the weather like in Bangkok in April?
April is the hottest month in Bangkok. The 1991 to 2020 climate normals give an average high of 35.7°C (96°F) and an average low of 27.2°C (81°F), with 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain on about five days, often in short storms. Plan outdoor sights for early morning and late afternoon, drink plenty of water, and use the middle of the day for indoor visits.
| April in Bangkok | Average |
|---|---|
| High | 35.7°C (96°F) |
| Low | 27.2°C (81°F) |
| Rainfall | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Rainy days | About 5 |
See Bangkok weather by month for every month, and why Bangkok is so hot for the reasons behind the heat.
When is Songkran in Bangkok in 2027?
Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a public holiday from Tuesday, April 13 to Thursday, April 15, 2027, according to the Bank of Thailand's 2027 holiday list. Bangkok's public events usually run over several days around those dates. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) had not published the 2027 Bangkok program when we checked on September 26, 2026.
TAT describes Songkran as recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, traditionally marked by merit-making, water-pouring rituals for elders and temple visits. The water fights came later, and they are what most visitors see.
Where to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok
For 2026, TAT listed large-scale Bangkok events from April 9 to 15, and these give a good guide to where the celebrations happen:
- Silom and Siam Square became major water celebration zones.
- Benjakitti Park hosted the Maha Songkran World Event from April 11 to 15, 2026; see our Benjakitti Forest Park guide.
- Riverside celebrations took place at ICONSIAM (April 10 to 15, 2026) and Asiatique The Riverfront (April 9 to 30, 2026).
- Music festivals included S2O Songkran Music Festival (April 11 to 13, 2026).
Expect to get soaked in the water zones: put your phone and passport in a waterproof pouch, wear clothes that dry quickly, and avoid splashing monks, older people and anyone who is clearly not joining in.
What else is on in Bangkok in April?
Chakri Memorial Day, which marks the founding of the current royal dynasty, is a public holiday on Tuesday, April 6, 2027, according to the Bank of Thailand. Banks close, and a long weekend at home can make roads out of the city busier. In 2026, TAT also listed the 244 Years of Rattanakosin Festival from April 22 to 26 at the National Museum Bangkok and nearby sites; check TAT for any 2027 edition.
What can you do in Bangkok in April to beat the heat?
April is the month for Bangkok's air-conditioned sights. Visit temples at opening time, then move indoors until late afternoon.
- Temples, early: Wat Pho and Wat Arun are best in the first hours of the day.
- Museums: Museum Siam and the Bangkok National Museum are cool, quiet places for the middle of the day.
- Malls: Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM combine food halls, shopping and air conditioning.
- Evenings: the river and the night markets are at their best after sunset.
More ideas are in our guide to indoor things to do in Bangkok, and for clothes that cope with heat, water fights and temple dress codes, see what to wear in Bangkok.
Is April a good time to visit Bangkok?
April is a good time to visit Bangkok if you want to join Songkran and can handle intense heat. It is less comfortable than the cool season, and hotels book up around the Songkran holiday, so reserve early if you are coming for the festival. If you would rather avoid both heat and crowds, look at the best time to visit Bangkok, or see things to do in Bangkok in March.
Sources: WMO Climate Normals 1991-2020 for Bangkok Metropolis (Thai Meteorological Department data, NOAA NCEI archive), Bank of Thailand, financial institutions holidays 2027, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Songkran 2026, Tourism Authority of Thailand, April 2026 festivals and events. Checked September 26, 2026.
The Songkran public holiday runs from Tuesday, April 13 to Thursday, April 15, 2027, according to the Bank of Thailand. TAT had not published Bangkok's 2027 event program as of September 26, 2026.
In 2026, TAT named Silom and Siam Square as the main water celebration zones, with the Maha Songkran World Event at Benjakitti Park and riverside events at ICONSIAM and Asiatique.
April is the hottest month, with an average high of 35.7°C (96°F) and an average low of 27.2°C (81°F), based on the 1991 to 2020 climate normals.
A little. April averages 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain on about five days, based on the 1991 to 2020 climate normals.
Yes. Chakri Memorial Day is a bank holiday on Tuesday, April 6, 2027, according to the Bank of Thailand.
A waterproof pouch for your phone and passport, quick-drying clothes and sandals you can walk in when wet. Leave valuables in your hotel safe.
