Pattaya in April: Weather, Songkran & Is It Worth Going

Weather in Pattaya in April: what to expect

April is the hottest month of the year in Pattaya. Daytime temperatures hit +33…+35 °C, and in direct sunlight it can feel like +40 °C or more. Nights cool down to +26…+28 °C. This is the month when AC becomes your best friend, and any outdoor activities are best planned for early morning or evening.

April is a transitional month between the dry and wet seasons. The rainy season hasn't fully kicked in yet, but there's a bit more rain than in March – though still significantly less than in May. Rain falls on about 5–6 days, usually as brief downpours. Total rainfall averages around 70–95 mm.

Key April weather stats at a glance:

• Daytime air temperature: +33…+35 °C (in direct sun +40 °C and above).
• Nighttime air temperature: +26…+28 °C.
• Water temperature: around +30 °C.
• Rainfall: about 70–95 mm for the month.
• Rainy days: 5–6 days per month.
• Sunny days: about 21 days.
• Humidity: around 76–80%, making the heat feel even heavier.

How it breaks down by period:

• Early April – hot and dry.
• April 13–19 – Songkran, water battles, huge excitement.
• Late April – heat eases off a bit, first rains possible.

Monthly temperature and rainfall in Pattaya

Current weather in Pattaya and the forecast for the coming days:

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Songkran – Thai New Year in Pattaya

Songkran is the Thai New Year. Officially, it's celebrated across the country from April 13 to 15, but in Pattaya the party lasts longer. The city's main event – Wan Lai – takes place from April 17 to 19. Roads are closed, concert stages pop up, and April 19 is the peak of the celebration.

The whole city turns into one giant water fight. People splash each other with water from buckets, water guns, and hoses – it symbolizes cleansing and the start of a new year.

How Songkran goes down in Pattaya:

• Main events happen at Central Beach (Pattaya Beach) and on Walking Street. They set up stages there, hold concerts and religious ceremonies.
• Parade – on April 13, a colorful parade marches through the city's central streets.
• Bathing Buddha statues – on April 14, temples hold ceremonies where Buddha statues are gently washed with water.
• "Family Day" – on April 15, Thais spend time with their families, while tourists keep the water fights going.
• Wan Lai in Pattaya – April 17–19, the climax of the celebration, with main events on the beach.
• Fireworks – often wrap up the festival on the last day.

Tips for those planning to join Songkran:

• Protect your documents – pack your phone, passport, and wallet in waterproof pouches. During Songkran, they're sold everywhere.
• Dress right – light clothing you don't mind getting soaked, and waterproof footwear.
• Be careful on the roads – streets get slippery, and motorbike riders often lose control during water fights.
• Don't splash Buddhist monks – it's considered disrespectful.
• Wear sunscreen – you can get sunburned even when you're wet.
• Join in with a smile – Songkran is all about joy and goodwill.

If you're after adrenaline, fun, and unforgettable memories – Songkran is worth coming here specifically for. If you prefer a chill vacation – you can always find quiet spots away from the center.

Sea and beaches in April

The sea in April is one of the warmest of the year. Water temperature hits +30 °C, making swimming super comfortable. The sea is calm, with almost no waves. It's a great time for snorkeling and diving.

At Central Beach, the water can be murky, so for clearer water it's better to head to Koh Larn, Jomtien, Sai Keow (Military Beach), or Wong Amat (Naklua) – the water is significantly cleaner there. During Songkran days, Central Beach is crowded and loud, while these areas are usually calmer.

There are fewer tourists in April than in high season, but during Songkran days the numbers shoot up. Sunbeds are available, though they might be occupied in the center.

Jellyfish are practically gone in April.

What to do in April

April is a great time for sightseeing, but it's best to plan excursions for morning or evening to avoid the midday heat.

• Beach time – Jomtien, Koh Larn, Sai Keow (Military Beach), Wong Amat.
• Sightseeing – Nong Nooch, Sanctuary of Truth, Mini Siam. Better in the morning.
• Songkran – the main event of April, water fights (second half of the month, in Pattaya – April 17–19).
• Shopping – Central Festival, Terminal 21. A great escape from the heat.
• Night markets – Thepprasit, Rompho. Running as usual.
• SPA and massage – perfect for relaxation.

During the hottest part of the day, air-conditioned malls like Central Festival and Terminal 21 are absolute lifesavers.

Pattaya is rich in events, festivals, and concerts – Thai and international artists come to perform. You can always check the current lineup locally at tourist agencies, through street posters, or on thematic websites.

For a deeper dive into all of Pattaya's attractions, check out our full guide: Pattaya Attractions: What to See on Your Own.

Pros and cons of visiting Pattaya in April

• ✔ Pros:

  • Songkran – a unique event worth coming for.
  • Very warm sea – water at +30 °C.
  • Fewer tourists – after the peak season rush.
  • Clean and calm water – on the better beaches (Koh Larn, Jomtien).
  • Prices – generally lower than in February–March.

• ✖ Cons:

  • Intense heat – daytime +33…+35 °C, in direct sun +40 °C and above.
  • Songkran – not everyone enjoys being wet for days on end.
  • Overcrowded streets – during Songkran, the city is packed.
  • Traffic jams and road closures – central streets are blocked off.
  • High humidity – makes the heat feel even worse.
  • Hotel prices – temporarily spike during Songkran days.

Tourist reviews of Pattaya in April

"We ended up there during Songkran – it was insane! We were wet all day but so happy. The sea was +30 °C. The heat was brutal, but the water fights saved us. Highly recommend if you want some serious excitement!"

— Olga, Moscow

"Pattaya in April is hot. Like, REALLY hot. Daytime +34 °C – we only survived in malls or in the sea. The sea was warm and clear, so swimming was great. But Songkran isn't for us – we just left for Bangkok during those days."

— Dmitry, St. Petersburg

"The April heat was unbearable! In the sun it felt like +42 °C, you could barely breathe. We only survived in the hotel room with AC and in the pool. Songkran was fun, but it's way too extreme for me. Not coming back in April."

— Anna, Yekaterinburg

Overall, April is a month of contrasts: some people absolutely love Songkran, while others find it too chaotic. If you're traveling for peace and quiet – stick to quieter neighborhoods and avoid the center during the holidays.

Pattaya or Phuket in April

Many travelers find themselves choosing between Pattaya and Phuket in April.

The verdict: In April, Pattaya is cheaper and offers a bigger Songkran celebration. Phuket is pricier but has more scenic beaches.

If you're open to alternatives outside Thailand, Nha Trang in Vietnam is also in its dry season in April and becomes a great beach option.

Prices for holidays and tours to Pattaya in April

April is the last month when hotel prices still sit at high-season levels. Songkran attracts a lot of visitors, so in the middle of the month (April 13–19), hotel prices can temporarily spike due to the influx of guests. The rest of the month is cheaper than February–March.

Here's a rough idea of daily costs per person (exchange rates are current as you read this):

• 3* hotel in the center – 900–1,500 baht per night. During Songkran, prices are higher.
• 4* hotel – from 2,000 baht.
• Food: street rice with chicken – 60–80 baht, food court lunch – from 120 baht, dinner at a café – 200–350 baht.
• Bike rental – from 200 baht/day, car rental – from 800 baht.

What to pack and what to keep in mind for April

• Always carry a water bottle – in this heat, dehydration hits fast. This is for drinking, not for Songkran.
• Cool off in the sea or pool – the best way to survive the midday heat.
• Hop between malls and shops – AC is a lifesaver.
• Bring waterproof pouches – if you're joining Songkran, protect your phone and documents. They're sold everywhere during the festival.
• Dress light – +34 °C and above calls for light, breathable fabrics.
• Use sunscreen – the sun is extremely strong.
• Plan activities for morning or evening – afternoons are way too hot.
• Download Bolt or Grab – these ride-hailing apps are often cheaper than street taxis.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast – April can bring summer storms with thunder and gusty winds. On those days, it's best to stay indoors.

So, is it worth going to Pattaya in April?

Our take: April is for those who love heat and excitement. If you can handle +35 °C in the sun (or more) and want to join Songkran – this is your month. The festive atmosphere, water battles, and warm sea (+30 °C) create unforgettable experiences that are worth coming to Pattaya specifically for.

If you're after a quiet beach vacation – Pattaya always has quiet corners, especially in Jomtien and Na-Jomtien. During Songkran, the water battles are mostly in the center, so you can easily escape the craziness if you want to.

For a complete overview of the resort, check out our full Pattaya guide: Pattaya: The Complete Guide for Independent Travelers.

Frequently asked questions about Pattaya in April

• What's the weather like in Pattaya in April? Very hot, daytime +33…+35 °C (in direct sun +40 °C and above), nighttime +26…+28 °C, water +30 °C.
• Is April a good time to visit Pattaya? Yes, if you love heat and want to join Songkran.
• What is Songkran? Thai New Year, officially celebrated from April 13 to 15, and in Pattaya from April 17 to 19 (Wan Lai).
• How many days does it rain in April? 5–6 days, mostly brief showers.
• How much do tours to Pattaya cost in April from Moscow? Prices start from $1,800–2,500 for two for 10 nights in a 3* hotel.
• Pattaya or Phuket in April? Pattaya is cheaper and offers a bigger Songkran celebration. Phuket is pricier but has more scenic beaches.