Pattaya in April: weather, Songkran and is it worth going

Weather in Pattaya in April: what to expect

April in Pattaya is the hottest month of the year. Daytime air temperature reaches +33…+35 °C, and in the sun, the air heats up to +40 °C and above. At night, the temperature drops to +26…+28 °C. This is the month when air conditioning becomes your best friend, and any activities are best planned for the morning or evening.

April is a transitional month between the dry and wet seasons. The rainy season hasn't started yet, but there's already slightly more rainfall than in March. Rain occurs 5–6 days a month, but most often these are brief showers. On average, about 70–95 mm of precipitation falls.

Key weather indicators in Pattaya in April:

• Daytime air temperature: +33…+35 °C (in the sun +40 °C and above).
• Nighttime air temperature: +26…+28 °C.
• Water temperature: about +30 °C.
• Precipitation: about 70–95 mm per month.
• Rainy days: 5–6 days per month.
• Sunny days: about 21 days.
• Humidity: about 76–80%, the heat feels more intense.

By periods of the month:

• Early April — heat, dry.
• April 13–19 — Songkran, water battles, huge excitement.
• Late April — heat subsides, first rains possible.

Temperature and precipitation in Pattaya by month

Current weather in Pattaya and 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 nationwide from April 13 to 15, but in Pattaya, the celebration lasts longer. The city's main event — Wan Lai — takes place from April 17 to 19. During these days, roads are closed, concert venues operate, and April 19 is the peak of the celebration.

The entire city turns into one big water battle. People pour water on each other from buckets, water guns, and hoses — this symbolizes purification and the beginning of a new year.

How Songkran unfolds in Pattaya:

• Main events take place on Central Beach (Pattaya Beach) and Walking Street. Stages are set up, concerts and religious ceremonies are held.
• Parade — on April 13, a colorful parade passes through the city's central streets.
• Buddha statue bathing — on April 14, temples hold ceremonies to bathe Buddha statues.
• "Family Day" — on April 15, Thais spend time with family, while tourists continue water battles.
• Wan Lai in Pattaya — April 17–19, the culmination of the celebration, main events on the beach.
• Fireworks — often conclude the celebration on the last day of festivities.

Tips for those planning to participate in Songkran:

• Protect your documents — pack your phone, passport, and wallet in waterproof cases. They're sold everywhere during Songkran days.
• Dress appropriately — light clothing you don't mind getting wet, and waterproof footwear.
• Be careful on the roads — streets are slippery, and motorbike riders often lose control during water battles.
• Don't splash Buddhist monks — it's considered disrespectful.
• Apply sunscreen — you can get sunburned even under water.
• Participate with a smile — Songkran is a celebration of joy and goodwill.

If you're looking for adrenaline, fun, and unforgettable experiences — Songkran is worth coming here specifically. If you prefer a relaxing vacation — you can always find secluded spots away from the center.

Sea and beaches in April

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

On the central beach, the water can be murky, so for clear water it's better to go to Koh Larn, Jomtien, Military Beach (Sai Keo), or Wong Amat (Naklua) — the water there is significantly clearer. During Songkran days, the central beach is crowded and noisy, while these areas are usually calmer.

There are fewer tourists in April than in the high season, but during Songkran days, the number of people increases noticeably. Sun loungers are available, but in the center they may be occupied.

Jellyfish are practically absent in April.

What to do in April

April is a great time for excursions, but it's better to plan them for the morning or evening to avoid the daytime heat.

• Beach relaxation — Jomtien, Koh Larn, Military Beach, Wong Amat.
• Excursions — Nong Nooch, Sanctuary of Truth, Mini Siam. Better in the morning.
• Songkran — the main event of April, water battles (April 13–19).
• Shopping — Central Festival, Terminal 21. Escape from the heat.
• Night markets — Thepprasit, Rompho. Working as usual.
• SPA and massage — a great time for relaxation.

More about all the attractions of Pattaya — in our separate guide: Pattaya attractions: what to see on your own.

Pros and cons of an April vacation in Pattaya

• ✔ Pros:

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

• ✖ Cons:

  • Intense heat — daytime +33…+35 °C, in the sun +40 °C and above.
  • Songkran — many don't like being wet for several days in a row.
  • Many people on the streets — during Songkran days, the city is packed.
  • Traffic jams and road closures — central streets are closed.
  • High humidity — the heat feels more intense.
  • Hotel prices — temporarily spike during Songkran days.

Tourist reviews of Pattaya in April

"We caught Songkran — it was crazy! All day we were wet but happy. Sea +30 °C. The heat was intense, but the water battles saved us. Highly recommend if you want emotions!"

— Olga, Moscow

"Pattaya in April is hot. Very hot. Daytime +34 °C, we only escaped in malls or the sea. The sea is warm and clear, swam with pleasure. But Songkran is not for us — we just went to Bangkok for those days."

— Dmitry, Saint Petersburg

"The heat in April is just unbearable! In the sun +42 °C, can't breathe. We only escaped in the room with AC and the pool. Songkran is fun, but for me, it's too extreme. Won't go in April again."

— Anna, Yekaterinburg

Overall, April is a month of contrasts: some are thrilled by Songkran, while others find it too chaotic. If you're going for peace and quiet — choose quieter areas and avoid the center on holiday days.

Pattaya or Phuket in April

Many tourists choose between Pattaya and Phuket in April.

Conclusion: in April, Pattaya is cheaper and offers a larger Songkran celebration. Phuket is more expensive but offers more picturesque beaches.

If considering alternatives outside Thailand, Nha Trang (Vietnam) also enters the dry season in April and becomes a great option for a beach vacation.

Vacation and tour prices to Pattaya in April

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

Here are approximate daily expenses per person (exchange rates current at the time of reading):

• 3* hotel in the center — 900–1500 baht (3086 rubles) per night. During Songkran, prices are higher.
• 4* hotel — from 2000 baht (5144 rubles).
• Food: street rice with chicken — 60–80 baht (180 rubles), food court lunch — from 120 baht (309 rubles), dinner at a cafe — 200–350 baht (643 rubles).
• Bike rental — from 200 baht/day (514 rubles), car — from 800 baht (2058 rubles).

What to pack and what to pay attention to in April

• Water bottle always with you — in the heat, dehydration happens quickly, and this is for drinking, not for Songkran.
• Cool off in the sea or pool — the best way to survive the daytime heat.
• Dash between shops and malls — air conditioning saves you.
• Bring waterproof cases — if you plan to participate in Songkran, protect your phone and documents. They're sold everywhere during the holiday.
• Dress lightly — +34 °C and above require light clothing made of natural fabrics.
• Use sunscreen — the sun is very active.
• Plan activities for the morning or evening — too hot during the day.
• Download Bolt or Grab — these taxi apps are often cheaper than street cabs.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast — in April, summer storms with thunderstorms and gusty winds are possible. On such days, it's better to stay indoors.

So, is it worth going to Pattaya in April?

Our conclusion: April is a month for those who love heat and fun. If you're ready for +35 °C in the sun and above and want to participate in Songkran — this is your month. The festive atmosphere, water battles, and warm sea (+30 °C) create unforgettable experiences worth coming to Pattaya specifically for.

If you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation — you can always find quiet corners in Pattaya, especially in the Jomtien and Na-Jomtien areas. During Songkran days, water battles mostly take place in the center, so if you wish, it's easy to escape the celebration.

More about the resort in our complete Pattaya guide: Pattaya: 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 the sun +40 °C and above), nighttime +26…+28 °C, water +30 °C.
• Is it worth going to Pattaya in April? Yes, if you love heat and want to participate in 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 in April have rain? 5–6 days, mostly brief.
• How much do tours to Pattaya in April from Moscow cost? Prices start from $1800–2500 for two for 10 nights in a 3* hotel.
• Pattaya or Phuket in April? Pattaya is cheaper and offers a larger Songkran celebration. Phuket is more expensive but has more picturesque beaches.