Things to Do in Phuket in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Phuket

33°C (91°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

120 mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Post-high season pricing drops 30-40% from March - accommodations average ฿2,800 vs ฿4,200 in peak season while weather remains excellent
Optimal diving conditions at Similan Islands before they close May 15th - visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) with calm seas and whale shark sightings peak
Songkran water festival (April 13-15) offers authentic cultural immersion - locals celebrate with traditional merit-making at temples before tourist crowds arrive
Perfect beach weather with consistent sunshine until 2pm - morning temperatures of 28°C (82°F) ideal for activities before afternoon heat peaks

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms 60% of days from 3-5pm can disrupt outdoor plans - storms are intense but brief, requiring flexible scheduling
Humidity reaches 85% by midday making it feel like 36°C (97°F) - exhausting for walking tours and outdoor activities after 11am
Some restaurants and tour operators take brief closures post-Songkran (April 16-20) for maintenance before May reopening

Best Activities in April

Similan Islands Diving and Snorkeling Day Trips

April offers the final month of peak underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) before monsoon season. Water temperature perfect at 28°C (82°F) with minimal current. Whale shark sightings highest in April. Parks close May 15th making this your last chance until November.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Day trips typically ฿3,500-4,500 including equipment and lunch. Depart 6:30am, return 6pm. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Sunrise Temple Cycling Tours

April's 6:30am sunrise provides perfect 25°C (77°F) cycling weather before heat builds. Wat Chalong and Big Buddha routes offer 15km (9.3 miles) of scenic pedaling with minimal traffic. Complete tours by 10am before temperatures become uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically ฿1,200-1,800 including bike, helmet, and guide. Book with licensed operators offering insurance coverage. See current temple cycling options in booking section below.

Traditional Songkran Merit-Making Experiences

April 13-15 authentic celebrations at local temples before commercial water fights begin. Participate in morning alms-giving, traditional water blessing ceremonies, and sand pagoda building. Temperature perfect at 27°C (81°F) for ceremonial activities.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours during Songkran typically ฿800-1,500 for half-day temple experiences. Book through community-based tourism operators. Check current Songkran cultural tours in booking section below.

Morning Island Hopping to Phi Phi Islands

April's calm seas and clear skies create ideal conditions for speedboat tours. Depart 8am when temperatures are comfortable at 29°C (84°F), return by 3pm before afternoon storms. Maya Bay less crowded than high season with perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Full-day island tours typically ฿2,200-3,200 including transfers and lunch. Choose operators with covered boats for afternoon return. See current Phi Phi tour options in booking section below.

Evening Food Market Tours

April evenings perfect at 26°C (79°F) for exploring night markets. Songkran season brings special traditional sweets and seasonal mango sticky rice. Markets busiest 7-9pm when temperatures drop and locals dine outdoors.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically ฿1,500-2,500 for 3-4 hours including 8-10 tastings. Book with local guides who speak Thai for authentic vendor interactions. Check current food tour options in booking section below.

Phang Nga Bay Sea Kayaking

April's minimal rainfall and calm waters ideal for exploring limestone caves and hidden lagoons. Morning tours at 28°C (82°F) air temperature with warm 27°C (81°F) water. Less crowded than peak season with better wildlife spotting opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day kayaking tours typically ฿2,800-3,800 including equipment, guide, and lunch. Book operators with safety certifications and life jackets. See current Phang Nga tours in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

April 13-15

Songkran Water Festival

Traditional Thai New Year celebration combining religious ceremonies at temples with joyful water celebrations. Morning merit-making at Wat Chalong followed by community water blessings. Respectful water play throughout Phuket Town and beaches.

Mid April

Phuket Bike Week

Annual motorcycle festival attracting bikers across Southeast Asia. Custom bike displays, live music, and scenic group rides around the island. Centered at Patong Beach with organized rides to viewpoints and temples.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon thunderstorms intense but brief, lasting 20-30 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index peaks at 8-9 requiring reapplication every 90 minutes during water activities

Moisture-wicking cotton or bamboo clothing - synthetic fabrics unbearable in 85% humidity, avoid polyester entirely

Waterproof phone case - essential for Songkran water activities and sudden afternoon downpours

Electrolyte supplements - easy to dehydrate when temperatures feel like 36°C (97°F) with high humidity

Lightweight long pants for temples - required for Songkran merit-making ceremonies and cultural tours

Reef-safe zinc sunscreen stick - for snorkeling at Similan Islands where chemical sunscreens damage coral

Portable fan or cooling towel - invaluable during midday heat when walking between air-conditioned spaces

Flip-flops that stay on feet - for Songkran water activities and wet temple floors during ceremonies

Light scarf or sarong - dual purpose temple covering and protection from air-conditioning in malls and restaurants

Insider Knowledge

Book Similan Islands tours before April 20th - operators reduce frequency after Songkran preparing for season closure May 15th, limiting options

Time outdoor activities before 11am or after 5pm - locals avoid midday sun when heat index reaches 36°C (97°F), markets and shops quieter

Carry small towel during Songkran even for temple visits - respectful water blessings will get you wet, different from tourist water fights

Restaurant prices drop 15-20% post-Songkran as tourist crowds thin - wait until April 18th for better deals on beachfront dining

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities 11am-3pm when heat index peaks at 36°C (97°F) - locals rest indoors during these hours for good reason

Visiting Similan Islands after April 25th - many operators stop running trips preparing for closure, or offer limited schedules with higher prices

Wearing synthetic clothing in 85% humidity - polyester becomes unbearable, stick to natural breathable fabrics like cotton or linen