Things to Do in Chiangmai in April

April Weather in Chiangmai

37°C (98°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

53 mm (2.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect post-burning season air quality - April marks the end of the annual burning season, with PM2.5 levels dropping from hazardous March peaks to acceptable ranges (50-75 µg/m³) by mid-April
Ideal temple exploration weather - Morning temperatures of 23-28°C (73-82°F) from 6-10am provide comfortable conditions for visiting Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and the old city temples before afternoon heat peaks
Sonkran water festival celebration - April 13-15 brings Thailand's most important celebration to Chiang Mai, with elaborate water blessing ceremonies at temples and the famous moat area water battles
Peak mango and tropical fruit season - Local markets overflow with nam dok mai mangoes (฿80-120/kg), rambutan, and lychee at their absolute best, while street vendors offer fresh-cut fruit at every corner

Considerations

Intense afternoon heat reaching 37°C (98°F) - Between 11am-4pm, outdoor activities become genuinely uncomfortable, forcing most sightseeing into early morning or late afternoon slots
Sonkran accommodation premium and crowds - Hotel rates spike 150-300% during April 10-16, while popular areas like Tha Phae Gate become shoulder-to-shoulder crowded during festival days
Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - 10 rainy days means 30% chance of sudden downpours that can last 30-90 minutes, potentially disrupting outdoor plans without warning

Best Activities in April

Early Morning Temple Circuit Tours

April's 6am sunrise and cool morning temperatures (23-26°C/73-79°F) create perfect conditions for visiting Chiang Mai's temple circuit before tour buses arrive. Start at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at 6:30am when monks conduct morning prayers, then descend to explore old city temples by 9am before heat intensifies. April offers the clearest mountain views after burning season haze clears.

Booking Tip: Book temple tours departing 6-7am through licensed operators (฿1,200-1,800 for full circuit including transport). Reserve 7-10 days ahead during Sonkran week. Look for operators offering traditional alms-giving experiences. See current early morning temple tours in the booking section below.

Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trips

Thailand's highest peak offers April's best escape from valley heat, with temperatures 8-12°C (14-22°F) cooler than city level. The 2,565m (8,415ft) summit provides stunning clear-air views post-burning season, while April's moderate rainfall keeps waterfalls flowing without making trails muddy. Twin pagodas and royal gardens are at their most photogenic.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost ฿2,200-2,800 including transport and entry fees. Depart by 7:30am to maximize cool weather time. Book with operators providing warm jackets for summit visits. Reserve 5-7 days ahead. Current Doi Inthanon tours available in booking widget below.

Traditional Cooking Classes

April's peak fruit season makes cooking classes exceptional, with classes featuring fresh mangoes, lychee, and seasonal vegetables at their prime. Morning classes (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon heat while working with cooler kitchens. Local markets visits showcase tropical fruits tourists rarely see elsewhere, and outdoor eating areas remain comfortable until noon.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes range ฿1,500-2,500 including market tour and meal. Book morning sessions (8am start) to avoid peak heat. Choose classes offering seasonal fruit dessert preparation in April. Reserve 3-5 days ahead, longer during Sonkran. Browse current cooking classes in the booking section.

Evening Night Bazaar and Street Food Tours

April evenings (6pm onward) offer perfect 28-30°C (82-86°F) temperatures for exploring Chiang Mai's renowned street food scene. Saturday Walking Street and Sunday Walking Street operate at ideal comfort levels, while night bazaars along Chang Khlan Road buzz with energy. April's Sonkran period brings special festival foods and extended market hours.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost ฿800-1,400 for 3-hour experiences covering 6-8 stops. Start after 6pm when temperatures drop and stalls fully open. Book with operators covering both tourist areas and local neighborhoods. Current evening food tours available through booking widget below.

Elephant Sanctuary Visits

April's post-burning season clarity and moderate afternoon showers create ideal conditions for ethical elephant encounters. Elephants are more active in April's moderate heat compared to peak hot season, and sanctuary pools provide natural cooling opportunities. Morning visits (8am-1pm) avoid peak afternoon heat while allowing full interaction experiences.

Booking Tip: Full-day ethical sanctuary visits range ฿2,800-4,200 including meals and transport. Choose sanctuaries 45-60km (28-37 miles) from city offering genuine no-riding experiences. Book 7-14 days ahead, especially during Sonkran week. See current ethical elephant experiences in booking section.

Riverside Dinner Cruises on Ping River

April evenings provide perfect conditions for Ping River cruises, with comfortable 26-29°C (79-84°F) temperatures and minimal chance of evening rain. The river runs clear post-burning season, offering better photography opportunities and cleaner air. Traditional teak boat dinners showcase seasonal ingredients while avoiding daytime heat entirely.

Booking Tip: Evening river cruises cost ฿900-1,600 for 2-3 hour experiences with dinner included. Sunset cruises (5:30-8pm) offer best temperatures and lighting. Book with operators using traditional longtail boats for authentic experience. Current river cruise options in booking widget below.

April Events & Festivals

April 13-15

Songkran Water Festival

Thailand's New Year celebration transforms Chiang Mai into a city-wide water celebration. Traditional temple ceremonies honor elders and Buddha images, while Tha Phae Gate becomes ground zero for massive water battles. Locals dress in traditional clothing for temple visits in morning, then join water festivities in afternoon.

Mid April

Poi Sang Long Festival

Young Shan boys undergo Buddhist ordination ceremonies in elaborate costumes and makeup, creating spectacular photo opportunities. Processions wind through old city temples with traditional music and dancing. This cultural celebration coincides with Songkran but focuses on spiritual rather than water elements.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight quick-dry rain jacket - April's 10 rainy days bring sudden 30-90 minute downpours, often without warning in late afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches dangerous level 8, especially brutal during temple visits and outdoor markets

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - Avoid polyester in 70% humidity; natural fabrics prevent overheating during 37°C (98°F) afternoon peaks

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - Essential for Sonkran water activities and unexpected thunderstorms

Comfortable walking sandals that dry quickly - Temple visits require shoe removal, while water activities and rain make quick-drying footwear crucial

Light sweater for mountain trips - Doi Inthanon summit temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F), requiring warm layer for popular day trips

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - High heat and humidity cause rapid dehydration, especially during outdoor activities

Insect repellent with DEET - April's humidity increases mosquito activity, particularly during evening street food tours

Power bank for phone - Extended outdoor time in heat drains batteries faster, while photo opportunities during clear post-burning season skies are endless

Respectful temple clothing - Long pants and covered shoulders required for temple visits, pack lightweight options that won't overheat in 37°C (98°F) heat

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation outside Sonkran dates (April 10-16) then extend stay - Many hotels require minimum 5-night stays during festival with 200-300% rate increases, but offer normal rates immediately before/after

Visit temples at 6-7am for authentic monk prayer experiences - Tourist crowds arrive after 9am, but early morning offers genuine spiritual atmosphere plus comfortable 23-26°C (73-79°F) temperatures

Eat seasonal tropical fruits from local markets, not tourist restaurants - April mangoes cost ฿80-120/kg at local markets versus ฿300-400 for same fruit at hotel restaurants

Locals escape city heat at air-conditioned shopping malls 11am-4pm - Central Festival and Maya Mall become community gathering spaces during peak heat, offering authentic cultural experience plus relief

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities during 11am-4pm heat peak - Even locals avoid outdoor activities during this period, staying indoors or in air-conditioned spaces until late afternoon

Arriving in Chiang Mai April 12-14 without booked accommodation - Sonkran creates accommodation shortage with prices spiking 200-300% for any remaining rooms

Wearing white clothing during Sonkran without waterproof bag protection - White shirts become transparent when soaked, while electronics and documents need serious water protection during festival