Weather | 25–35°C (77–95°F) | 28–40°C (82–104°F) | 27–36°C (81–97°F), with first rains late in the month |
Crowds | Moderate | Moderate early month, high during Songkran week | Moderate |
Atmosphere | Heat building, mango season starts | Hottest month, water-fight season, long hot afternoons | Hot, slightly softer edges, stormier evenings |
Key events | Makha Bucha on March 3, Book Fair starts March 26 | Book Fair through April 6, Songkran April 13–15, SIAM Songkran April 11–14, S2O April 11–13 | Labour Day May 1, Coronation Day May 4, Royal Ploughing Ceremony May 11 |
Public holidays | Makha Bucha affects alcohol sales and closures | Chakri Memorial Day April 6, Songkran April 13–15 | Labour Day, Coronation Day |
Budget | Fairly steady | April 11–15 usually costs more than late April weekdays | Often steadier after holiday spikes |
Best for | Foodies and temple mornings before peak heat | Festival fans, sunset seekers, indoor-outdoor mixed itineraries | Travellers who want hot weather without Songkran chaos |
Book early? | Not usually, except key tours and rooftops | Yes for hotels, festival nights, cruises, and sunset slots | Moderate lead time is usually enough |
Transport tips | BTS and MRT already beat road traffic | Use rail and boats; avoid taxis near Silom, Khao San, and Siam during Songkran | Carry an umbrella; afternoon rain can spike Grab pricing |