Things to Do in Krabi in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Krabi
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs 30-40% less than December-February peak season, and you'll actually get your first choice of hotels without booking months ahead
- Andaman Sea visibility peaks at 25-30 m (82-98 ft) in April before monsoon season - this is genuinely the best month for snorkeling and diving around Phi Phi and the outer islands
- Songkran festival (April 13-15) transforms the entire province into a massive water fight celebration - you'll see the Thai New Year traditions that tourists visiting other months completely miss
- Beach crowds thin out significantly after Chinese New Year and before European summer holidays, so you'll find stretches of Railay and Ao Nang beaches that feel almost private in the mornings
Considerations
- That 70% humidity is no joke - it's the kind that makes your clothes feel damp within 20 minutes of leaving your air-conditioned room, and you'll be doing laundry more often than you planned
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable short bursts rather than all-day rain, which sounds fine until you're stuck under a restaurant awning for 45 minutes when you planned to catch a longtail boat
- UV index of 8 means you'll burn in about 15 minutes without protection, and the sun reflects off those limestone cliffs and white sand beaches more intensely than you'd expect - locals don't go to the beach between 11am-3pm for good reason
Best Activities in April
Similan Islands diving and snorkeling expeditions
April is actually the final month before the Similans close for monsoon season (they shut down mid-May through October), so this is your last chance until November. Water visibility reaches its annual peak at 25-30 m (82-98 ft), and whale shark sightings happen more frequently in April than any other month. The national park limits daily visitors, so crowds stay manageable even though this is technically high season for diving. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 28-29°C (82-84°F), which means you can get by with a 3mm wetsuit rather than a full 5mm.
Rock climbing at Railay Beach limestone cliffs
April weather is ideal for climbing - mornings are dry and cool enough (23-26°C/73-79°F) that your hands won't slip from sweat, and the limestone stays dry between those brief afternoon showers. The cliffs face different directions, so you can chase shade throughout the day. Railay has over 700 bolted routes from beginner 5.6 grades to advanced 5.14, and April's lower tourist numbers mean you won't queue for popular routes like you would in January. The humidity actually helps - it keeps the rock from becoming slippery-smooth like it gets in the dry season.
Kayaking through Ao Thalane mangrove forests
April's low rainfall means the mangrove channels stay clear and navigable, unlike the murky brown water you get during monsoon months. The mangroves provide natural shade, which matters when UV index hits 8. You'll paddle through 100-year-old tunnels formed by twisted roots, spot monitor lizards and macaques, and the early morning tours (starting 6:30-7am) catch the tide patterns perfectly. The humidity actually makes this more comfortable than you'd think because you're constantly cooled by paddling and occasional shade.
Emerald Pool and Hot Springs jungle circuit
April is perfect timing because the pools fill from underground springs rather than rainfall, so water levels stay consistent and that distinctive emerald color stays vibrant (it gets muddy during monsoon). The jungle canopy provides shade for the 1.4 km (0.9 mile) nature trail, and morning visits (arrive by 8am) mean you'll have the pools mostly to yourself before tour groups arrive around 10am. The natural hot springs at 40-50°C (104-122°F) feel amazing after swimming in the 25°C (77°F) Emerald Pool, and locals swear by the mineral content for skin.
Songkran festival water celebrations
April 13-15 brings Thailand's traditional New Year, and Krabi celebrates harder than most tourist destinations because it's still a working Thai town, not just a resort area. Ao Nang Beach Road transforms into a water battle zone with locals and tourists armed with water guns and buckets. The traditional elements happen at temples (locals pour scented water on Buddha statues and elders' hands for blessings), while the streets become friendly chaos. Temperatures of 34°C (93°F) actually make getting soaked feel refreshing rather than annoying.
Sunset longtail boat tours around Railay and Phra Nang
April sunsets happen around 6:30pm and the Andaman Sea stays calm in the evenings (wind picks up later in May-June). The limestone karsts turn golden-orange in that late afternoon light, and you'll visit caves like Princess Cave (Phra Nang) that are easier to access at low tide, which typically falls in late afternoon during April. Private longtail charters give you flexibility to avoid the speedboat crowds that rush through in 30 minutes. Water temperature of 28-29°C (82-84°F) means you can swim comfortably at sunset stops.
April Events & Festivals
Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)
The country's biggest celebration happens April 13-15, 2026 (dates are fixed annually). In Krabi, you'll see both traditional temple ceremonies where locals pour jasmine-scented water on Buddha statues and elders' hands, and the famous water fights that take over every street. Ao Nang Beach Road and Maharaj Road in Krabi Town become water battle zones. Thais believe the water washing symbolizes cleansing bad luck from the previous year. Expect everything to shut down on April 13-14 except restaurants and 7-Elevens. This is genuinely the most important cultural event you could experience.
Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival
Usually held in late April at Ao Nang Beach, this celebrates the Andaman Sea culture with longtail boat races, seafood festivals, traditional southern Thai dance performances, and beach sports competitions. It's primarily for locals rather than tourists, which makes it more authentic - you'll see actual Krabi families spending weekends at the beach pavilions. Food stalls sell southern specialties like khua kling (dry curry) and sator (stink beans) that you won't find in tourist restaurants. Check exact 2026 dates closer to April as they shift based on local scheduling.