Things to Do in Krabi in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Krabi

34°C (93°F) High Temp
25°C (77°F) Low Temp
120 mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect visibility for diving and snorkeling - April marks the end of northeast monsoon, giving you crystal-clear waters at Phi Phi and Similan Islands with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility
  • Ideal rock climbing conditions at Railay Beach - morning temperatures of 25-28°C (77-82°F) with low wind make this prime season for limestone climbing before the hot season peaks
  • Songkran Festival (April 13-15) - experience Thailand's most important holiday with massive water fights, temple ceremonies, and locals returning home from cities, creating authentic cultural immersion
  • Lower accommodation prices than peak season - April sits in shoulder season with rates typically 30-40% lower than December-February, yet weather remains excellent for most activities

Considerations

  • Intense midday heat reaching 34°C (93°F) with 70% humidity makes outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-3pm - plan indoor activities or rest during these hours
  • Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days per month, typically 2-4pm, lasting 30-60 minutes and can disrupt island tours or outdoor plans without warning
  • Hot season building up - while April is manageable, temperatures are climbing toward the brutal May-June period, making this your last comfortable month before monsoon season

Best Activities in April

Similan Islands Diving and Snorkeling Tours

April offers the absolute best underwater visibility before the monsoon season closes these islands in May. Water temperatures sit at perfect 28-29°C (82-84°F) with minimal current and 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility. This is your last chance until November to visit these pristine islands, making April tours premium experiences with fewer crowds than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as tours stop running May 15th. Full-day tours typically cost ฿3,500-4,500 including transfers from Krabi. Look for operators with marine park permits and life insurance coverage. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Railay Beach Rock Climbing

April provides ideal climbing conditions with morning temperatures of 25-28°C (77-82°F) and minimal wind. The limestone stays cool until 10am, giving you 4-5 hours of comfortable climbing. Afternoon thunderstorms actually help by cooling the rock face for evening sessions. This timing avoids both the cool season crowds and the unbearable heat of May-June.

Booking Tip: Half-day beginner courses cost ฿1,800-2,500 including gear and instruction. Multi-pitch climbs for experienced climbers run ฿3,000-4,000. Book morning sessions (7am-11am) or late afternoon (4pm-sunset) to avoid midday heat. Current climbing tour options available in booking section.

James Bond Island Sea Kayaking

April's calm seas and clear skies create perfect kayaking conditions in Phang Nga Bay. Morning tides (6am-10am) offer glass-like waters for exploring hidden lagoons and caves. The afternoon storms actually enhance the dramatic limestone scenery, and you'll be back onshore before they hit. Tourist numbers are 40% lower than peak season.

Booking Tip: Full-day kayaking tours cost ฿2,200-3,200 including lunch and transfers. Choose tours departing 7am-8am to maximize calm water time. Operators with insurance and certified guides are essential for cave kayaking. Check current availability in booking options below.

Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Nature Tours

April's heat makes the naturally cool Emerald Pool (24-26°C / 75-79°F) incredibly refreshing, while nearby hot springs become therapeutic after morning hikes rather than overwhelming. The 2 km (1.2 mile) jungle walk is manageable in morning temperatures, and afternoon rain creates beautiful misty forest atmospheres.

Booking Tip: Half-day nature tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,000 including transport and guide. Start early (8am) to enjoy cool morning forest temperatures. Some tours combine with tiger temple visits. Independent visits cost ฿200 park entry plus ฿600-800 transport from Krabi town. See tour options in booking section.

Krabi Town Night Markets and Mangrove Sunset Tours

April evenings (6pm-10pm) offer perfect 26-28°C (79-82°F) temperatures for exploring Krabi's authentic food scene and mangrove waterways. The walking street market comes alive as temperatures drop, while mangrove tours time perfectly with spectacular sunsets and cooler river breezes.

Booking Tip: Mangrove sunset tours cost ฿800-1,200 per person with longtail boat transfers. Night market food averages ฿40-80 per dish. Book sunset tours for 5:30pm departure to catch optimal lighting and return before evening thunderstorms. Current mangrove tour options in booking section below.

Four Islands Speed Boat Tours

April seas are calm enough for comfortable speedboat travel between Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island. Morning departures (9am-2pm) avoid afternoon storms while providing excellent snorkeling conditions with warm 29°C (84°F) water and 15-20m (49-66ft) visibility.

Booking Tip: Full-day four islands tours run ฿1,800-2,400 by speedboat or ฿1,200-1,600 by longtail boat. Speedboats finish before afternoon weather but cost more. Book tours departing 9am-9:30am for optimal conditions. Longtail boats offer more authentic experience but longer travel times. Check current tours in booking section.

April Events & Festivals

April 13-15

Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

Thailand's most important celebration featuring massive water fights, temple ceremonies, and traditional rituals. In Krabi, locals gather at Wat Kaew temple for merit-making ceremonies, followed by water throwing throughout the town center. Experience authentic Thai culture as families return home and businesses close for three days.

Late April

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival

Annual celebration of southern Thai culture featuring traditional music, dance performances, and local food vendors along Krabi River. This festival showcases Andaman Sea cultural heritage with longtail boat races, seafood festivals, and traditional crafts demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index hits 8 and reflects strongly off limestone and water
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms last 30-60 minutes and come without warning
Quick-dry synthetic clothing, avoid cotton which stays wet and sticky in 70% humidity
Water shoes with good grip - essential for limestone beaches, cave exploration, and wet temple floors during Songkran
Electrolyte powder or tablets - you'll lose significant salt in 34°C (93°F) heat combined with high humidity
Lightweight long pants and long sleeves for temple visits and evening mosquito protection
Waterproof phone case - crucial during Songkran water fights and sudden downpours
Wide-brimmed hat that won't blow off boats - baseball caps inadequate for intense equatorial sun
Cooling towel or bandana - soak in cold water for instant neck cooling during hot midday periods
Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - April rain creates breeding pools for mosquitos and sand flies

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Ao Nang or Railay 3-4 weeks ahead for Songkran (April 13-15) as Thai families vacation during school holidays, driving up local demand beyond typical tourist patterns
Avoid scheduling island tours on Buddhist holy days (April 8, 23) when locals visit temples - tours run but with skeleton staff and less enthusiastic service from operators observing religious customs
April is mango season in Krabi - try nam dok mai and ok rong varieties at morning markets for ฿40-60/kg, these sweet varieties peak in April before hot season damages crops
Locals escape midday heat at Robinson Lifestyle shopping center (10am-10pm) with genuine air conditioning - use this as your midday refuge with food court meals at ฿80-150 and clean bathrooms

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities 11am-3pm when heat index reaches 40°C (104°F) - book morning (7am-10am) or late afternoon (4pm-7pm) time slots instead
Bringing only flip-flops - limestone surfaces become scalding hot by midday and cave/temple floors are slippery, proper shoes essential for safety
Underestimating Songkran water fights - this isn't gentle splashing but intense soaking with ice water, waterproof everything including backup clothes and phone

Explore Activities in Krabi