Koh Samui
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April 1, 2024

Koh Samui in April: What to expect

April on Koh Samui? Whether or not you’ll get to enjoy Samui Songkran – there’s lots of sunshine and even more water coming your way.

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Koh Samui in April

A scorching April day on Bophut Beach at Hansar Samui

To quote from Shania Twain’s lesser canon: life’s about to get good. As for April on Koh Samui? Whether or not you’ll get to enjoy Samui Songkran – there’s lots of sunshine and even more water coming your way.

Is April a good time to visit Koh Samui?

Yes, but it’s very, very hot. Like so hot that Thai people complain it’s hot. While this means that the sea and swimming pools are beautifully warm for swimming, you might have little interest in strenuous activities like hiking/biking. All the better for cheeky day-drinking, I say.

Koh Samui questions? Start here

The Koh Samui Guide: More questions? Whether you're ready to start packing or have a thousand more questions about Koh Samui in April, you'll find every answer in The Koh Samui Guide.

Where to stay in April

My pick: Cielo Boutique Hotel & Spa Samui

Cielo Boutique Hotel & Spa Samui

A superb spot April when it's so hot you just need to stay in the pool, leaving only to get a new book or a fresh Aperol Spritz. (French management is primed to succeed at the latter). Cielo offers both a beachfront pool and the choice of your own private pool. Choose a Deluxe Suite, a Duplex Suite or any of the villa options. With a group, both two- and three-bedroom villa options are available for groups of up to eight adults). Love seafood? Don't miss on-site restaurant, KohCo Beach.

See Rates + Details

Hotel Tip: If you’re coming to Koh Samui on a budget (and aren’t acclimated to Thailand’s heat), do yourself a massive favour and spring for an air-conditioned room instead of a fan-cooled room. You'll save the difference in rehydration IVs at the emergency room.

More hotel ideas

Hotel questions? Start here

To quickly orient yourself, start with the posts below. Find out which beach is where – and which one is best for you. Plus, get the best island hotel options for all budgets and tastes.

What to pack for April

1. Dual Voltage Travel Steamer

Linen, more linen and a travel steamer. More than any other time of year, your packing focus should be on staying comfortable in April’s strong heat. When you pack for Thailand, pay close attention to bringing clothes made from the right fabrics. Year-round, I rely on linen to stay cool in Thailand. Tell your favourite denim or polyester clothing: you’re sorry, but it’s so not invited. This dual-voltage travel steamer is the exact puzzle piece missing to take you from ‘crumpled linen heap’ to ‘tropical casual’ (AND it kills dust mites).

2. Waterproof Phone Case

Songkran super soakers? You’re ready. If you drop your phone in the pool or are caught in an unexpected downpour – no problem. This waterproof case fits just about every phone in existence and will be very happy to join you for a snorkelling trip – it’s certified to 100 feet deep.

3. Electrolyte Drink Tablets

Yes, you’ll want electrolytes. Fresh coconuts and Gatorade are available, but a portable supply is a helpful backup when you’re wilting far from a shop or restaurant. I like to use them on long flights and – hellooo fellow cult members – on the Peloton, too.

4. Coconut Deodorant Wipes

As April is so hot, I recommend bringing a stash of travel wet wipes so, when the heat gets the better of you, you can quickly refresh and feel like a human again.

What to wear on Koh Samui in April?

As for shoes, choose flip-flops, slides or thong sandals. They’re ideal for almost everything on Koh Samui. Given that it’s oh-so-very-hot, you won’t want anything but the lightest flip-flop on your sweet little feet.

Packing questions? Start here

For a total packing guide, see what to pack for Thailand (including toiletries, electronics, clothes for different seasons, cities and itineraries and your carry-on).

Weather in April

April is HOT.

April averages

  • Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
  • Sunshine (hours/day): 8
  • Rainy days: 5 days (80 mm / 3 inches)
  • Sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F

What’s the weather like on Koh Samui in April?

Oh, it’s hot, hot, hot!

How hot is it on Koh Samui in April?

Is the weather too hot on Koh Samui in April? For some, it might be. If you’re coming with a family member (perhaps an elderly relative) who typically struggles with heat, they might be more comfortable in a cooler month. I recommend booking air-conditioned accommodation in April – there’s no point coming all this way to melt and suffer.

Bougainvillea in bloom

Is it rainy season in April?

Quite the opposite – though you might get soaked during Songkran. April 16th is, on average, the hottest day of the year on Koh Samui. Isn’t Thailand clever to have scheduled the world’s biggest water fight during this period? You’ll have plenty of opportunities to cool off during Songkran on Koh Samui (whether you ask for it or not).

April events calendar

April plan of action? Find a pool and stay there. Above – Hansar Samui near Fisherman's Village

April 2024 events

Your April FAQs

April 16th is (statistcally) the hottest day of the year on Samui

What are the best things to do on Koh Samui in April?

Without a doubt – enjoying Songkran’s festivities. Whether by luck or cunning, it’s possible your April visit will coincide with Songkran (the Thai New Year, celebrated as a water festival). Of all the annual events in Thailand, Songkran is a true highlight. Imagine an entire country of people enjoying themselves as though it were the last day of school. It’s a happy day. To make sure you completely enjoy yourself, see a few basic tips for how to stay safe on Songkran.

The Koh Samui Guide: Amongst other crucial trip details, The Koh Samui Guide covers exactly where (and when) to buy alcohol, plus how to arrange your transportation, navigate taxis and catch a songthaew.

Koh Samui parties in April?

Expect lots of event programming around Songkran – pool parties, foam parties, etc.

SEEN Beach Club at Avani Chaweng Samui

Is April or May better on Koh Samui?

While the weather stats above put May on Koh Samui as hotter – everything I’ve ever read (and experienced) insists April is Koh Samui’s hottest month. That was until May 2023 – which smashed all temperature records for any month on Koh Samui, ever. (37.2°C or 98.96°F, with 3000% humidity). May will likely be quieter – though slightly wetter.

Is Koh Samui busy in April?

Songkran draws many visitors to Thailand in April – although Bangkok and Chiang Mai are better-known destinations. In the years that Songkran and Easter fall in April, yes, April will be busy. However, given the heat, few tourists venture far from their hotel swimming pool (or air-conditioning) during the day. Outside of holiday dates, hotel rates can be very attractive in April.

Is Koh Samui or Phuket better in April?

For absolutely no legitimate reason, I get excited when Samui ‘wins’. Unless you prefer rain to sunshine, Koh Samui is a better bet in April.

  • Temperature (avg): 29°C on Koh Samui vs 29°C in Phuket
  • Sunshine (hours): 8 on Koh Samui vs 9 in Phuket
  • Rainy days (avg): 5 days (80 mm) on Koh Samui vs 11 days (150 mm) in Phuket
  • Sea temperature: 28°C on Koh Samui vs 30°C in Phuket
Suffering for my craft – this pier was scorching hot. Don't kneel on hot things at noon.

What are hotel rates like for Koh Samui in April? How do they compare between April and May?

April

May

Between the four hotels, rates range from 52% to 133% comparing April over May. I suspect this variation has more to do with room inventory far in advance than any other factor. Book early to enjoy total choosiness. Rates via Booking.com for a random night in April 2024.

The kiddle pool and beach bar at Hansar Samui – mid-April

Can I swim in the sea on Koh Samui in April?

If you’ve read the safety section in The Koh Samui Guide. Semi-kidding aside, you’ll love the pool and ocean temperatures at this time of year – no wilful dipping of toes, but bath temperature. If you, like me, enter a swimming pool one millimetre at a time like a ridiculous sissy – April is your cannonball season.

When are sunrise and sunset on Koh Samui in April? What time does it get dark?

Catch the sunrise on Apri 1st at 6:18am and sunset at 6:30pm. It's propery dark (astronomical twilight) by 7:40pm. By month's end you'll need to be up just after 6am for sunrise.

What can’t you do on Samui in April?

I can’t survive without air-conditioning in April – both in rental cars and at night. You might have a higher melting point, but I doubt it. Just make sure your rental car has air-conditioning, and let The Koh Samui Guide take care of the destinations.

Koh Samui in April

Time travel: April 2007 in the hills of Koh Samui

The Koh Samui Guide: More questions? Want to arrive a total Samui expert? Use The Koh Samui Guide to find out what to do, where to stay, what to avoid, and how to have more fun – at sunset, on a rainy day, and more. Basically, it helps you to do everything for Koh Samui except choose a new bathing suit.

“Thanks heaps Alex, We are heading to Koh Samui in April and we love the info in your guide...well done...” – Andrew

Weather details via Weather Spark, which promises that “snow is exceptionally unlikely to fall at this location in April”.

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