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When to go · Laos

Laos in April

Mixed month. Hottest month and Pi Mai (13–16 Apr): water fights, closed shops and sold-out trains.

Key facts

Verdict
Mixed
Crowds
High
Laos
Prices
High
Laos

Verdict

MixedVoykit month rating for Laos

Hottest month and Pi Mai (13–16 Apr): water fights, closed shops and sold-out trains.

Is another month better than April?

April is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in April

  • North · Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Luang Namtha, Phonsavansmoke haze

    Cool, misty mornings Dec–Jan (near 10 °C (50 °F) at altitude); the burning season (Feb–Apr) brings thick smoke; rains wash roads May–Oct.

  • Centre · Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Thakhekhot

    Dry and pleasant Nov–Feb; April tops 37 °C (99 °F); the Thakhek Loop is hard in the rains.

  • South · Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, 4,000 Islandshot

    Hottest region in April; the Bolaven Plateau is cooler and wettest; river islands flood partly at high water.

  • Central Laos: Vientiane / Vang Vieng · Mekong plain and karst valleyhot

    Nov–Feb is dry and cool; March–May hits 35 °C (95 °F)+; the wet months bring afternoon downpours and slick karst trails.

  • Central Laos: Phonsavan / Sam Neua · Xieng Khouang and Huaphan highlandsfine

    Higher and colder than the lowlands; nights drop sharply Nov–Feb and morning fog slows mountain roads.

  • Southern Laos: Mekong plain (Pakse, Savannakhet) · River valleyshot

    Dry season Nov–Feb is the comfortable window; March–May pushes past 35 °C (95 °F); the wet season runs roughly May–Oct with afternoon downpours.

  • Southern Laos: Bolaven Plateau · Above 1,000 mfine

    Mild year-round; cold nights Nov–Feb. Best visited in the dry season.

  • Luang Prabang35 °C (95 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 9 rain days
  • Ban Nahin33 °C (91 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 8 rain days
  • Ban Nakasang36 °C (97 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 7 rain days
  • Bolaven Plateau33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 7 rain days
  • Boten35 °C (95 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 9 rain days
  • Champasak35 °C (95 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 10 rain days
  • Don Det35 °C (95 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Don Khon34 °C (93 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 12 rain days
  • Don Khong35 °C (95 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 8 rain days
  • Huay Xai35 °C (95 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 8 rain days
  • Luang Namtha33 °C (91 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 9 rain days
  • Muang Khua28 °C (82 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 7 rain days
  • Muang Long35 °C (95 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 10 rain days
  • Muang Ngeun35 °C (95 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 9 rain days
  • Muang Ngoi Neua35 °C (95 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 7 rain days
  • Muang Sing38 °C (100 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 4 rain days
  • Muang Xay33 °C (91 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days
  • Nong Khiaw30 °C (86 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 7 rain days
  • Pak Lay35 °C (95 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 8 rain days
  • Pakbeng35 °C (95 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 5 rain days
  • Paksan35 °C (95 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 8 rain days
  • Paksong28 °C (82 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 5 rain days
  • Phongsali29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 10 rain days
  • Phonsavan30 °C (86 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 9 rain days
  • Plain of Jars30 °C (86 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 6 rain days
  • Sam Neua29 °C (84 °F) / 18 °C (64 °F), 9 rain days
  • Savannakhet35 °C (95 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 7 rain days
  • Sayabouly35 °C (95 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 8 rain days
  • Thakhek35 °C (95 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Vang Vieng34 °C (93 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 174 rain days
  • Vieng Xai33 °C (91 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 9 rain days
  • Xieng Kok35 °C (95 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 8 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) big impact

    13–16 Apr

    Water throwing everywhere, Luang Prabang processions; trains, buses and rooms sold out, shops closed.

  • Lao New Year (Pi Mai)

    13–16 April · Luang Prabang

    Water festival, processions, sold-out rooms and many closures.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Laos
High
Prices · Laos
High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Laos, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Apr: Mixed

    Jan: Great (better)

  • Crowds

    Apr: High

    Jan: High

  • Prices

    Apr: High

    Jan: High

  • Festivals listed

    Apr: 2

    Jan: 2

April: Hottest month and Pi Mai (13–16 Apr): water fights, closed shops and sold-out trains.

January: Dry, clear, cool mornings in the north; peak season in Luang Prabang.

Laos: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in April

Rated best or good this month

Better another month

  • Luang Prabang

    Hottest and smokiest; Lao New Year mid-month sells out rooms.