Luang Prabang in April

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

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

April is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

• NovemberGreatDry and comfortable; the best month.
• OctoberGoodRain easing; boat-race season at the end of Buddhist Lent.
• DecemberGoodCool and busy; book ahead.
• JanuaryGoodCool mornings, dry and clear; bring a layer.

• Luang PrabangHighs around 35 °C (95 °F), lows around 20 °C (68 °F), rain on about 9 daysHighs around 95 °F (35 °C), lows around 68 °F (20 °C), rain on about 9 days
• North, Laos · 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.Cool, misty mornings Dec–Jan (near 50 °F (10 °C) at altitude); the burning season (Feb–Apr) brings thick smoke; rains wash roads May–Oct.

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.

• Lao New Year (Pi Mai)

  13–16 April · Old town

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

• Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) big impact

  13–16 Apr · Laos

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

Crowds · Laos overall

High

Prices · Laos overall

High

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

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

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

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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