When to go · Vientiane
Vientiane in April
Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (very hot, often 38–40°C (100–104°F), seasonal haze) and Jul–Sep (Mekong flooding, heavy rain).Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (very hot, often 100–104°F (38–40°C), seasonal haze) and Jul–Sep (Mekong flooding, heavy rain).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Crowds
- High
- Laos overall
- Prices
- High
- Laos overall
Verdict
Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (very hot, often 38–40°C (100–104°F), seasonal haze) and Jul–Sep (Mekong flooding, heavy rain).Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (very hot, often 100–104°F (38–40°C), seasonal haze) and Jul–Sep (Mekong flooding, heavy rain).
Is another month better than April?
April is rated avoid. These months rate higher:
- NovemberGreatInside Vientiane's best window: Nov–Feb (cooler, dry, low humidity).
- DecemberGreatInside Vientiane's best window: Nov–Feb (cooler, dry, low humidity).
- JanuaryGreatInside Vientiane's best window: Nov–Feb (cooler, dry, low humidity).
- FebruaryGreatInside Vientiane's best window: Nov–Feb (cooler, dry, low humidity).
Weather in April
- Centre, Laos · Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Thakhekhot
Dry and pleasant Nov–Feb; April tops 37 °C (99 °F); the Thakhek Loop is hard in the rains.Dry and pleasant Nov–Feb; April tops 99 °F (37 °C); the Thakhek Loop is hard in the rains.
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 · Laos
Water throwing everywhere, Luang Prabang processions; trains, buses and rooms sold out, shops closed.
Crowds and prices
- 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.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Vientiane, side by side.
Verdict
Apr: Avoid
Jan: Great (better)
Crowds
Apr: High
Jan: High
Prices
Apr: High
Jan: High
Festivals listed
Apr: 1
Jan: 1
April: Listed as a month to avoid: Mar–May (very hot, often 38–40°C, seasonal haze) and Jul–Sep (Mekong flooding, heavy rain).
January: Inside Vientiane's best window: Nov–Feb (cooler, dry, low humidity).
Vientiane: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen