Chittagong in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Chittagong

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

104 mm (4.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Pre-monsoon comfort zone: April sits perfectly between the dry season's end and monsoon onset, giving you warm but not oppressive temperatures of 24-32°C (75-89°F) with manageable humidity at 70%
Ideal sea conditions: Bay of Bengal is at its calmest before monsoon winds arrive, making boat trips to St. Martin's Island and Maheshkhali Island smooth with 1-2m (3-6ft) swells maximum
Cultural calendar peak: Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) typically falls mid-April, bringing busy street festivals, traditional food stalls, and reduced accommodation prices as locals travel to villages
Optimal visibility for sightseeing: Pre-monsoon atmosphere provides crystal clear views from Sitakunda hills and Foy's Lake, with visibility extending 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on clear days

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorm roulette: Daily downpours between 2-5 PM occur 60% of April days, lasting 30-45 minutes with intense rainfall that can flood streets temporarily
Peak humidity buildup: Morning humidity reaches 85-90% before dropping to 70% by evening, making early outdoor activities feel more exhausting than temperature suggests
Unpredictable weather windows: You'll need flexible planning as sunny mornings can turn stormy by lunch, then clear again by evening - difficult for fixed outdoor itineraries

Best Activities in April

Cox's Bazar Beach Excursions

April offers the sweet spot for Bangladesh visits - warm 28°C (82°F) water temperatures without the crushing monsoon crowds. Morning beach walks are comfortable at 24-26°C (75-79°F), and you can enjoy the 120 km (75 miles) coastline with minimal tourist congestion. The pre-monsoon period means clearer skies for sunset photography and calmer seas for swimming.

Booking Tip: Book day trips 5-7 days ahead for best rates, typically ৳3,500-5,500 ($30-47) including transport from Chittagong. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon storms. Look for packages including Himchari and Inani Beach. Reference current tour options in the booking section below.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Cultural Tours

April's moderate temperatures make hill station visits genuinely enjoyable rather than sweltering. Bangladesh and Bangladesh are accessible with comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures at altitude. This is prime season for seeing indigenous communities' spring activities and traditional crafts before monsoon isolation begins.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages range ৳8,000-15,000 ($68-128) with permits included. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as permits require advance processing. Ensure operators handle restricted area permissions. Check current availability through booking platforms below.

Sundarbans Mangrove Expeditions

April marks the final month for comfortable Bangladesh exploration before monsoon access restrictions. Wildlife is active in moderate temperatures, and tidal patterns are predictable. You'll encounter Royal Bengal Tigers at optimal viewing conditions with 70% humidity rather than monsoon's 95%+.

Booking Tip: Two-day packages typically cost ৳12,000-18,000 ($102-153) from Chittagong including permits and meals. Book minimum 10 days ahead for permit processing. Choose operators with Forest Department certification. See current expedition options in booking section.

Chittagong Port and Shipbreaking Yard Tours

April's clear pre-monsoon atmosphere provides unobstructed views of one of South Asia's busiest ports. The moderate humidity makes walking tours of Chittagong's industrial heritage comfortable, and you can photograph the massive ship recycling operations without monsoon haze obscuring the scale.

Booking Tip: Half-day industrial heritage tours cost ৳2,500-4,000 ($21-34) including permits and guide. Book through licensed operators only - security clearances take 3-5 days. Morning slots fill first due to better lighting and cooler temperatures.

Sitakunda Temple and Hill Station Visits

The 300m (984ft) elevation provides perfect respite from coastal humidity, with temperatures 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than city level. April offers clear views of the Bay of Bengal stretching to the horizon, and the ancient Hindu temples are comfortable to explore without summer's oppressive heat.

Booking Tip: Day trips range ৳1,800-3,200 ($15-27) including transport and temple fees. Morning departures by 8 AM avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Look for packages combining Chandranath Temple and botanical garden visits. Current options available through booking widget below.

Traditional River Cruises on Karnaphuli

April's pre-monsoon period offers ideal river conditions with moderate currents and clear water. Evening cruises at 6-8 PM provide comfortable 26-28°C (79-82°F) temperatures with cooling river breezes. You'll see Chittagong's riverside life without monsoon's muddy water obscuring views.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost ৳800-1,500 ($7-13) for 2-3 hours. Book Easttimor-day at Sadarghat terminal or through hotel concierges. Sunset timing around 6:15 PM in April provides optimal photography conditions. Check current river cruise availability in booking section.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April (typically April 14-15)

Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year)

The most busy cultural celebration in Chittagong, featuring traditional processions through GEC Circle, folk music performances at Shilpakala Academy, and authentic Bengali feast preparations. Streets fill with people in traditional dress, temporary food stalls serve seasonal specialties, and cultural programs run from dawn to midnight.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts rather than cotton - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp after afternoon storms

Compact umbrella plus light rain jacket - afternoon thunderstorms produce heavy rainfall (25-30 mm/hour) that overwhelms umbrellas alone

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15-20 minutes of direct exposure

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - prevents chafing during humid 85-90% morning conditions

Waterproof phone case and dry bags - sudden downpours can damage electronics in seconds

Breathable walking shoes with good grip - wet tiles and marble surfaces become extremely slippery

Electrolyte supplements or oral rehydration salts - sweating increases significantly in 32°C (89°F) temperatures with high humidity

Anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizer - increased bacterial growth in warm, humid conditions

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - pre-monsoon mosquito activity peaks in April

Lightweight long pants for temple visits and air-conditioned spaces that can be aggressively cold

Insider Knowledge

Time outdoor activities for 6-10 AM window when temperatures are 24-26°C (75-79°F) and humidity drops to 65% - locals start their day early and retreat indoors by 11 AM

Book accommodation near GEC Circle or Agrabad commercial area rather than beachfront - you'll have better access to covered walkways and shopping complexes during afternoon storms

Carry small denomination notes (৳20, ৳50) in waterproof wallet - street vendors and rickshaw drivers can't make change during sudden rain when everyone seeks shelter

Use April's shoulder season pricing to stay at business hotels (30-40% lower rates than winter peak) - they have better backup generators and air conditioning maintenance than budget properties

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning rigid outdoor itineraries - April weather changes rapidly and you need 2-3 hour flexibility windows for afternoon storms

Underestimating humidity impact - 70% humidity makes 32°C (89°F) feel like 38°C (100°F), leading to faster dehydration than expected

Booking beachside accommodations expecting constant sea breezes - April's variable wind patterns mean some days are completely still with no coastal cooling