By Kylian DevNorth
RainyChiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai
One of the wettest months: expect frequent rain, muddy trails and occasional landslides on mountain roads.
Thailand in August
Thailand in August: pick the Gulf and travel smart
August is one of the rainiest months in the north and on the Andaman coast, but the Gulf islands usually enjoy good weather. With the right route, it is a very enjoyable month to travel.
- Good with the right region
- Shoulder season
- 3 ideal destinations
Good with the right region
Our verdict for August
August rewards a smart itinerary: Bangkok, a short stay in the north and a long stretch on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. The north and Andaman coast see some of their heaviest rain of the year, so keep plans flexible there. Accommodation on the Gulf islands is busier than in June, so book ahead.
Bangkok & centre
MixedBangkok, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin
Humid with regular storms; Bangkok copes well, but streets can flood briefly after heavy downpours.
Andaman coast
RainyPhuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta
Full monsoon: frequent rain, strong waves and swimming often unsafe on exposed beaches.
Gulf islands
GreatKoh Samui, Phangan, Tao
Still the best choice: mostly dry, with calm seas for ferries and good diving around Koh Tao.
Region by region
Weather in Thailand in August, by region
The bar shows how many of our destinations in each region are in their ideal season. The strip shows the whole year, with this month outlined.
North
Rainy
0 of 6 destinations ideal
Central & Bangkok
Rainy
0 of 5 destinations ideal
Gulf of Thailand
Great
3 of 3 destinations ideal
Andaman Sea
Rainy
0 of 9 destinations ideal
East (Koh Chang)
Rainy
0 of 5 destinations ideal
Method: each destination has a list of ideal months in our data; a region is rated from the share of its destinations in their ideal window. It is a planning guide based on typical seasons, not a forecast.
Where to go
Best places to visit in Thailand in August
In August, the ideal destinations in our data are all on the Gulf of Thailand.
Gulf of ThailandKoh Tao
The mecca of scuba diving and sea turtles
29°C€28 - 50 / day
Gulf of ThailandKoh Phangan
Two faces: legendary parties and zen yoga sanctuaries
29°C€30 - 65 / day
Gulf of ThailandKoh Samui
The island of coconut palms, exceptional spas and Ang Thong marine park
30°C€50 - 120 / day
Doable, off peak (0)
None: every destination is either ideal or rainy this month.
Outside their ideal window but usually fine to visit: expect some showers, heat or rougher seas.
Rainy season (25)
BangkokChiang MaiChiang Rai & the Golden TrianglePaiSukhothaiAyutthayaKanchanaburi & ErawanHua HinKoh ChangKhao SokPhuketKrabi & RailayKoh Phi PhiKoh LantaKoh LipeKoh KoodKoh MakKoh SametPattayaKhao YaiKhao LakKoh Yao NoiTrang IslandsMae Hong SonNan
In their rainy season according to our data. Still possible if you are flexible, but plan indoor options and check boat schedules.
Typical conditions
What the weather is like in August
Temperatures hover around 30–32°C with heavy, humid air. Rain in the north and on the Andaman coast can last longer than in early summer, sometimes for a whole day. On the Gulf islands, showers are occasional and the sea is generally calm.
What to pack in August
- A proper rain jacket and waterproof bag cover
- Shoes that dry quickly or water shoes
- Anti-chafing cream and light, breathable clothes
- A dry bag for boats and motorbike rides
Crowds & prices
Crowds and prices in August
Shoulder season
A summer mini-peak on the Gulf islands and in Bangkok, with prices a notch above June's. The Andaman coast and the north are quiet, so bargains are easy to find there if you do not mind rain.
Tourist season through the year
JFMAMJJASOND
Taller bar = busier and usually pricier. Based on typical tourist seasons, not live prices.
Festivals
Festivals in Thailand in August
Lunar festivals shift from year to year: check the exact date before you book.
Asahna Bucha & Khao Phansa (Candle Festival)
July, sometimes early August (lunar)
Start of Buddhist Lent, with giant carved candles paraded in Ubon Ratchathani.
Ubon Ratchathani (Candle Festival), temples nationwide
Full Moon Party
Every month, on or around the full moon
The monthly all-night beach party at Haad Rin, Koh Phangan.
Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan
FAQ
Thailand in August: your questions
Is August a good month for Thailand?
Yes, if your beach time is on the Gulf islands (Samui, Phangan, Tao), which usually stay dry. The north and the Andaman coast are in full rainy season.
What is the weather like in Thailand in August?
Hot and humid everywhere, around 30–32°C. Rainy in the north, Bangkok and on the Andaman coast; mostly sunny with occasional showers in the Gulf.
Is it worth going to Chiang Mai in August?
It is green and quiet, but it is one of the wettest months. Plan flexible days, avoid long treks on muddy trails and enjoy temples, markets and cooking classes. See Chiang Mai weather by month.
Keep planning