August is a great time to visit Thailand if you don't mind the rain showers, as tourist attractions will be less crowded, the hills will be lush and green, and flights and accommodation will be cheap.
Continue to read for typical weather in August in Thailand, including average temperatures and rainfall, as well as travel tips on what to wear and best places to visit.
Thailand Weather in August: Overview
- Average temperature range: 26–32°C (79–89°F)
- Average rainfall: 219 mm (9 inches)
- Rainy days: 18–23
- Sunny days: 5
The weather is quite hot throughout the country. The average temperature in Thailand in August is 29°C (84°F). The northern mountainous areas and the wetter southwestern coast experience slightly lower temperatures in August, which average 27°C (80°F).
Heavy downpours are often seen in this month, but they don’t last long and tend to be in the afternoons and evenings. So, you can still expect sunny mornings in most of Thailand. The average precipitation in the major tourist destinations is a high 219 mm (9 in) for the month.
Suggested Read:
>>> Thailand Rainy Season: When It Is and 5 Best Places to Go
>>> Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Thailand
Thailand's Regional Weather
| Location | Min. Temp. (ºC) | Max. Temp. (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 26 | 33 | 170 |
| Chiang Mai | 23 | 31 | 21 |
| Phuket | 23 | 30 | 280 |
| Krabi | 22 | 31 | 230 |
| Hua Hin | 25 | 33 | 90 |
| Koh Samui | 24 | 30 | 100 |
Bangkok and Northern Thailand: The average temperature in Bangkok is about 30°C (86°F) in August, making for hot days despite the rain. Rainfall in Bangkok and Central Thailand increases slightly in August compared to July, building towards its September monsoon peak.
Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand: In August, Northern Thailand receives the most rainfall of the year, almost identical in amount to September, especially in Chiang Mai. Heavy downpours with strong winds are expected; however, the rainy weather also helps cool down temperatures in Chiang Mai.
The average temperature in Chiang Mai in August goes is 27°C (80°F). Chiang Rai has similar weather.
Southern Thailand: Most of the southern islands experience monsoonal weather during August. The tropical monsoons bring heavy rainfall, especially in Koh Chang, which is southwest of Bangkok. The average precipitation there is an enormous 495 mm (19 in) in August!
On the west peninsula coast, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta,Similan Islands, and Trang Islands also experience high rainfall, as their very high rainfall months of September and October approach.
However, the east coast islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, and Koh Tao are relatively well protected from the southwest monsoon. If you are looking for an island on which you can spend your holiday in August, these are ideal choices, as the rainfall there is only moderate/low.
The Best Places to Visit in Thailand in August
If you don't mind a bit of rain, August can be a great time to visit Thailand. The rains keep many people from traveling, so you can enjoy tourist hotspots and quiet beaches without the crowds. The frequent rainfall makes forests lush and green and waterfalls full and powerful. So, it could be seen as the best time to explore the countryside and some of the forest parks.
We have selected the following places that are most suitable for you to explore in August.
Best places to visit in August1. Koh Samui
Koh SamuiThe lack of heavy rainfall makes Koh Samui a perfect destination for your trip to Thailand in August. Koh Samui's romantic vibe, stunning landscapes, luxury resorts, and crystal waters make it shine among Thailand's numerous islands.
You can fully enjoy yourself in the palm-fringed beaches, dense coconut groves, and mountainous rainforest. Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Maenam Beach, and Bophut Beach are the most popular beaches in Koh Samui.
Good weather provides favorable conditions for water sports. You can choose to swim, ride a banana boat, jet ski, kitesurf, and kayak. Koh Samui offers many activities for families with kids, such as football golf. There are also many water parks.
If you want to find a place to dive, you could go to Koh Tao, a 2-hour journey from Koh Samui. It is one of the best best diving spots in Thailand.
2. Hua Hin
Khao Wang Palace in Hua HinAs one of the summer resorts of the Thai royal family, Hua Hin is a good place to visit during August, where the temperature is not high as in other places in Thailand.
You can explore the glorious royal palaces, lively markets, nice golf courses, quiet beaches, and beautiful parks there. The most famous palace in Hua Hin is Khao Wang Palace, which was built on a mountain by King Rama IV. The white palace, framed against the blue sky, is a visual treat.
If you are fond of nature, you can explore Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It was the first coastal nature park in Thailand with a prime natural beach and a variety of flowers, birds, and mysterious caves.
3. Bangkok
As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a must-visit city for a trip in August. It offers numerous indoor and outdoor activities, including sightseeing, cultural and historical sites, and shopping.
The Grand Palace is always the number one attraction that is worth visiting at your first stop. Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun (‘Temple of the Dawn’), and Wat Pho are iconic Buddhist landmarks — ideal places to learn about Thailand's Buddhist culture.
4. Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth in PattayaAs it receives less rainfall than many other Thai cities in August, Pattaya is a good destination choice for this month.
Pattaya has many beaches where you can enjoy exciting water sports and relax in bars and restaurants. You can also find many fascinating museums and temples there. Spend some hours in the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, which displays all kinds of strange collections from all over the world in a unique way. And then visit the Sanctuary of Truth (an all-wood temple), which has exquisite carvings and is a spectacular sight even when seen from a distance.
5. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National ParkThe interior of the southern peninsula is a good area to visit in rainy August as the heavy rainfall mainly happens in the afternoon and it is sunny in the morning. Khao Sok National Park is about a 3-hour drive from Phuket.
There, you can explore the world's oldest evergreen jungle, marvel at the stunning limestone karst mountains, and see a great variety of exotic plants and tropical hardwood trees with massive roots, such as orchids, palms, ferns, bamboo, and mosses.
Suggested read: How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps.
Crowding and Costs in August
August is a good time to travel to Thailand if you don’t mind its heat and frequent rainy days. It is easy to book a discounted room in branded hotels and find great deals on outdoor activities. The tourist sites and beaches are quiet and empty, which is a definite benefit compared to the high season.
Clothes to Wear in August
August is still quite hot in most of Thailand. Shorts, skirts, T-shirts, light trousers, and caps are recommended, if you are packing for Thailand in August. It rains quite often in this month. So, remember to take umbrellas, light raincoats, and rubber boots or sandals for outdoor activities.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Thailand
Learn about the weather in Thailand for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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