Although August is one of the low-season months in Thailand, it can still be a good month to visit. While it’s true that the weather is less settled, temperatures remain warm and it’s an excellent time to explore the natural beauty of Thailand beyond the beach. Low season also equates to fewer tourists so hotels and airlines in Thailand often offer discounted rates for travellers.
August weather
With August being one of the rainy season months in Thailand, you should be prepared for the occasional downpour during your visit. The tropical showers can be intense, but the rain isn’t constant throughout the day and you will still be able to enjoy a wonderful holiday with plenty of good weather too.
Where to visit in August
If you’re considering a beach getaway in August, the Gulf Coast of Thailand offers excellent options. In particular, the Gulf Coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao receive ample sunshine and experience lower rainfall compared to the Andaman Coast, particularly in the first half of August.
On Thailand’s East Coast, destinations including Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Samet are good options for a beach holiday in August. However, Ko Chang, further to the east, is more exposed to the monsoon and tends to be one of the wettest places in Thailand during August. If you’d like to visit Ko Chang and the nearby islands, we’d advise going during the period from mid-October to mid-May.
If you’re visiting Bangkok in August, be prepared for occasional flash flooding. These floods tend to be localised and are amazing to experience as locals get on with daily life. Typically, the situation resolves quickly once the rain stops and the water drains away. In the larger cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy if it does rain, so it’s still worth visiting despite the possibility of wet weather.
The combination of rain and sunshine in August is welcomed by the farmers in central and North Thailand. For travellers, it’s a wonderful time to discover the beauty of rural Thailand and see why this time of the year is also known as the green season.
Events and festivals in August
August isn’t a major month for festivals in Thailand, but there are some notable dates. August 12 is the birthday of Queen Sirikit. This day is a public holiday in Thailand and is also observed as Mother’s Day (Wan Mae). Many hotels and restaurants offer special promotions throughout the month to celebrate Mother’s Day, so if you are planning to visit Thailand in August, be on the lookout for these offers.
We are here to help you experience the best of amazing Thailand. Bookmark our online magazine for ideas and tips for what to see and do in Thailand, and follow us on social media for even more travel inspiration.
