Where to go to in Thailand in August? Because it is the rainy season, most parts of the country experience heavy rain in August. And flooding can be a problem in Bangkok. So you might have to set aside time for indoor activities. However, you can expect discounts at hotels and resorts – if you don’t mind the rain. But there are a few notable exceptions, where the beaches are bathed in sunshine most the month.
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Thailand Weather in August
How is the weather in Thailand in August? Generally speaking, August is considered a poor month to visit Thailand, with lots of rain across much of the country. However, the temperature in August in Thailand is a bit cooler (but more humid) than other months.
Regarding Bangkok, August is one of the rainiest months of the year. And flooding can be a problem. While it rains in Bangkok an average of 20 days in August, that doesn’t mean it rains all day. But there can be the occasional torrential cloudburst.
The average high temperature in Bangkok in August is 33 degree Celsius, or 91 degrees Fahrenheit. And the average low temperature in August is 26 degrees Celsius, or 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are planning to visit other parts of Thailand in August, rains are heaviest in Chiang Mai. And the same goes for the rest of Northern Thailand. Other popular tourists destinations with almost daily rain in August include Khao Lak, Krabi, and Phuket.
If you want to avoid the rain, Cha Am, Hua Hin, Khanon, Koh Phan Ngan, and Koh Samui tend to experience lots of sunshine in August. If you’re after sunshine, focus on the East Coast and avoid the West Coast!
Visiting Thailand in August
Because August is the off-season in Thailand, many hotels and resorts offer discounts or special promotions. So this can be the perfect time to go shopping at Bangkok’s tony shopping malls, indulge in its sumptuous spas, feast at its legendary restaurants, and explore its temples and other indoor tourist attractions.
August Events in Thailand
Because August in the off-season in Thailand, not many events are scheduled. However, there are a few exceptions: Buddhist festivals, a music festival, and the monthly full-moon parties.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival – 1 to 2 August 2023
Candle festivals are held across Thailand at the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. During these festivals, large candles are created and offered at Buddhist temples.
The biggest and most elaborate candle festival is held at Thung Sri Muang Park in Ubon Ratchathani province, Interestingly, the tradition dates back more than 100 years.
Festivities include feasts, games, candle carving competitions, and a procession of giant candles through city streets. In addition, there are smaller processions at several other temples.
In the days leading up to the festival, giant candles are constructed at local temples in villages across the province.
On the evening of the first day of the festival, a lavish light and sound show is put on at Thung Sri Muang Park. On the second day, there is a procession of candles through the provincial capital’s downtown district.
Taking place at the same time is the Festival of Floral Offerings at Wat Phra Phutthabat in the Phra Phutthabat district of Saraburi province.
Asahna Bucha – 1 August 2023
Buddhists celebrate the Buddha’s teaching of the Four Noble Truths on Asahna Bucha, one of the most important holidays of the year in Thailand, a devoutly Buddhist country.
On Asahna Bucha, devotees visit Buddhist temples. And candlelight processions are held in some cities.
Keep in mind that it is illegal to sell and buy alcoholic beverages on Buddhist holidays in Thailand.
- 2024 – 20 July (22 July – official, since the 20th is a Saturday)
- 2025 – 10 July
- 2026 – 29 July
- Nationwide
Khao Phansa – 2 August 2023
The first day of the Buddhist Lent is known as Khao Phansa. And it coincides with the beginning of the Rainy Season in the Land of Smiles.
On this day, many teenage boys and young men enter the monkhood for a period of a week to three months.
Meanwhile, resident monks remain in their temples throughout the Buddhist Lent to study and meditate.
Many colourful festivals are held throughout Thailand on Khao Phansa. Some of the largest take place in Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Surin, and Udon in Ratchathani province.
- 2024 – 21 July (23 July – official since the 21st is a Sunday)
- 2025 – 11 July
- 2026 – 30 July
Full Moon Party – 3 August 2023
The Full Moon Party is held on the beach of Haad Rin every month on the night of the full moon.
DJs play a variety of musical styles including trance, dubstep, reggae, and techno. Jugglers, fire-eaters, and fireworks add drama to the all-night event.
Haad Rin is crescent shaped beach located on the island of Ko Pha Ngan. It can be reached by boat from Koh Samui, an island off the coast of Southern Thailand.
Koh Samui is 293 miles (471 kilometers) south of Bangkok. Because the drive takes nearly 10 hours, air travel is recommended,. The flight takes just over one hour.
Queen Mother’s Birthday – 12 to 14 August 2023
The Queen Mother’s birthday is a national holiday in Thailand. And it also serves as Mother’s Day. Therefore, many restaurants and hotels will be offering special promotions on this day.
Because the 12th falls on a Saturday in 2023, the following Monday will be an official holiday this year.
- 2024 – 12 August
- 2025 – 12 August
- 2026 – 12 August
- Nationwide
Samui Latin Fiesta – 25 to 27 August 2023
Expect boot camps, workshops, live DJs, beach parties, and more at the ever-popular Koh Samui Latin Fiesta. And don’t forget to bring your best duds for a chance to win one of the best dressed competitions!
Note: You must purchase a full, party, or day pass to enter.
- Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel – 124-124/1-2 Moo 3 Tambon Bophut , Amphur Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Koh Samui is 293 miles (471 kilometers) south of Bangkok. Because the drive takes nearly 10 hours, air travel is recommended. The flight takes just over one hour.
Phichit Boat Racing Festival – 2023 Date to Be Announced
A total of 40 traditional long boats will compete in the Phichit Boat Race. And they will be divided into four categories. To clarify, they take place when rivers are at their highest level.
Meanwhile, vendors will be peddling a variety of local products. And they will include such horticultural products as guava, pomelo, tamarind sweets, and other organically grown fruits and vegetables. In addition, there will be tamarind sweets and local handicrafts.
Phichit is a province in lower northern Thailand. It is about 330 kilometers north of Bangkok.
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