How is the Weather in Phuket in August?
Phuket weather in August may see a little more rain than in July since it is the peak of the rainy season. Once again, the rainy season doesn’t mean it will rain every day or all day. Visitors will enjoy some sunny days, and the temperature is actually more comfortable than in the scorching months of March and April. Read more about Phuket weather.
The sea and swimming pools are warm all year round, about 29°C, so swimming is always possible. However, the ocean rip tides can be treacherous in August, and you should respect the red flags. Booking a hotel with a nice swimming pool is a great way to enjoy a good swim and a relaxed afternoon with a drink by the water.
On the bright side, the island is more peaceful, has fewer traffic jams, and the beaches are all yours. The sea can be rough, so respect the flags and pick a hotel with a great pool and a spa, and you will have a fantastic holiday. Read my 10 tips for a great rainy season holiday.
Phuket Weather in August
| 🌡️ Average day temperature | 32.0°C |
| 🌡️ Average night temperature | 25.3°C |
| ☀️ Average sunny days | 12 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainy days | 19 days |
| 🌧️ Average rainfall | 287 mm |
| 💧 Average humidity | 79% |
| 🏖️ Water temperature | 29°C |
| 🌊 Sea condition | Rough, strong currents possible |
| ☀️ Sunshine hours | 5.4 hours/day |
| 🔆 UV Index | 12 (Extreme) |
Phuket Averages for August
Phuket Rain Chart for August
Sea Conditions in August
Similar to July, with frequent rough seas and strong currents on west coast beaches. Not ideal for swimming at Patong, Karon or Kata, but good for experienced surfers. East coast beaches like Ao Po, Cape Panwa and parts of Rawai tend to be calmer. Always respect red flags.
What to Do in Phuket in August
With a roughly 50-50 chance of rain, I recommend enjoying the beach whenever the sun shines and keeping island exploration for cloudy or rainy days. Tours to the islands around Phuket normally run all year round and are only cancelled when the weather turns awful, which is rare.
Phang Nga Bay
If you want to see fantastic landscapes, Phang Nga Bay is even more beautiful with dramatic skies. Because immense limestone cliffs protect it, the sea is always calm. No need for motion sickness medicine.
Old Phuket Town
Exploring Phuket Old Town can be done in any weather. The streets are beautiful, and there are many boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants in old heritage houses to take a break as you explore. The cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to walk around without sweating.
Rainy Day Activities
Spa treatments and shopping malls are the first places that come to mind on a wet day. Call your hotel spa as soon as it rains if you want a treatment. Many guests in your hotel will have the same idea!
Other options include cooking classes, the aquarium at Central Phuket, or catching a movie. Check my full list of things to do in Phuket when it rains.
Events and Festivals in August
Mother’s Day (12 August)
12 August is a national holiday celebrating the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. It’s also Thai Mother’s Day. Government buildings and streets are decorated with blue (the Queen’s colour). Many Thai families celebrate with special meals. Some restaurants offer Mother’s Day promotions.
– Click here to see all Events in Phuket –
◀ to July |
Time-lapse of Each Day of August 2025
◀ to July |
What to Pack for August
Pack light, breathable clothing. T-shirts, shorts, skirts and sandals are all you need. Add a light raincoat and a compact umbrella you can carry around easily. All of these can be bought anywhere on the island if you forget them. Waterproof sandals are useful when streets get wet. A waterproof bag for your phone and camera is essential. High-SPF sunscreen is still needed since the UV remains extreme even on cloudy days. Read more in my full packing guide for Phuket.
Insider Tips
August is the heart of the monsoon, but it’s not as dramatic as it sounds. Most days have sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoon or evening. Plan outdoor activities early and save indoor options for later in the day.
Hotel prices are at rock bottom. This is the cheapest month to visit Phuket. Luxury resorts that charge premium rates in December become surprisingly affordable. Many hotels offer free upgrades, breakfast deals and spa credits.
The west coast beaches are usually too rough for swimming. Red flags are common at Patong, Karon, Kata and Surin. If you want to swim in the sea, try east coast options like Ao Po, Cape Panwa or the calmer parts of Rawai. Or simply book a hotel with a good pool.
Surfing is excellent. August brings consistent swells to Kata, Kalim and Surin beaches. Surf schools operate throughout the season and have plenty of availability.
Phang Nga Bay is protected from the monsoon swells. The dramatic cloudy skies make the limestone cliffs even more photogenic. It’s one of the best rainy season activities.
The best way to check real conditions is my daily weather timelapses. Each video shows a full day compressed into one minute. Nothing helps more than seeing what a typical August day actually looked like last year.
August Weather Through the Years
August sits right in the middle of the monsoon, and the pattern is fairly consistent. Expect rain. Expect some rough sea days. But also expect plenty of sunshine between the showers.
What surprises most visitors is how green the island becomes. After months of dry season, the landscape transforms. The hills are lush, the waterfalls actually have water, and everything feels fresher. It’s a different Phuket from the one on the postcards, but it has its own beauty.
The island is noticeably quieter in August. Beaches that feel crowded in January are nearly empty. Restaurants don’t need reservations. Traffic flows smoothly. For some travellers, this alone makes August worth considering.
The biggest risk is catching a ‘bad luck week’ when it rains continuously for several days. These happen once or twice during monsoon season, and nobody can predict when. If you hit one, embrace the indoor activities. Spa days, cooking classes, Old Town exploration, shopping malls. Phuket has plenty to offer even when it pours.
Phuket Weather Each Month of the Year
More About the Weather in Phuket
