August weather: humid, hot and very green
| Average in Bangkok | August |
|---|---|
| Average maximum temperature | 33.3 °C |
| Average minimum temperature | 25.9 °C |
| Rainfall | 227 mm |
| Rainy days (at least 1 mm) | 16 |
| Sunshine | 129 h |
Source: 1991-2020 normals for the Bangkok Metropolis station of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), also used in our guide to the best time to visit Bangkok. More than one day in two has at least 1 mm of rain, and August is one of the least sunny months of the year. Showers are often short but heavy: low-lying streets can flood within minutes and traffic grinds to a halt. The BTS Skytrain and the MRT metro remain the safest way to get around, see transport in Bangkok.
Crowds and prices in August
Crowds are average to low and hotels charge low rates, especially outside weekends. Queues at the major sites are short; floating markets and excursions may be shortened or rescheduled because of rain, so check the forecast the day before. On the Mother's Day weekend many Thais travel: book trains and buses in advance. For your neighbourhood, see where to stay in Bangkok; for spending, the Bangkok travel budget.
The event of August 2027
Mother's Day: Thursday 12 August
12 August is the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit and, in Thailand, Mother's Day. In 2027 it falls on a Thursday: public holiday, banks and government offices closed, while shopping centres, markets and restaurants stay open. Tradition is to give white jasmine to one's mother; official ceremonies take place around the city. Temples and royal sites ask for sober, covering clothes, see what to wear to visit Bangkok's temples.
The Buddhist Lent, which began in late July, continues until October. It does not close the temples, but the monks stay in their monasteries. For the year's festivals, see the calendar of festivals and events.
What to wear and pack in August
- Light, quick-drying clothes and a spare outfit in your bag.
- A compact umbrella or a poncho and sandals that cope with water.
- A waterproof pouch for documents and phone.
- A light long-sleeved shirt for temples and air conditioning.
- Mosquito repellent: the rainy season is dengue season, see health in Bangkok.
The best ideas for days out in August
- Museums: the National Museum, the Museum Siam and the BACC easily fill half a rainy day; see also the museums of Bangkok.
- Temples early in the morning: Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit before the afternoon showers.
- Green parks: Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Park between showers.
- Shopping centres: ICONSIAM and Siam.
- The view from above: the Mahanakhon terrace on a clear day; check the sky before going up.
- Cooking classes: see Thai cooking classes in Bangkok, ideal when the rain lasts.
- At the table: seasonal fruit and Thai desserts.
August 2027 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 12 August | Mother's Day, birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit | Public holiday |
| All month | 33.3 °C in the afternoon, 16 rainy days | Hotels among the cheapest of the year |
Going further
August follows what to do in Bangkok in July and precedes what to do in Bangkok in September. To compare every month, read the best time to visit Bangkok; for rainy days, Bangkok when it rains.
