Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Asia › 🇹🇭 Thailand › Phuket
Updated: March 2026
August is a fair time to visit Phuket (5/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 24 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 9th sunniest of the year in Phuket. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find August a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. September offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 24 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
Based on 30-year climate normals (1991 to 2020), August in Phuket averages 28°C by day and 26°C overnight, a range that places it firmly in the warmer tier of the annual calendar. The month records approximately 9 sunshine hours per day and 264mm of total rainfall across 24 wet days, giving it a sunshine-to-rain ratio that is broadly workable for most itineraries.
28°C
82°F
Avg High
26°C
79°F
Avg Low
24 days
264 mm total
Rain Days
9h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
The narrow 2°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. At 82% humidity, the 28°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 8 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Wind averages 23 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 82°F average high, 79°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Phuket in August means dressing for 28°C days and 26°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 28°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 26°C, a modest 2°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 24 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Phuket's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
August has no major festivals or public holidays in Phuket, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 28°C average highs and 24 rainy days
Phuket's August climate is governed by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which draws moisture-laden trade winds across the region, producing the characteristic wet season rainfall of warm tropical cities. Daytime heat peaks around 28°C, moderated slightly by afternoon convective showers. Overnight temperatures remain warm at 26°C because the humid air retains heat effectively. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Phuket in August
August ranks 9th sunniest of the year in Phuket, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are February, January, and March. March is the hottest month (30°C avg high); August is the coolest (28°C). From here, temperatures fall 0°C into September. Compared to last month (July: 29°C high, 24 rain days), August is cooler and equally dry. August sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Phuket, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 25°C | 7 | 11h | View |
| February | 29°C | 26°C | 4 | 11h | View |
| March | 30°C | 26°C | 11 | 11h | View |
| April | 30°C | 27°C | 18 | 11h | View |
| May | 29°C | 27°C | 25 | 10h | View |
| June | 29°C | 26°C | 23 | 10h | View |
| July | 29°C | 26°C | 24 | 9h | View |
| August | 28°C | 26°C | 24 | 9h | View |
| September | 28°C | 26°C | 25 | 9h | View |
| October | 28°C | 25°C | 27 | 8h | View |
| November | 28°C | 25°C | 21 | 9h | View |
| December | 28°C | 25°C | 12 | 10h | View |
January
7 rain days, 11h sun
February
4 rain days, 11h sun
March
11 rain days, 11h sun
April
18 rain days, 11h sun
May
25 rain days, 10h sun
June
23 rain days, 10h sun
July
24 rain days, 9h sun
August
24 rain days, 9h sun
September
25 rain days, 9h sun
October
27 rain days, 8h sun
November
21 rain days, 9h sun
December
12 rain days, 10h sun
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Phuket
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.