August in Thailand: Should I go during the rain season?

One question that is being asked most is 'Should I visit Thailand in August, during the rain season?' - Here is my answer

What to expect in this article

Should I visit Thailand during the rain season?

The rainy season in Thailand usually occurs from May to October.

Whether you should visit Thailand during the rainy season depends on your personal preferences and travel plans.
While the rainy season can bring heavy rain and humidity, it also offers lower tourist crowds and lower prices for accommodation and activities.

Some parts of Thailand, such as the northern and northeastern regions, may not receive as much rain during this season.
If you don’t mind the rain and are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you may consider visiting during the rainy season. However, if you prefer clear skies and dry weather, you may want to visit during the dry season, which is from November to February.

My personal experience: Bangkok during the rain season

I visited Bangkok, Phuket and the north (Chiang Mai & Rai) in August and I experienced different situations.

First of all Bangkok: On our first day in Bangkok it was raining all day, so we escaped to a big mall. And when I say raining, I mean pouring, and yes, I am used to some rain in the Netherlands, but rain during your travels is always different.

We were in Bangkok for a total of 8 days and only one other morning it was dripping a little. So yes, it was a pity that it was raining all day on our first day, but luckily we did not mind and visited the mall, which we liked!
Bangkok is a fashion city and of course, we both shopped (not smart with a small backpack haha).

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Phuket during the rain season

Many people warned me to not visit the islands in the south during the rainy season. They said it is not worth it, as many boats won’t go to the beautiful islands, due to high waves.

Yes, visiting Phuket by boat during the rainy season can be riskier compared to visiting during the dry season, as rough sea conditions can occur due to heavy rain and strong winds. This can result in choppy waters and make it difficult for boats to safely navigate.

So, if you plan on visiting Phuket by boat during the rainy season, it is important to ensure that the boat is in good condition, that the captain and crew are experienced and you should follow all safety guidelines and instructions, (wear appropriate life jackets and safety gear). Of course, be prepared for potential changes in weather and sea conditions.

Overall, visiting Phuket by boat during the rainy season can be a memorable experience.
We did not see any raindrops in the 4 days that we were in Phuket and did some boat trips to Ko Phi Phi and Maya Bay. So I am super happy that I listened to my heart and visited the beautiful islands.
Again, listen to your own feeling and go if you want, but not if you feel it is too risky.

Chiang Mai/ Rai during the rain season

If there was one place where it was raining a lot, it was Chiang Mai. On both days we visited Chiang Mai it was pouring. This also caused the road to the waterfall to be super slippery, and as I was not wearing the best shoes, I fell twice. Luckily I did not hurt myself and we could only laugh about it afterward.
In Chiang Rai it was also raining a little, but not all the time.

Overall, if you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai during the rainy season, it’s a good idea to check the local weather forecast and be prepared for potential rain, even if it’s expected to be less frequent compared to other parts of the country.