Phuket in August: Weather, Maya Bay Closure and Tours

August is deep in Phuket's southwest monsoon. It brings showers, windy spells and rough seas on the west coast on many days, but also sunny breaks, warm water and low season hotel prices. It is a popular month for family holidays, and it is the month when Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is usually closed.

This guide covers what August weather is usually like, how the Maya Bay closure affects Phi Phi trips, which of our tours are the most reliable and how to plan a flexible week.

What the Weather Is Like in August

Phuket has two broad seasons: the dry season, roughly November to April, and the southwest monsoon, roughly May to October. August is firmly in the monsoon, and together with September it often brings some of the roughest sea days of the year.

• Temperature: highs usually around 30 to 32°C, nights around 24 to 26°C.
• Rain: frequent, often in heavy bursts with sunny spells in between. Some years bring several wet, windy days in a row.
• Sea: the southwest wind drives swell onto the west coast. The east coast and Phang Nga Bay usually stay calmer. The water is warm all year, usually around 28 to 30°C.

West coast beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon often fly red flags in August, and rip currents there are dangerous. Only swim where there are lifeguards, between the flags, and never when red flags are up. With children, a pool or a sheltered east coast beach is the safer choice on rough days.

Crowds and Prices in August

August is low season, but not empty. Summer school holidays bring families from many countries, so family hotels can be busy and some weeks feel livelier than June or September. Hotel rates are still usually well below the high season. Tours can normally be booked a day or two ahead.

Maya Bay in August

Maya Bay is the famous beach on Phi Phi Leh. Swimming there is not allowed at any time, and visitors walk in from Loh Sama Bay on a boardwalk. The national park usually closes the bay for recovery around August and September each year; in recent years the closure has run for about two months from the start of August. The dates are set by the national park and can change, so check the current status before you book.

While the bay is closed, a Phi Phi trip cannot include the walk into Maya Bay, but it can still visit other parts of the islands, such as Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave from the boat and Monkey Beach, as sea conditions allow. Check the tour page for the current program. Our Phi Phi Islands guide and Maya Bay rules explain more.

Which Tours Run in August

All our tours run in August, but some go ahead far more reliably than others.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

The safest bet for August. The bay is sheltered by the mainland and many islands, so it runs on far more days than open-sea routes, and the calm water suits families. The James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour (3,500 THB per adult, 2,200 THB per child aged 3 to 11) includes a sea canoe at Hong Island or Talu Island depending on the tide, lunch at Koh Panyee, James Bond Island and a swim at Naka Island. Bring money for the national park fee, which is paid on the day.

White water rafting

Rafting is the best plan B when the sea is rough. The river in the Phang Nga jungle usually has plenty of water in August, and the guide decides on safety on the day. The white water rafting, flying fox and waterfall tour costs 2,500 THB per adult and 2,200 THB per child under 12, with lunch, insurance and optional add-ons.

Jet Ski 7 Islands

The Jet Ski 7 Islands tour (7,500 THB per jet ski for 1 or 2 riders) runs on the sheltered east coast and goes ahead on many August days, though strong wind or storms can stop it. Drivers must be at least 15 and sober, and you need your passport on the day.

Raya and Coral Island

The Raya and Coral Island tour (2,400 THB per adult, 1,700 THB per child aged 4 to 11) runs on many days, with short boat rides that suit children. Racha is in open water, though, so some days are cancelled for safety, and the water is less clear than in the dry season.

Phi Phi and Khai Island

Phi Phi trips run on many August days but are the most weather dependent of our tours, and Maya Bay is usually closed. If Phi Phi is a must, book it early in your stay and keep a spare day. The Similan Islands are closed until around 15 October.

How to Plan an August Week

• Start with Phang Nga Bay. It is the trip most likely to run, which takes pressure off the rest of the week.
• Keep buffer days after any open-water trip.
• Use the mornings for beach and pool time, before the afternoon showers.
• Plan for children. Life jackets are provided on our boat tours, child prices apply on most tours, and the long Phi Phi day (about 10 hours door to door) is tiring for young children.
• Know the terms. If we cancel for unsafe weather, you get a full refund or a new date at no extra cost; most tours also have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. See our booking terms.

Sample 5 day plan

1. Day 1: arrive and settle in, pool afternoon.
2. Day 2: James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay.
3. Day 3: Phuket Old Town, a cooking class, or the spare day for a moved trip.
4. Day 4: Raya and Coral Island if the sea is calm, otherwise white water rafting.
5. Day 5: the jet ski tour, or Phi Phi if the sea has settled.

See what runs on your dates on our August tours page. For the months either side, read Phuket in July and Phuket in September.

What to Pack for August

• Light rain jackets or ponchos for the whole family.
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat days.
• Rash guards and reef-safe sunscreen. You can burn under cloud.
• Quick-dry clothes and sandals with grip for wet piers.
• Insect repellent for the evenings.
• Seasickness tablets, especially for open-water trips.

Frequently asked questions

Is Maya Bay open in August?

Usually not. The national park usually closes Maya Bay for recovery around August and September. Check the current dates before you book.

Is August a good time to visit Phuket?

It suits flexible travelers and families who want lower hotel prices. Expect rain and some rough sea days, and plan around sheltered trips such as Phang Nga Bay.

Which tour is best in August?

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay is the most reliable. Rafting and the jet ski tour are good second choices. Browse all tours to compare.

Can you swim at Phuket beaches in August?

On west coast beaches, only between the flags where lifeguards are present, and never when red flags are up. On rough days, choose a pool or a sheltered beach.