Koh Samui
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August 3, 2023

Koh Samui in August: What to expect

Between sunrise and sunset, you’ll find that Samui in August perfectly accommodates any itinerary you’ve got in mind. Shall we make some plans?

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Koh Samui in August

An August sunset on Bophut Beach

Koh Samui in August is the right time, right place for so many reasons. Early riser? You’ll love Samui’s long August days. If you’ve never seen a sunrise in your life and prefer to sleep in, can we all agree on happy hour? Between sunrise and sunset, you’ll find that Samui in August perfectly accommodates any itinerary you’ve got in mind. Shall we make some plans?

Is August a good time to visit Koh Samui?

I first visited Koh Samui in August, 2003 and ... clearly, it was a pretty good sales pitch. August is fantastic but – here’s the sneakiest of tips – the island completely empties on September 1st, as families head home for the start of school. If you want August’s fantastic weather, with beaches to yourself, see if you can stretch your trip into the first few days of September.

Koh Samui questions? Start here

The Koh Samui Guide

The Koh Samui Guide: Since 2012, The Koh Samui Guide has helped people in 97 countries plan and enjoy incredible Samui vacations. Enjoy!

Where to stay in August

My pick: Melati Beach Resort & Spa

Melati Beach Resort & Spa

First, the proof-in-the-pudding: Melati won #1 Luxury Boutique Resort in Thailand at last year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards. It’s perfect for a cast-away beach holiday either as a family or a couple. An enormous beachfront pool (with requisite swim-up bar) is ideal for kids, or tuck yourselves away at the quiet adults-only pool. (Or bag the hat-trick with a private pool villa). Unlike many Samui resorts that require golf cart transport up and down steep hills, Melati is walkable and its gardens are wonderful to explore.

Room choices? 41 villas offer private pools and all rooms have a living room with a daybed. For tons of room, book a Family Pool Villa (200 m²/2,152 ft²) which will accommodate 5 adults max and includes a 28 m²/301 ft² private pool. Should it rain, you've got tons of space to relax indoors for a while. For even more space, book a massive Presidential Suite (347 m²/3,735 ft²) which includes a 32 m²/344 ft² private pool.

See Rates + Details

Hotel Tip: Attention honeymooners (and parents who’d like to pretend) – Melati's other pool, hidden away in a quiet garden space, is adults-only. Here, enjoy grown-up peace, quiet and quality poolside literature only. (Its main family pool, at the beach, has a swim-up bar so don’t make firm commitments).

More hotel ideas

Hotel questions? Start here

Whether you want to live on the beach, or try life in the hills, see my best recommendations:

What to pack for August

1. 100% Linen Shirt

A long-sleeved linen shirt: August is a very sunny month and Thailand’s sun means mega business. For further sun protection, make sure to pack plenty of SPF 30+ sunscreen (or higher), a wide-brimmed hat and a range of beach/pool cover-ups. Don't forget neck and back-of-knee-protection for the beach and pool.

2. Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

For more mozzie tips – here's everything I know about avoiding mosquitoes in Thailand.

3. Packable Daypack

This is a very clever piece of packing. It’s a backpack when you need it, and no extra weight when you don’t. We’ve all seen ‘make it tiny’ bags before – but this one has the quality of a normal bag, with superb durability. Its side-pocket for an 18 oz water bottle is doubly appreciated once Thailand’s sun kicks in.

4. Barefoot Aqua Socks

Basically barefoot: These water socks roll up to nothing when packing so you can easily include them in a daypack for island excursions. They won’t take the place of hiking sandals for major adventures but in many spots will be preferable to bare feet.

What to wear on Koh Samui in August?

If ‘humid’ immediately makes you think ‘hair’ consider adding a fix-it remedy to your toiletries bag: see my best recommendations for toiletries in Thailand.

Packing questions? Start here

Tip: Are you nostalgic for summer reading lists? I'm ramping up my reading and thoroughly recommend any of these superb books about Thailand.

Given the decent chance of an afternoon rainstorm, be sure to pack some rainy entertainment. I can’t think of anything better than Cards Against Humanity and some strong cocktails, but Dobble, Randomise and Uno are popular with families seeking a more PG activity.

Weather in August

Late August on Koh Samui

August averages

  • Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
  • Sunshine (hours/day): 6
  • Rainy days: 10 days (100 mm / 4 inches)
  • Sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F

What’s the weather like on Koh Samui in August?

The big question: will it rain in August? It very well might – but you’re going to choose not to care. Why? Don’t fixate on the weather (something you can’t control) – Koh Samui is gorgeous always, as are its drinks, food and people.

Is it sunny on Koh Samui in August?

Excepting the aforementioned storms, wispy white clouds are your only sun-inhibiting concern.

How much does it rain on Koh Samui in August?

Always expect rain in the tropics, but rest assured it never lasts very long. Plan some Koh Samui rainy day activities, just in case. As with Koh Samui in July, afternoon showers are pretty common in August. Here's an example:

3:55pm – perfect sunshine

4:12pm – storm comes out of nowhere

4:17pm - storm's here!

Why should you disregard the high probability of storms like this? Almost everywhere has plastic roll-down screens. You just keep eating/reading/drinking/enjoying your Thai massage. Then the storm finishes, and you carry on. When the rain arrives you can almost always stay exactly where you are – enjoying the exact same hilarious company, cold beer and amazing Thai food.

How hot is it on Koh Samui in August?

Expect an average daily high of 32°C (89.6°F) – right about perfect. When it’s sunny, it’s sunny with big, blue skies like you’ve never seen. It can be humid at this time of year – definitely two-showers-a-day territory.

August events calendar

August 2023 events

Your August FAQs

What are the best things to do on Koh Samui in August?

The Koh Samui Guide: Enjoy Samui at its very best. For day-trips, water-sports, beach bars and your best sunset options, The Koh Samui Guide will help you plan an ideal itinerary no matter how niche your interests are. (Seriously – it even has bird-watching tips).

What are the beaches like on Koh Samui in August?

Take a look – the photos in this post span almost twenty Augusts – starting in 2003. Your odds of blue sky, sparkly ocean and a beautiful beach? Statistically pretty good.

Which beach is best in August?

My website, my bias: I love Choeng Mon Beach best.

Koh Samui parties in August?

Centara will happily serve you some very spectacular cocktails (and probably flew in a famous DJ and a fancy mixologist just for the occasion). For a more Love Island experience, SocialTel is a new party hotel next to Hooters and Hard Rock Cafe. If you need a foam party in your life, this is the place.

SocialTel Samui

Is August or September better on Koh Samui?

If you have the choice, I’d pick early September only because it will likely be quieter (kids back in school). As for differences in the weather, there’s really not much in it. However, early August tends to have nicer weather than late September.  

Is Koh Samui or Phuket better in August?

Although Koh Samui and Phuket's climates are often incorrectly grouped together – August is a much wetter time of year on Phuket than on Koh Samui.

  • Temperature (avg): 29°C on Koh Samui vs 28°C in Phuket
  • Sunshine (hours): 6 on Koh Samui vs 8 in Phuket
  • Rainy days (avg): 10 days (100 mm) on Koh Samui vs 19 days (260 mm) in Phuket
  • Sea temperature: 28°C on Koh Samui vs 29°C in Phuket

What are hotel rates like for Koh Samui in August? How do they compare between August and September?

August

September

Between the four hotels, rates range between 138% to 235% higher in August than September. No surprise – it’s perhaps the most popular month of the year for Northern Hemisphere holidays. Rates via Booking.com for a random night in August 2023.

Can I swim in the sea on Koh Samui in August?

Generally you can expect nice ocean conditions for swimming in August, but do note the safety aspects flagged in The Koh Samui Guide. Me? I'll be in the pool.

When are sunrise and sunset on Koh Samui in August? What time does it get dark?

Koh Samui sunset cocktails are served at 6:43 pm sharp on August 1st and a bit earlier, 6:30 pm on August 31st.

Rambutans are in season in August – buy them by the bucket.

What fruits are in season on Koh Samui in August?

Durian. It’s durian season. Don’t worry about needing to find it, it will happily find you. (What’s durian? You might be sorry you asked).

What can’t you do on Samui in August?

Perhaps leave the solo backwoods exploration to the likes of Bear Grylls. Samui has lots of green hills to get lost in, and various Jungle Book characters to meet off the beaten track. There are safe ways to see it all, and this isn't one of them. (Safety First? See more tips in The Koh Samui Guide).

Koh Samui in August

Time travel: My first visit to Koh Samui in August, 2003

The Koh Samui Guide: With a weather-proof vacation plan and The Koh Samui Guide in your pocket, you can look forward to days of fantastic, relaxing things (Thai massages are just the start). Make sure to brag and brag loudly about your August holiday plans. It’s a great time of year to visit Samui, and those left behind need to be made jealous.

“I’d just like to say ‘thank you’ for the update and for your amazing guide. We are visiting in July/August for the first time and cannot wait. A little concerned that it might rain a lot but, you can’t control the weather! We intend to enjoy every moment.” – Loenna

Weather details via Weather Spark, which promises that “snow is exceptionally unlikely to fall at this location in August”.

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