Phuket Weather August 2013

Summer is almost at the end and another month has passed quickly, normally August means violent storms , big waves and rain, This year as happen last year, we had some storm but not strong as usual. Sea was almost flat all time, few days with heavy rain but many more with sun shining and the breeze making very pleasant to stay on the beaches.

Have a look to our reports to have an idea how weather was during the days, specially if you are an holiday to Phuket in August.

Off Phuket to Racha Noi Island - Mid August 2013

• 29, 30 and 31 August 2013
• 26, 27 and 28 August 2013
• 24 and 25 August 2013
• 19 to 23 August 2013
• 16, 17 and 18 August 2013
• 13 and 14 August 2013
• 12 August 2013 
• 10 and 11 August 2013 
• 8 and 9 August 
• 4 to 7 August 2013
• 3 August 2013
• 1 and 2 August 2013

Boats and tours went our regularly, weather was good and hotels are cheap so every year now more and more people are coming to Phuket in July and August. few years ago I always suggested to just buy the airplane ticket and once here can decided where to stay.

Now I suggest better book at least three nights stay to be sure you have the hotel you like in the place you like, then once here can see what is available. three to four stars hotels have been fully booked for many days, making sometime difficult for last minute arrivals to find a solution on line with needs.

Also tours to popular destination are getting full  so if looking to a private tour and custom made itinerary better plan in advance.

Phuket Weather 29, 30 and 31 August 2013

Once again at month end, last two days of August were good as almost the moth but some more rain falls happen specially. So you could be at the beach sunbathing while other waiting to board boats ta Chalong pier could see rain coming close.

Chalon pier - 30 August 2013

Overall two more good days and not too hot thank you the short rain. What is important that wind is down so is very enjoyable to go out on boats and safe, also can enjoy all beaches, still following warnings about swimming. The two pictures has been takes some day and almost at same time, on 30 August morning, The two places, Chalong Pier above and Laem Singh Beach Below are less then 20 far. Best example of weather you can expect in August in Phuket, so just enjoy what you have decided to do as weather is anyway unpredictable.

Laem Singh Beach - 30 August 2013

The picture above show a view of Laem Singh beach a beautiful cove between Kamala Becah, at horizon and Surin Beach. During dry season (november to April), this is a very popular destination for some reason during Summer not many people come to this place that is even nicer without the the overload of chairs and people.

How to get to Laem Singh beach?  Easy if you stay somewhere from Rawai Beach and Patong need to go north, drive with the Ocean on your left, pass Kalim Beach go over the hill between Kalim and Kamala Beach. Down in Kamala follwo the main road, pass Phuket Fanatasea Show, follow main the main road, go up the slope and when road is flat look on your left. You should see the sign for parking (there is a small fee to pay) and depending on time of the year, will be empty as in the picture or so full that those arriving late will have problem finding space.

Laem Singh Beach parking area

If you stay in Syrin or more North (Bang Tao and Chern Talay), need drive south direction Kamala Beach and Patong Beach. When at Surin beach stay on main road, go up the hill and look at your right side will see a new view point, look for a parking place and walk down to the beach.

Remember to not carry too much with you as to get to Laem Sing need to walk down the mountain for about 10 to 20 minutes and then back after the day.

Phuket Weather 26, 27 and 28 August 2013

August is still giving a very good gift to everyone, nice weather, dry and not too hot, the picture here below was taken at Kata View Point yesterday. From west can see only blue sky.

Kata View Point - 27 August 2013

Today we saw bit more clouds and some rain late afternoon but this can't change much the great picture, for the pleasure of those that decided to take their holidays in Phuket in August despite statistics and a lot of wrong information keep saying that is raining season.

Karon Beach - 26 August 2013

Once again be careful about rip currents and don't swim too far from shore, in case get caught in the current...stay calm...and let the current take you, soon will stop, then try to swim to shore but avoid to go against current. Swim perpendicular to current even yo will arrive far from starting point.

Warning at Kata Beach

Phuket Weather 24 and 25 August 2013

Last August week end has been very good as rest of the week, I would say that last night thunderstorm was perfect too refreshing the air. Then this morning few more drops left space for a beautiful sun that was shining all day.

Still a bit of wind however forecast say that will be another good week to enjoy beaches, tours and all activities that Phuket offers.

Sunset from MV SaiMai

Phuket Weather from 19 to 23 August 2013

The week was great weather wise, sun shining everyday, just few drops during afternoon or evening that refreshed the air. Wind is now bit stronger since yesterday making fun playing with waves. Today sky was more covered the previous days but no rain.

Sunset at Karon Beach

With stronger wind some kite appeared at Karon beach that is popular for surfing, kites surfing in Phuket is possible only for a short period of the year, wind is always too weak or too stronger. Also beaches are not the best and need to be there at correct tide. However there are few kitesurfing school in Phuket and if like to try ask them when will be best time.

Kite surfing Karon Beach

Forecast say that will blow stronger until tomorrow , so expect waves in open sea, then back to almost flat and no wind during week end and for rest of next week. However how can see from our boat MV Sai Mai in Phi Phi waves are not high and is possible to enjoy diving and sailing around, only concern is use of speedboat specially if like to avoid a bumpy way back.

Approaching Phuket Island 23 August 2013

Phuket Weather 16,17 and 18 August 2013

Once again a beautiful week end, we haven't seen any rain and even only few clouds. Wind was nothing or just weak with small waves.

Kata Beach on 18 August 2013

This has been so far best week in August, condition could always change and suddenly in august so enjoy the moment. For tours out to Phi Phi anyway we suggest to take only recommended companies that limit number of people on the speed boat, so in case of change in conditions will always be safe and comfortable to make the trip.

Best solution is the Phi Phi Premium tour , transfers are on a comfortable 40 meters steel boat that have VIP saloon on the upper deck, best way to get to Phi Phi island, then enjoy a speed boat ride around the islands, snorkeling at more quiet Bambbo and Mosquito islands and lunch at the resort with set menu served on table.

Phuket weather 13 and 14 August 2013

Two beautiful days with just a bit of rain on Tuesday evening that last for about one hour. The Tropical Cyclone Utor, at the moment moving to the South China Sea, doesn't affect weather in Phuket.

On boat off Phuket Island in August 2013

Was a great day to be on boat and dive at Racha Noi, crystal clear water, white sand bottom and sun makes this Island, south of Phuket, perfect for snorkeling. Not so many boats are going to this beautiful place that often is unknown to those that travel to Phuket since many years. best way to enjoy Racha Noi is a boat private charter.

Racha Noi Island - Banana Bay

Forecast say that good weather will stay for all week, with wind getting a bit stronger but nothing serious, still during August weather can quickly change making any forecast wrong. Stay informed, don't play with waves and be careful about red flags on the beaches.

Can see from these pictures taken on the way to Racha Noi on 13th August morning.

Passing Racah Yai on the way to Racha Noi

Then during afternoon wind increased a bit and took clouds to Phuket with heavy rain for one hour, welcome to the tropics.

South of Phuket - afternoon 13 August 2013

Phuket weather 12 August 2013 - Thailand Public Holiday

First of all today is one of most important Thailand Public Holidays, it is HM The Queen Birthday. Business, government offices and banks are close for one day to allow people to participate to events and pay respect to HM Queen of Thailand Sirikit.

Long Life The Queen

Weather in Phuket during this special day was good in the morning, then strong wind gusts announced the afternoon storms that washed Phuket Town and the West Coast.

During this day you need always be ready for rain so get a dry bag, very useful in the era of electronics and a rain poncho, this will make sure that with a good mood all will be right during your stay.

Rain coats shops in Phuket Town

Don't forget the many things Phuket offers during raining days, enjoy spas, museums and private city and island tour for shopping and sightseeing. Bars and venues will be closed on 12 August when it is prohibited sell alcohol, the ban start at 00:00 on 12 August and end at 5:00 hrs on 13 August.

Phuket Weather 10 and 11 August 2013

The week end started with rain in the night between Friday and Saturday and went like this until Sunday before noon when then clouds made space to a beautiful Sun that stayed out for all day. Everyone enjoyed soon beaches and water sports.

Floating pool

Phuket wake park

Sunday started as Saturday was and sunshine raise temperature, during the morning some isolated rain made the perfect tropical day when rain alternate with sun, raising humidity level and perception of hot air. The from late afternoon large and tck clouds arrived from West and soon was raining and it still going.

Red Flag at Kamala Beach on 10 August 2013

Always keep in mind that red flags are out to the beach to warn people that rips currents are still there and dangerous, specially in August.

Phuket Weather 8 and 9 August 2013

Once again weather has changed and we had more sun than expected. On the 8th was a good day and rain came only at night. Then this morning sunshine,, hot and really nice day until late afternoon.

Patong Beach

Then for a moment was "all in one", sun shine and rain with a big storm at horizon that washed everything for 30 minutes, then back to normal and quiet.

Storm from Patong Beach

This is the time when roads are most dangerous just wet and slippery, drive careful and eventually stop and wait for rain to pass over,  enjoying some food or a drink and the local life that slows down when weather isn't good. if you are on holidays don't need to rush some where so why risk an accident when can enjoy rain.

Another special thing today, tonight the Moon will raise and is end of Ramadan, Muslim people have completed the long fasting month.

Phuket weather 4, 5,6 and 7 August 2013

First week of August it is exactly what can expect during this month in Phuket. Difficult to make forecast, weather is changing day by day and even during same day.

August is unstable so can start a day with sunshine and then move from the hotel for a tour few kilometers to end up in heavy rain. On other side don't get depressed if in early morning water falls from sky without leaving space between drops, could change soon or be sunny on the islands offshore.

Sea Dragon at Karon Beach Phuket

So if you have decided to holiday in Phuket in August expect a bit of crazy weather, floods and great sun shine days. Just enjoy and always be on safe side,

Specially with weather like this it is important to book private tours that give more flexibility, so plans, itineraries and schedule can be changed at last minute. Following as much as possible what you would prefer. Rely to company that cancel their trips when isn't safe to run them just to go anyway because they have took too many bookings.

Heavy rain coming from Andaman Sea

Try to avoid speed boat trips, specially the cheapest ones, would be very uncomfortable to be on a tiny boat packed in a rough sea and heavy raain.

Now is most dangerous time to swim from beaches as rip currents are strong, so book an hotel with all facilities, swimming and spa, bear attraction and shopping centers.

Few tips can make a great holiday even when weather isn't best feature of the moment.

Ask us and we will happy to give you all advises to enjoy your stay.

Phuket Weather 3 August 2013

Another gloomy day in paradise, at least even though the sky has been covered by thick clouds all day it almost didn't rain except for a short shower in late afternoon, good for those who went out on Day Trips.

In the morning I went to have a look at the guys enjoying wakeboarding at Phuket Wake Park in Kathu. This can be a nice fun-loaded alternative during these rainy days, since you are going to get wet anyway!

Guy jumping at Phuket Wake Park

In the afternoon I went to Karon and took some pictures on the beach. After these stormy days of course the sea got quite rough on shore, so I take again the chance to tell to be very careful and avoid swimming in these conditions especially in Karon and Kata beach, because the rip currents can put in danger also good swimmers.

Waves at Karon Beach

Please don't ignore the signs, which are even written in several languages.

Warning sign on Karon Beach

Phuket Weather 1 and 2 August 2013

Two days of almost continuous heavy rain, with just few hours breaks. Temperature cooled off quite a bit which is not too bad for us who live with 30+ C all year round, it actually helps to sleep very well!

Here below the gloomy view I had when I opened the front door this morning, clouds were very low on the jungle in Kathu

Wet jungle in Kathu

According to forecasts from Thai Meteorological Department the situation should remain like this for the whole weekend and hopefully get better from Monday, have to wait for the big storm covering South East Asia to pass, as you see from the image below.

Current weather situation in South East Asia

Today in the afternoon rain finally stopped for a while so I got the chance for a quick visit at Bang Wad Reservoir to check the water level in the basin. Of course after all this rain I found it quite full, can have a look at the picture from June for comparison.

               

                 Bang Wad Dam - 2 August 2013

Bang Wad Dam - 6 June 2013

It's not the luckiest week to be in Phuket, however there are plenty of opportunities to spend your time even if you don't dare joining some of day tours which anyway are usually still enjoyable even on rainy days. In the day time you can think about some shopping or cinema in the big malls like Jungceylon (Patong) or Central Festival (Phuket Town), while for the evening you could enjoy some of the popular and entertaining shows like Fantasea, Siam Niramit and Simon Cabaret.

           

This is the reason why we recommend to stay in Patong during the green season, so you'll always have something to do also in case of rainy days. Can find some suggestions for Patong Hotels HERE