Home › When to Visit › August
Udon Thani - Things to Do in Udon Thani in August

Things to Do in Udon Thani in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Udon Thani

N/A High Temp
N/A Low Temp
N/A Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

  • Genuinely low tourist numbers - August sits firmly in low season, meaning you'll have major sites like Ban Chiang Archaeological Museum and Nong Prajak Park largely to yourself. Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to December-February peaks, and you can book quality mid-range places for ฿800-1,200 per night versus ฿1,500-2,000 in high season.
  • Perfect weather window for early morning activities - temperatures between 6am-9am are actually quite pleasant before the humidity builds. This is when locals do their temple visits and market shopping, and you'll experience Udon Thani at its most authentic. The 70% humidity is noticeable but manageable during these hours.
  • Rainy season means lush, green countryside - if you're heading out to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park or the Red Lotus Sea at Nong Han Kumphawapi, the landscape is at peak greenness. Those 10 rainy days spread across the month typically bring afternoon showers that last 20-40 minutes, not all-day washouts.
  • Local food markets are in full swing with seasonal produce - August brings specific fruits and vegetables you won't see in dry season. Morning markets like Udon Thani Morning Market near the clock tower have exceptional variety, and the wet weather keeps everything fresh. Street food vendors are out in force during dry spells, typically 5pm-10pm.

Considerations

  • That 70% humidity is real and relentless - even with variable conditions, the moisture in the air is constant. You'll sweat through clothes faster than you expect, and anything stored in bags can develop a musty smell within days. Air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for comfortable sleep.
  • Unpredictable afternoon rain disrupts outdoor plans - while only 10 days see measurable rain, the timing is impossible to predict. You might plan a 2pm visit to Wat Pa Phu Kon (90 km or 56 miles away) and get caught in a downpour. Always have indoor backup options ready.
  • Some rural attractions become harder to access - unpaved roads leading to certain temples or countryside sites can turn muddy after rain. If you're planning to explore beyond the main city, you'll need to be flexible and possibly skip certain destinations depending on recent weather.

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in August

Early Morning Temple Circuit Tours

August mornings between 6am-9am offer the best window for temple visits before heat and humidity peak. The low tourist season means you'll have places like Wat Phothisomphon and Wat Matchimawat nearly empty. The UV index of 8 makes early starts essential - by 10am, sun exposure becomes genuinely uncomfortable. Book temple tours that start at 6:30am or 7am, giving you three solid hours of comfortable exploration.

Booking Tip: Look for half-day morning tours starting 6:30am-7am, typically ฿1,200-1,800 per person including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead through your hotel or check the booking widget below for current options. Verify tours include water and start times are firm - some operators get lazy about early starts in low season.

Red Lotus Sea Sunrise Excursions

Nong Han Kumphawapi lake (45 km or 28 miles east of Udon Thani) sees its famous red lotus blooms peak during rainy season, making August actually ideal despite the variable weather. The flowers open at sunrise, and early morning trips mean you avoid both the midday heat and afternoon rain chances. The lake is stunning when green and full from recent rains.

Booking Tip: These excursions require 4:30am-5am hotel pickup for sunrise arrival. Tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,200 including boat ride and breakfast. Book at least 10 days ahead as boat availability is limited and locals book these heavily on weekends. Weather cancellations are rare since mornings tend to be clear. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Indoor Market and Food Hall Experiences

August's unpredictable afternoon weather makes covered markets your best friend. UD Town (the main shopping complex) and Central Plaza Udon Thani offer air-conditioned comfort with genuine local food courts where meals run ฿50-120. The basement food markets stay busy regardless of weather, and you'll see what locals actually eat versus tourist-oriented restaurants. This is also where you'll find seasonal August produce.

Booking Tip: No booking needed for independent market visits, but food tour experiences (walking tours of multiple markets with a guide explaining dishes) typically cost ฿800-1,400 for 3-4 hours. These run rain or shine since most stops are covered. Check the booking widget for current culinary tour options that include market visits.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park Day Trips

Located 67 km (42 miles) northwest, this park combines rock formations, ancient paintings, and forest trails. August's greenery makes the landscape spectacular, but timing is critical - go early (arrive by 8am) to complete the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walking circuit before heat peaks and afternoon rain threatens. The park has covered pavilions for shelter if needed.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically run ฿2,200-3,200 including transport, guide, and park entry (฿100). Book 7-10 days ahead. Insist on 6am departure from Udon Thani to maximize comfortable exploration time. Some tours combine this with Ban Chiang Museum - verify total time as these can run 8-10 hours. See booking options below for current availability.

Evening Night Market Food Crawls

Udon Thani's night markets (particularly around Nittayo Road and the area near Nong Prajak Park) come alive 5pm-11pm when temperatures drop slightly and rain usually clears. August's low tourist numbers mean you're eating alongside locals, getting authentic pricing (dishes ฿40-100), and experiencing genuine street food culture. The markets operate under covered areas or with tarp roofs.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration is easy and free, but guided food crawls (฿900-1,500 for 3 hours, 8-10 tastings) help navigate language barriers and find the best stalls. These run nightly regardless of earlier rain. Book 3-5 days ahead or check current food tour options in the booking section. Bring cash - most vendors don't take cards.

Air-Conditioned Museum and Cultural Center Visits

August afternoons are perfect for indoor cultural sites. The Udon Thani Museum (downtown) and Ban Chiang National Museum (50 km or 31 miles east) offer escape from heat and rain while delivering genuine archaeological and historical content. Ban Chiang is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 5,000-year-old artifacts - worth the trip on any rainy afternoon.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are minimal (฿150-200 for Ban Chiang, ฿100 for city museum). Half-day tours to Ban Chiang typically cost ฿1,800-2,400 including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead, especially if you want afternoon departure times. Verify tour duration - you'll want 2-3 hours at Ban Chiang minimum. Check booking widget below for current museum tour options.

August Events & Festivals

Early August

Udon Thani Candle Festival Preparations

While the main Candle Festival happens in July, early August often sees lingering displays and community celebrations at major temples, particularly Wat Phothisomphon. You might catch elaborate wax sculptures still on display and smaller neighborhood processions. Not guaranteed, but worth asking at your hotel about any scheduled temple events during your visit.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - those 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-40 minute downpours, usually between 2pm-6pm. A packable rain layer weighs almost nothing and saves you from getting soaked.
Moisture-wicking cotton or linen clothing - skip polyester entirely in 70% humidity. Bring at least 2 shirts per day since you'll sweat through them by midday. Locals favor loose, light-colored cotton for good reason.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply supplies - UV index of 8 means you'll burn in 15-20 minutes of midday exposure. Even on cloudy days, UV penetrates. Bring enough for multiple daily applications.
Closed-toe walking shoes that dry quickly - sandals are tempting, but temple visits require covered feet, and wet season means occasional muddy conditions. Lightweight trail runners or canvas shoes work better than leather.
Small dry bag or ziplock bags for electronics - that humidity will find its way into everything. Protect phones, cameras, and charging cables. Even inside air-conditioned hotels, moisture accumulates.
Electrolyte packets or rehydration salts - you'll lose more salt through sweat than you expect. Locals drink electrolyte water constantly. Bring packets from home or buy them at any 7-Eleven for ฿15-25.
Light long pants and shirt with sleeves - needed for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered), and surprisingly helpful for air-conditioned spaces which are often aggressively cold (20°C or 68°F indoors is common).
Anti-chafing balm or powder - that humidity creates friction issues fast, especially if you're walking markets or temple circuits. This is the item first-timers forget and desperately need by day two.
Quick-dry towel - hotel towels stay damp in August humidity and never fully dry. A travel towel dries overnight and packs small.
Cash in small bills - ฿20, ฿50, ฿100 notes for markets and street food. Many vendors can't break ฿500 or ฿1,000 notes, and ATMs often dispense large denominations.

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near UD Town or Central Plaza for rainy day flexibility - having air-conditioned shopping and food options within 5-10 minute walk means weather never ruins your day. Hotels in this area run ฿900-1,500 in August versus ฿1,800-2,500 in peak season.
Start every day by 6:30am or 7am - this single adjustment transforms August visits. You'll complete major activities before heat and rain become factors, and you'll see Udon Thani at its most authentic when locals are out. Sleep 1pm-3pm if needed to compensate.
The Central Plaza food court basement level serves what locals actually eat - ignore the tourist-oriented restaurants on the main floors. Downstairs you'll find ฿60-90 meals that are genuinely excellent, with English picture menus and air conditioning.
Download offline maps before arrival - Google Maps works well in Udon Thani city, but cell coverage drops quickly outside town. Having offline maps for Phu Phra Bat and Red Lotus Sea areas is essential if your driver gets lost or you're navigating independently.

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 11am - tourists consistently underestimate how quickly the combination of heat, humidity, and UV index makes outdoor exploration miserable. By noon, even locals are indoors. Plan everything important before 10:30am.
Wearing inadequate footwear for temple visits - sandals seem logical in heat, but you'll remove shoes 10-15 times during temple circuits, and many temple grounds have hot pavement. Closed shoes you can slip on and off quickly work better.
Assuming rain means cancelled plans - those 10 rainy days typically bring short afternoon showers, not all-day rain. Tourists panic and stay in hotels unnecessarily. Wait 30-45 minutes and weather usually clears. Locals barely adjust their schedules.

Explore Activities in Udon Thani

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.