When to go to Pattaya: weather by month and what to know

Pattaya is on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, and its climate differs noticeably from the Andaman resorts such as Phuket. The temperature is almost the same all year, but rainfall is very uneven. Below is which month suits which goal, when not to plan a beach holiday, and how to account for festivals and the nearby islands.

Pattaya weather by month

The numbers come from the Wikivoyage climate table: average low and high in degrees Celsius, and rainfall in millimeters.

• January: 24 and 31, rainfall 16 mm.
• February: 25 and 31, 20 mm.
• March: 26 and 32, 47 mm.
• April: 26 and 33, 68 mm.
• May: 27 and 33, 121 mm.
• June: 26 and 32, 132 mm.
• July: 26 and 32, 104 mm.
• August: 26 and 31, 91 mm.
• September: 25 and 31, 214 mm.
• October: 25 and 31, 225 mm.
• November: 24 and 31, 57 mm.
• December: 23 and 30, 12 mm.

The main takeaway from the table: it is always hot, and the amount of rain decides. September and October are the wettest, December and January the driest.

Best months: November to February

If you need a reliable beach holiday, take the stretch from December to February. There is little rain, the temperature is comfortable, and nights are closer to 23-25 degrees than to the tropical stuffiness of spring. November is also good: the rain is easing, and rainfall is about four times lower than in October.

The dry season has one drawback: high demand. Flights and hotels in December and over the New Year holidays cost more, so book ahead. A convenient way to watch for price drops is the HotTrip flight search, which shows the cheapest departure dates by month.

March, April and May: hotter and quieter

From March to May the temperature climbs: in April the average high is 33 degrees. For people who like heat and the sea this is a fine time, but during the day it is better to go into the shade or a mall and keep the beach for morning and evening. Rain in May is already noticeable, 121 mm, but hotels often offer lower prices than in winter.

Rainy season: June to October

From June to August there is noticeable rain, but the downpours are usually short, and you can swim and walk in between. The hardest months are September and October: 214 and 225 mm on average. If you do fly in those months, plan indoor backups: malls, museums, shows and spas. Also follow news about flooding in the region, as happened in Phuket in October 2026.

Songkran and festivals

In mid-April Thailand celebrates Songkran, the Thai New Year, when everyone splashes each other with water. According to Wikivoyage, in Pattaya it is officially celebrated later, on April 18-19, although the water fights start earlier and drag on. In those days hotels are full and buses from Bangkok run more often, but there are noticeable delays on the roads. Plan your arrival and departure with spare time, and carry your things and phone in a waterproof case.

Also in mid-April the Pattaya Festival takes place: floats with flowers, contests and fireworks. It is entertainment for tourists rather than an authentic festival, but children and photographers will enjoy it.

Koh Larn and the islands: when to go

The best visibility and calmest sea come in the dry months. Ferries run to Koh Larn, and according to Wikivoyage a ticket costs about 30 baht per person and the trip takes about half an hour. Some departures go to Na Baan pier on the side of the island nearest Pattaya, and some to Tawaen beach on the far side. Koh Larn, Koh Sak and Koh Krok are used for diving and snorkeling. If it pours on the day of the trip, it is better to move it to another day than to lose money on the excursion.

How to choose an area for the season

The season also affects where you stay. In the dry season you can live anywhere: Jomtien with its long beach suits families, the center suits evenings. In the rainy months it is more convenient to stay near malls and songthaew routes. Read more about areas in Pattaya: where to stay and what to do. If you continue to other resorts after Pattaya, compare the climate with Koh Samui: when to go and when to go to Phuket.

Flights and insurance

There are no direct flights to Pattaya itself, so people usually fly to Bangkok and drive about two hours. Take out insurance before you fly: it is useful both for illness and for water activities.

Frequently asked questions

When is the weather best in Pattaya?

From November to February. The driest months are December and January, with 12 and 16 mm of rain.

Which month is the wettest?

October, with about 225 mm of rain. September is almost as wet at 214 mm.

Can I go to Pattaya in summer?

Yes. From June to August rainfall is moderate, downpours are short and hotels are cheaper. For the beach choose the morning.

When is Songkran in Pattaya?

In mid-April. In Pattaya the official days are April 18-19, but the celebration starts earlier.

How much does a trip to Koh Larn cost?

According to Wikivoyage, the ferry costs about 30 baht per person and takes about half an hour.

Cover: photo by TB Jeremy on Pexels