When to go to Pattaya: months without rain, high and low season

Pattaya sits on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand.

Rain here follows its own schedule, and it doesn't match Phuket or Koh Samui. In December, the monthly rainfall is 6 mm, while in October it's already 243 mm (as of 09/2026, Pattaya climate). Its position on the eastern shore of the gulf explains why Pattaya's weather differs from other regions of Thailand.

If you're choosing vacation dates, you need three things: dry weather, a warm sea, and a reasonable hotel price. The best time for Pattaya is November and December, when the downpours almost stop and the heat eases off.

The month-by-month climate, the difference between high and low season, and practical tips for the rainy season will help you pick the right dates for your vacation.

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When to go to Pattaya

💡 In short:

• Dry and moderately hot weather lasts from November through February.
• The rainiest months are September and October (as of 09/2026, rainfall by month).
• The water in the gulf is warm year-round, from 26 to 28 °C (water temperature).
• The cheapest trips are in the low season, from May through October.

© Sergey S. Dukachev · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sergey S. Dukachev, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The dry period starts in November and lasts until the end of February. During the day the air warms up to 30-31 °C, at night it cools to 22-23 °C, and rain is rare: in December there's one day with precipitation, in January and February two days each (as of 09/2026, precipitation by month).

These are the months most tourists choose, so hotels in Pattaya get booked in advance. If you're okay with downpours and humidity, the low season offers you the same Pattaya, just calmer and cheaper.

Beaches in the dry season operate as usual, and boat trips are rarely canceled. The flip side is that during holiday weeks the waterfront gets crowded.

Pattaya climate by month

Pattaya lies in the tropics, and the year here is divided not into four seasons but into three periods: dry and cool, hot, and rainy. The average annual high is 31.2 °C, the average low is 24.9 °C, and total annual rainfall reaches 1134 mm (as of 09/2026, climate table).

Table data: long-term averages 1961-1990, WetterKontor, checked 09/2026.

Temperature changes little from month to month, but rainfall varies by a factor of ten. March brings 53 mm of rain, May already 155 mm, October 243 mm (as of 09/2026, annual rainfall normals). It's easier to plan a trip by the number of rainy days: January and February have two each, September has seventeen, October nineteen.

Your choice of dates comes down to a simple trade-off: predictable weather or lower prices. Below we'll break down both seasons separately.

High season: November through February

November opens the dry period: rain falls seven days a month, and then it gets even drier. Daytime temperatures hold around 30 °C, and the water in the bay cools to 27 °C (as of 09/2026, monthly normals).

© Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BYPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: those who want predictable weather and plan excursions in advance.
• The catch: hotels are pricier, the city is fuller, and popular options get booked faster.

A vacation during these months comes without weather surprises. You can confidently set aside one day for an island, the next for a temple and a market, without keeping backup options.

In the evening during high season it's cooler than during the day, and more places are open along the waterfront. On the other hand, accommodation prices climb to their annual peak.

Hot season: March and April

In March and April there's little rain, but temperatures approach their maximum: in April it's 32.9 °C during the day and 26.4 °C at night (as of 09/2026, April figures). The heat feels stronger because of the humidity, so beach time shifts to morning and evening.

In April, Pattaya hosts Songkran, the Thai New Year with massive water fights. If you're after a celebration, the city turns into one big water playground during these days.

• Who it's for: those who handle heat well and want more sun.
• The catch: long walks around the city at midday are tough without shade and water.

Low season and rain: May through October

Low season coincides with the southwest monsoon. Look at the numbers: May brings 155 mm of rainfall and 12 rainy days, June 105 mm, July 87 mm, August 99 mm, September climbs to 217 mm and 17 rainy days (as of 09/2026, rainfall table). October takes the year's maximum: 243 mm and 19 days with rain.

© MikSed · CC BY-SAPhoto: MikSed, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In September, humidity rises to 77%, while the sea stays warm at around 28 °C (based on 12 years of observations, Pattaya averages). Tropical downpours are short but intense.

You should schedule excursions for the first half of the day and keep a backup plan in case of thunderstorms. Flexibility in low season almost always pays off.

Rain doesn't last all day. More often it's a powerful squall for half an hour or an hour, after which the sun comes out again.

High or low season: what to choose

The price difference between seasons is noticeable, especially if you're going for two weeks. If you already know your dates, it's worth checking hotel prices in Pattaya on Trip.com in advance: during holiday weeks in high season, available options get snapped up quickly.

Low season beats high season in one way: you depend less on reservations and can change plans on the fly. It loses on predictability.

What to keep in mind during the rainy season

Before leaving the hotel, check the forecast: wind, humidity, and the chance of thunderstorms change quickly throughout the day. A raincoat or compact umbrella in your backpack will come in handy almost every day.

Plan your days so that time outdoors alternates with time indoors. After a downpour, the air gets cleaner and the city empties out, which is the best moment for a walk along the waterfront.

Bring shoes that don't mind water, and keep your phone in a waterproof case. Streets in Pattaya fill with water quickly after heavy rain.

Boat trips and island excursions in low season get rescheduled more often than in winter. Put them at the start of your trip so you have time left to swap days.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the rainy season start in Pattaya?

It usually runs from May through October, with the most rain falling in September and October: 217 mm and 243 mm per month, which is 17 and 19 rainy days (as of 09/2026, rainfall norms). May is also wet, but June and July are a bit calmer after that.

Does it rain all day in Pattaya?

No. More often it's a heavy but short downpour, after which the sun comes out again. You should keep your plans flexible and avoid scheduling two outdoor excursions on the same day. Humidity stays high throughout, especially in September.

Which month is the rainiest in Pattaya?

Sources differ on the details. Long-term norms show the peak in October: 243 mm and 19 rainy days (as of 09/2026, annual rainfall data). Based on 12 years of observations, the wettest month is September, averaging about 261 mm (average values). Plan for both months with equal caution.

When is a trip to Pattaya cheapest?

Hotels and flights get cheaper in the low season, meaning May through October. The lowest prices usually fall in the months with the most rain. If saving money matters more to you than perfect weather, go during this period and leave room to reschedule excursions.

When are there the fewest tourists in Pattaya?

Outside the high season, meaning May through October. The more rain a month gets, the lower hotel occupancy and the quieter the beaches. If you care about peace and quiet rather than dry weather every day, this is your time.

Is it okay to go to Pattaya during the rainy season?

Yes, and it's often a smart choice. Downpours are short, the sea is warm, prices are lower, and there are fewer lines. You'll need flexibility in your plans and a willingness to move an excursion to a different day. For a beach vacation with kids, it's still better to choose the dry period.

In short: what to book

If you need dry weather and predictable plans, book November, December, or January. If you want to save money, go for May or June: the rains have already started, but prices are noticeably lower and boat trips still run.

If your trip falls in September or October, leave room in your budget to reschedule one excursion. It's better to choose excursions and tickets with flexible timing and cancellation options: see Pattaya excursions on GetYourGuide.

For a family with kids, the dry season is the best choice; for a long summer stay, the low season with its prices works well. Decide what matters more to you, weather or budget, and pick your dates using the table above.