"When should we come?" is the question I hear most often from prospective buyers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, whether they are planning a holiday or a first property-viewing trip. Here is the honest answer from someone who has lived through every season here, including the months no travel brochure ever advertises.
The Three Seasons in Pattaya
Thailand has three seasons on the Gulf coast, and Pattaya has a geographical advantage: the region is one of the drier coastal areas of Thailand, considerably milder than, say, the Andaman coast around Phuket during its monsoon season.
Cool Season: November to February
High season, and for most Europeans the ideal time: plenty of sunshine, barely any rain, 25 to 32 degrees, and pleasant evenings. That is precisely why Pattaya fills up with long-stay winter visitors during these months. Anyone wanting to experience New Year's Eve or the lantern festival Loy Krathong in November should book well in advance.
Hot Season: March to May
From March the thermometer regularly climbs above 35 degrees. Perfectly manageable with a pool, a sea breeze and air conditioning, but when I schedule property-viewing tours with clients at this time of year I plan them for the mornings. The highlight of the season is Songkran, the Thai New Year in mid-April: the world's biggest water fight, traditionally extended in Pattaya until 19 April. Either you love it, or you avoid Beach Road that week.
Rainy Season: June to October
The most misunderstood period of all. Rainy season here does not mean non-stop rain; it typically means a sunny day followed by a heavy shower in the afternoon or evening, often over within an hour. In return, everything is lush and green, hotels are affordable and the city is relaxed and quiet. Only September and October can be genuinely wet. For property-viewing trips, the rainy season actually works very well — and you see developments in conditions that do not only show their best side.
Month by Month at a Glance
| Month | Weather | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| November | dry, sunny, 25 to 31°C | Excellent, Loy Krathong |
| December | driest month, very pleasant | Excellent, book early |
| January | sunny, coolest nights | Excellent |
| February | dry, increasingly warm | Excellent |
| March | hotter, mostly dry | Good |
| April | hottest month, Songkran | Good with a pool |
| May | hot, first showers | Decent |
| June | warm, occasional showers | Decent, affordable |
| July | warm, brief showers | Decent, affordable |
| August | warm, more showers | Decent, affordable |
| September | wettest month | For flexible travellers only |
| October | wet, improving towards the end | Transitional |
What Does This Mean for Long-Stay Visitors and Buyers?
It is a calculation many of my clients eventually work through: anyone spending three to five months here every winter pays high-season hotel or rental prices year after year, precisely when they are at their highest. Owning your own condo turns that calculation on its head: you live in your property rent-free during the best months and can rent it out for the rest of the year if you wish. How to make the move — from renting on a trial basis through to buying — is covered in the guide Moving to Pattaya, and the climate question as it relates to day-to-day living costs (air conditioning costs in particular) is answered on the Electricity and Water Costs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Pattaya?
November to February: dry, sunny, 25 to 32 degrees. December and January are the most popular months, so book early.
How bad is the rainy season in Pattaya really?
Much more manageable than its reputation: usually short, heavy showers in the afternoon rather than constant rain, plus the lowest prices of the year. Only September and October are truly wet. Pattaya is also located in one of the drier coastal regions of Thailand.
Can you swim in Pattaya all year round?
Yes. The sea in the Gulf of Thailand stays around 28 to 30 degrees year-round. During the rainy season it is worth checking the flags on the beach, as currents can be stronger after showers.
Free Guide
68 pages of Pattaya insider knowledge — download for free
