Best time to visit Pattaya
When is the best time to visit Pattaya?
The best time to visit Pattaya is from November to April which includes the peak and shoulder season. Located approximately 149.2 km away from the capital city Bangkok, Pattaya is easily accessible via road. Hence, anyone visiting Bangkok for holidays can easily cover Pattaya in their itinerary.
When it comes to the best time to plan a Pattaya holiday, the cool season starts from mid-November to February. This period is marked by sunny days, clear sky, little to no rainfall and manageable humidity. Many tourists head to Pattaya during this time as the city is hailed as the party capital of Thailand, famed for its exhilarating nightlife, walking streets, bars and numerous clubs. For those looking to avoid tourist crowds, should plan their visit in the shoulder season which is marked by a mix of rainy and sunny days. And if you seek to travel in Pattaya on a limited budget, choose the off-season to get discounts and irresistible deals on airfare hotels, services, and transportation.
Month-wise Pattaya Travel Guide
Irrespective of the seasons, there is something for everyone to do in Pattaya and experience a fulfilling holiday. It’s a year-round destination that can be enjoyed provided you have a well-planned Pattaya itinerary. This guide sheds light on Pattaya’s weather, best time to visit Pattaya for nightlife, best time to visit Pattaya beach, along with festivals and events to enjoy in this city.
Pattaya in January
With pleasant weather, dry weather and clear skies, January is amongst the best times to visit Pattaya beach. It is a time when Pattaya remains busy with tourist crowds who come to celebrate new year’s eve. The temperature touches 30°C during the day and the minimum is around 24°C during the night, making it perfect to explore the nightlife in Pattaya. The cool weather is favourable for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures, albeit the prices are high. Therefore, it’s best to book accommodation in advance.
January Events and Festivals in Pattaya
- Chinese New Year: Celebrated with immense zeal and fervour, Chinese New Year is an important celebration for the Thai-Chinese community. It falls in the second or third month of the lunar calendar which happens at the end of January or beginning of February. The Chinese New Year Celebrations can be seen in Pattaya Klang Activity Square and Walking Street. The streets are adorned with golden and red lanterns, and other decorations. There are cultural performances, dance performances, dragon procession, fireworks, and colourful food stalls serving delicious Chinese dishes.
Pattaya in February
The weather in February is a lot similar to January, the days are clear, the humidity is less and with cooler evenings. Temperatures during the day touch around 31°C and at night it hovers around 25°C with only two days of little rainfall. The weather and cool climatic conditions is what attracts tourists to Pattaya. It is a perfect time to spend time on the beach amidst a cool and tropical environment, take part in water sports and go on a day trip to Coral islands from Pattaya. Since, underwater offers great visibility, tourists also partake in snorkelling and diving.
February Events & Festivals in Pattaya
- Burapa Bike Week: Burapa bike week is a week-long motorcycle rally where motorbike enthusiasts from around the globe visit Pattaya. The festival is always defined by a special theme such as “Ride for Peace” or “Spirit of Hero”. The highlights of this festival include bike exhibitions, colourful parades, stunts done by professionals, cultural tableaus, para motor displays and live music concerts by famous local and international artists. The dates of the festival may vary, therefore confirm the dates before visiting.
Pattaya in March
The weather in Pattaya is sunny enough in March to give a perfect sun-basking session on the beach. While the evenings are cooler, offering a perfect opportunity to do sightseeing, go on a gastronomical adventure and shop from Pattaya’s floating market. The average temperature at day time hovers around 33°C and the minimum temperature is around 26°C, with 4 days of drizzle making the surrounding scenic and peaceful. Visit Pattaya’s theme parks, Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum and Sanctuary of truth. Pack light and breathable clothes for the day time and carry a hat, glasses and ample amount of SPF.
March Events and Festival in Pattaya
- Pattaya Music Festival: One of the most anticipated events in Thailand during the month of March amongst tourists and locals alike is the Pattaya Music Festival. This three-day long festival is held on the Pattaya beach with the spectacular backdrop of swaying palms and a beautiful coastline. The festival typically starts around 6:30 PM and goes until the break of dawn. It is visited by a large number of tourists across Asia and the common genres that you can hear at the festival are reggaeton, hip hop, EDM, R&B and jazz. Make sure to secure your ticket, if you plan to attend this festival.
Pattaya in April
The weather in Pattaya during April starts to get warmer and with the monsoon season still at bay, it is one of the best times to visit Pattaya. The highest temperature during the day is around 33°C and the lowest temperature reaches around 26°C. April receives about 6 days of sporadic showers that don’t disrupt your travel plans. April also marks the famous holiday—Thai New Year or Songkran which is celebrated with great fervour amongst both locals and tourists. Besides, April is still a conducive time to experience the thrill of adventure sports like skydiving, ziplining and water activities like snorkelling, surfing, etc. in Pattaya.
April Events and Festivals in Pattaya
- Pattaya’s Songkran Festival: Songkran or Thai New Year is a national holiday in Thailand, and is a three-day festival starting from April 13th to April 15th. This festival involves a ritual of splashing scented waters on anyone and everyone to wash off their old self and purify them for the new year. Today, this ritual has turned into a full blown water fight where both locals and tourists participate with water guns and hose pipes to drench one another with water. It is a festival full of fun and frolic showcasing the community spirit and cultural practices intertwined in the most beautiful way.
Pattaya in May
During the month of May, the days get hotter as the sun shines bright with intensity in Pattaya. The mercury reaches 33°C during the day and at night is around 27°C with an estimated 11 days of rainfall which elevates the humidity levels in the air. Even though there aren’t many tourists during the day, at night, the streets and markets come alive with bustling crowds heading to enter clubs, bars and enjoy the lively and colourful atmosphere of Pattaya. It is one of the last months in Pattaya where you can easily go on and snorkel in Coral island and partake in many adventure activities, as the succeeding months bring monsoon rains.
Pattaya in June
June officially marks the monsoon season with stormy weather and consistent downpours. The days get hot and humid when it doesn’t rain, making June a less favourable month to visit Pattaya by most tourists. Since, there are less tourist crowds, this is an excellent opportunity to get discounts of hotels, transportation and activities. Even though the days are humid, in the evenings the humidity is manageable so you can go out to watch the Alcazar cabaret show, underwater world and many indoor activities. Try delicious Thai food at different restaurants before you hit the club and get you groove on.
Pattaya in July
Although July is amongst the wettest months in Pattaya, making it the least favourable time to visit Pattaya amongst beach lovers and adventure seekers. However, shopaholics would love to travel to Pattaya in July as the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale is on. The rainy days are estimated to be 11 days with highest and lowest temperatures ranging around 32 degree Celsius in day and 26 degree Celsius during night. Explore the night markets of Pattaya, Pattaya walking street and eat from delicious food stalls some delightful Thai treats.
July Events and Festivals in Pattaya
- Asarnha Bucha Day: Asahna Bucha day is a religious holiday in Thailand where locals participate in merit-making activities and donate to monks. This day commemorates the very first sermon delivered by Lord Buddha to his disciples and the establishment of the first Buddisht sangha. Many locals visit Buddhist temples to observe the religious ritual and pray for health and happiness.
- Pattaya Marathon: Pattaya Marathon in July turns the dampness of the rainy season into a festive atmosphere. This well-organised marathon offers an incredible opportunity to experience the scenic terrain of Pattaya while running. Runners are provided with water stations, medical assistance, and route marking to ensure a smooth and hassle-free marathon experience. Along with the marathon, you can closely observe the local life in Pattaya, relish some delicious Thai food and drinks, and experience the warm hospitality of Thai people.
Pattaya in August
With an estimated 11 to 12 days of rainfall, Pattaya in August is a time when not too many tourists are interested in visiting the city, especially ones who seek outdoor adventures. But a low tourist footfall should not deter you from visiting Pattaya in August. There are still plenty of activities to do in Pattaya such as visiting tiger park, Pattaya dolphinarium, watching a scintillating cabaret show, catching a Muay Thai boxing match. The average temperature during the day is 31°C and the minimum temperature is around 26 degree Celsius. If you plan to visit Pattaya in August, it’s recommended to visit in the first half of the month or first week of the month.
August Events and Festivals in Pattaya
- Queen Sirikit’s Birthday (Mother’s Day): August 12 is observed as Mother’s Day in Thailand which honours the birthday of H.M. Queen Mother. This day is marked as a national holiday in Thailand, and there are certain restrictions on alcohol consumption and playing loud music in clubs. Kids in Thailand pay respects to their mothers by offering them a bracelet made with jasmine flowers symbolising peace and purity.
Pattaya in September
The monsoon season is in full force during September with 15 days of incessant rainfall. The average temperature during the day is 31°C, and at night is generally 25°C. With such rainfall, the number of outdoor activities you can do are limited in number. However, you can enjoy indoors with a relaxing spa, shopping from malls, visiting Siam Frost Ice Kingdom. Besides, monsoon rains ushers liveliness in the greenery, and you can watch palm trees sway in motion. The tourist crowds are very less and you can get amazing deals on accommodations and flights.
September Events & Festivals in Pattaya
- Amazing Music Festival: Over the Horizon – Organised by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this three-day music festival is held at Pattaya Beach in Chonburi. This festival is organised to attract tourists and boost the local economy during the off season. Many Thai artists and singers showcase their performances and present musical genres such as R&B, Hip Hop, Pop Music, etc. This festival is organised for tourists who are interested in Thailand’s food, fashion, films, festivals and more.
Pattaya in October
October is the last month of the rainy season in Pattaya with average maximum and minimum temperatures being 31°C to 25°C. October sees a rainfall for about 16 to 17 days with sunny days with humidity. Outdoor activities are still limited but you can always explore Pattaya’s indoor attraction. If you must travel in October, prepare yourself for the heavy rains by keeping waterproof bags, rain poncho and rain boots.
Pattaya Events and Festivals in October
- Vegetarian Festival: In accordance to Taoist traditions, many Thai people observe the vegetarian festival in the month of late September to early October. It involves abstinence from meat, alcohol, smoking, onion, garlic and other vices. Also known as the Kin Jay festival, this festival also includes 9 days of processions, cultural performances and acts of self-mortification to purge oneself from their bad karmas.
- Buffalo Racing Festival: Taking place over the last fourteen years, The Buffalo Racing Festival is held annually at the end of Buddhist Lent in Chonburi Province. The sheer festivity of this festival and thrill of watching Buffalo racing offers much needed entertainment in the rainy season of Pattaya.
Pattaya in November
November, the tourist season is back in Pattaya with a sharp decline in the rainy days of merely 8 days. The median highest and lowest temperature hovers around 31° to 24°C with slightly humid days and balmy evenings. Outdoor activities, beach activities, etc starts to open up, albeit steadily. It’s best to explore Pattaya in the first half of November to avoid the heavy influx of tourists. November is also the best time to visit Pattaya for nightlife.
November Events and Festivals in Pattaya
- Rolling Loud Thailand: Rolling Loud is a famous hip hop music festival that is new on Pattaya’s music scene. After its successful American counterpart, this festival has extended its presence in Asia and what better place than Pattaya, Thailand. It features some of the best and renowned hip hop artists from various countries. Its first ever edition was headlined by Travis Scott in 2023.
- Pattaya International Fireworks Festival: Head to Pattaya Beach for a spectacular display of vibrant fireworks. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this festival creates a festive fervour amongst both tourists and locals. Furthermore, one gets to enjoy a free concert which is open for people of all ages. Along with music and fireworks, try the delicious Thai food and reshing beverages from the beach shacks at Pattaya Beach.
- Loy Krathong Festival: This festival involves releasing offerings in water bodies to seek blessings of the water goddess. These offerings or Krathongs are made of bamboo leaves or lotus leaves and carry candles, incense, and flowers into a river or lake and devotees pray that it may carry away all their bad luck and negativity.
- Pattaya Long Boat Racing Festival: The long boat festival showcases Pattaya boating culture. The boats used for racing are also called dragon boats and are rowed by teams of rowers who row in synchronised manner. This race is testament to every rower’s immense strength, focus and teamwork. These races are held on Mabprachan Lake and along with watching the race, tourists acn explore souvenirs, eat some delicious food and get drinks from nearby stalls.
Pattaya in December
December is the best time to visit Pattaya for good weather, sunny days and clear sky. The Christmas and year end celebrations start in Pattaya with beach parties and music festivals. The mercury goes up during the day to 30°C and at night it drops to 23°C, making the weather absolutely amazing to explore Pattaya nightlife outdoors—whether it’s exploring Pattaya Walking street or going to the beach for barbeque.
December Events and Festivals in Pattaya
- Wonderfruit Festival: Held at The Fields at Siam Country Club, on the outskirts of Pattaya Wonderfruit festival in one of the most anticipated events in December. This festival is dedicated to musical acts, art exhibitions, architectural displays, seminars, workshops and culinary delights and more. The best part is this festival can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It means whether you are visiting Pattaya with family or friends, you can easily attend this festival.
- Christmas & New Year’s Eve: Christmas parties and new year’s parties are in full swing during December. The beaches, clubs, restaurants, bars, malls, etc, welcome tourists to celebrate Christmas by taking part in feasting, drinking and merriment. Same goes with the New Year’s Eve celebrations when there’s an atmosphere of revelry and excitement amongst tourists and locals to welcome the New Year. Due to high demand, the cost of air travel, hotel accommodation and local transportation rises, therefore, it is recommended to book in advance.