Travel time: Year-round
Pattaya features a tropical wet and dry climate, deeply influenced by its coastal position on the Eastern Seaboard of the Gulf of Thailand. Because it is sheltered by the mountains to the east and the Burmese coast to the west, it receives significantly less total rainfall than southern Thai gems like Phuket, making it a viable year-round destination.
This is the region's hallmark season, characterized by low humidity and clear, blue skies. High temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), while nighttime lows can occasionally dip into the low 20s°C (70s°F). A distinct feature of this season is the steady, cooling breeze coming off the Gulf, which makes outdoor exploration and beach lounging comfortable.
As the wind direction shifts, temperatures begin to climb, peaking in April. Humidity levels rise significantly, and daily highs often reach 33°C to 35°C (91°F to 95°F). The heat index during this time frequently pushes the "feels like" temperature above 40°C (104°F). Locals adapt by moving their activities to early mornings or late evening night markets to avoid the midday sun.
Unlike the persistent drizzle found in temperate climates, Pattaya's rainy season is defined by intense, dramatic afternoon or evening downpours that typically last for an hour before the sky clears. The wettest months are September and October. While the humidity is at its peak, the rain often brings a welcome drop in temperature, and the surrounding landscape turns a vibrant, lush green.
In Pattaya, the barometer rarely tells the whole story. Because average humidity fluctuates between 60% and 90%, the weather consistently feels 5°C to 10°C hotter than the air temperature.
Pattaya’s geography creates subtle but noticeable microclimates. The central city area can experience a significant Urban Heat Island effect, trapped by concrete and high-rise developments. In contrast, Jomtien Beach to the south often feels a few degrees cooler due to its more open coastline and less dense construction. Nearby islands like Koh Larn may remain perfectly sunny while a thunderstorm is visibly drenching the mainland city.
Locals have a high tolerance for the heat but avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible. You will notice that many outdoor stalls remain shuttered during the midday peak, coming to life only after 6:00 PM.
One specific phenomenon is the Songkran wash-out in April; while celebrated as the Thai New Year water festival, it historically coincides with the hottest week of the year, providing a cultural and physical respite from the oppressive pre-monsoon heat. During the transition into the rainy season, residents also prepare for "flash flooding" in low-lying areas, where the city's drainage systems are temporarily overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tropical cloudbursts.