Season guide · Pattaya · Thailand
Pattaya in the cool season
November–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kimmam at English Wikipedia, Public domain
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Quick answer
Dry, sunny and less humid, with calm seas and the highest crowds and prices. Expect highs up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F), with about 13 rainy days across November–February. November–February are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- November–February
- Temperatures
- 21°C (70°F) to 32°C (90°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 13
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F) to 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in the cool season
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C (88°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 | 11.4 h | 5/5 |
| February | 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 | 11.7 h | 5/5 |
| November | 31°C (88°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 6 | 11.5 h | 4/5 |
| December | 30°C (86°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 2 | 11.4 h | 5/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 31°C (88°F) against a yearly 32°C (90°F), and 13 of the year's roughly 112 rainy days fall in these 4 months. Crowds rate 5/5 and hotel prices 5/5 on average.
What's on in the cool season
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- January: Lunar New Year celebrations (late January or February)
- February: Makha Bucha — Buddhist holiday, alcohol sales restricted (usually February or March)
- November: Loy Krathong — floating candle offerings on the full moon (usually November)
- December: New Year's Eve countdown on Beach Road (31 December)
Make the most of the weather
Island · Koh Larn
Koh Larn (Coral Island)
About 7 km off the coast, Koh Larn has several beaches with clearer water than the mainland, including Tawaen, Samae, Nual and Tien.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
Beach · Central Pattaya
Pattaya Beach
Walk the promenade at sunset, when the heat eases and the bay glows; for swimming, Jomtien or Koh Larn usually have clearer water.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- After dark
Beach · Jomtien
Jomtien Beach
A long stretch of sand south of Pratumnak Hill with a palm-lined beach road, deckchairs, seafood restaurants and water sports including kite-surfing and parasailing.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Active
Viewpoint · Pratumnak Hill
Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)
Go about 30 minutes before sunset to watch the bay change colour, then walk down to Walking Street for dinner.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
Religious site · Pratumnak Hill
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
A golden seated Buddha about 18 metres tall sits on top of Pratumnak Hill, reached by a staircase flanked by naga serpents.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
Day trips in the cool season
- Koh Samet (About 2 hours by road and ferry) — A small island in Rayong province with fine white-sand beaches such as Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duean, part of a national park.
- Khao Kheow Open Zoo (About 45 minutes by car) — A large open-concept zoo in the hills of Si Racha district, where many animals live in wide enclosures; visitors can drive, cycle or ride a tram around, and there is a night safari.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is the cool season a good time to visit Pattaya?
Yes: November–February are among the best months. Dry, sunny and less humid, with calm seas and the highest crowds and prices.
+What is the weather like in Pattaya in the cool season?
Highs of up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F), with about 13 rainy days over the season.