Month guide · Pattaya · Thailand
Pattaya in December
What December is really like in Pattaya: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: WPPilot, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Pattaya. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 11.4 hours of daylight. Pleasant, dry weather and peak crowds and prices around Christmas and New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 11.4 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Pattaya: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:31
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:53
- Daylight
- About 11.4 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Late rainy season (September–October). The wettest weeks and lowest prices, with occasional flooding; rains ease by late October.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- New Year's Eve countdown on Beach Road (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Central Pattaya
Pattaya Beach
The city's main beach curves about 3 km along Pattaya Bay beside Beach Road, with a promenade, deckchairs, umbrellas and water sports.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- After dark
Beach · Jomtien
Jomtien Beach
Head to the southern end for more space and kite-surfing schools, and visit the Jomtien Night Market in the evening.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Active
Viewpoint · Pratumnak Hill
Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Phra Tamnak)
On the hill above Bali Hai Pier, this viewpoint looks over the whole curve of Pattaya Bay and the city, with the large Pattaya City sign on the hillside below.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- Couples
Religious site · Pratumnak Hill
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
Find the Buddha image for the day of the week you were born and make a small offering, as Thai visitors do.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Pattaya.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 21°C and 2 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Pattaya?
One of the best months to visit Pattaya, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–February and November. Compare every month.
Pattaya in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Pattaya?
It is one of the best months to visit Pattaya. Pleasant, dry weather and peak crowds and prices around Christmas and New Year.
+How warm is Pattaya in December?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Pattaya in December?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.