Pattaya in December: weather, prices and is it worth going for New Year

Weather in Pattaya in December: what to expect

December in Pattaya is the peak of the high season. The rainy season is long over, and the weather offers stable sunshine. The air temperature in Pattaya in December stays at +29…+32 °C during the day and +21…+25 °C at night. These are ideal conditions for beach vacations and excursions – the heat is no longer as oppressive as in April-May.

According to statistics, December has about 22 sunny days out of 30 (compared to 8–15 in November). Rain is very rare: on average, there are only 1–2 rainy days per month. According to long-term statistics, December is the driest month of the year: precipitation is about 15 mm (according to various sources – from 15 to 29 mm).

Key weather indicators in Pattaya in December:

• Daytime air temperature: +29…+32 °C.
• Nighttime air temperature: +21…+25 °C.
• Water temperature: +27…+28 °C. By the end of the month, it may cool down to +26 °C.
• Precipitation: about 15–29 mm per month (average 29 mm according to various sources).
• Rainy days: 1–2 days per month.
• Sunny days: about 22 days.
• Humidity: about 69–75%, which is noticeably more comfortable than during the rainy season.

By periods of the month:

• Early December – great weather, few tourists (before Christmas).
• Mid-December – more tourists, hotels filling up.
• Late December – peak season, Christmas and New Year, huge number of tourists, maximum prices.

Temperature and precipitation in Pattaya by month

Current weather in Pattaya and forecast for the coming days:

* - прогноз указан по местному времени. Данные получены с https://openweathermap.org. Если отображаются устаревшие даты, обновите страницу с помощью F5+Ctrl.

Sea and beaches in December: is it worth swimming

Yes, and this is one of December's main advantages. The sea water temperature in Pattaya in December stays at +27…+28 °C. This is a comfortable temperature for swimming, although by the end of the month the water may cool down to +26 °C. The sea is calm, there are almost no waves, and the water is clear.

Unlike October-November, when the water near the shore could still be murky, in December the situation fully improves. Pattaya's central beach becomes cleaner but still falls short of Jomtien Beach and Koh Larn Island in terms of water and sand quality.

Pattaya's beaches in December are filled with tourists. Sun loungers and umbrellas are in short supply, especially on weekends and closer to the holidays. It's better to arrive at the beach early to get a good spot.

Jellyfish are practically absent in December – they move to deeper waters as the temperature drops.

What to do in Pattaya in December: Christmas and New Year

December is a great time for both beach vacations and excursions. The weather is conducive to any activity. And at the end of the month, Pattaya turns into one big festive venue.

• Beach relaxation – Jomtien, Koh Larn, Wong Amat. The water is warm, the sun isn't too hot.
• Excursions – Nong Nooch, Sanctuary of Truth, Mini Siam, viewpoint on Pratamnak.
• Water activities – diving, snorkeling, parasailing, "banana boats." The sea is calm, visibility is excellent.
• Shopping – Central Festival, Terminal 21, Mike Shopping Mall. In December, malls have Christmas sales and decorations.
• Night markets – Thepprasit, Rompho. Working as usual, the weather doesn't interfere.
• SPA and massage – a great time to relax after the beach.

Christmas in Pattaya

Catholic Christmas (December 25) is celebrated in Pattaya, but not as lavishly as in Europe. The main events take place in shopping malls and large hotels:

• Terminal 21 Pattaya – from December 19 to January 4, the "Christmas Express 2026" Christmas fair takes place with gifts, sweets, and a festive atmosphere.
• Norwegian Christmas – at the Norwegian Church Sjømannskirken in Pattaya, a traditional Christmas dinner with music is held on December 24.
• Many hotels and restaurants arrange Christmas dinners with festive menus.

New Year in Pattaya – Pattaya Countdown

The main event of December is the grand New Year's festival Pattaya Countdown, held on Pattaya's central beach from December 29 to 31. This is one of the largest New Year's events in Thailand.

What awaits guests:

• Three days of free concerts featuring top Thai artists.
• A grand fireworks display on New Year's Eve – 10 minutes of spectacular show over Pattaya Bay.
• Light and sound shows on the theme "Earth Reborn."
• Prize draws worth over 2 million baht, including an Isuzu pickup and a Ducati motorcycle.
• Parallel celebrations on Koh Larn Island on December 31.

On New Year's Eve, hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals gather on the beach. The atmosphere is incredible, but be prepared for crowds and road closures.

More about all the attractions of Pattaya – in our separate guide: Pattaya attractions: what to see on your own.

Pros and cons of a December vacation in Pattaya

• ✔ Pros:

  • Ideal weather – practically no rain, sun every day.
  • Warm and clear sea – water +27…+28 °C, calm and clear.
  • Peak of high season – all infrastructure is operating at full capacity.
  • Christmas and New Year – grand celebrations, fireworks, concerts.
  • Low humidity – about 69–75%, comfortable for relaxation.

• ✖ Cons:

  • Maximum prices – hotels, flights, and tours in December are the most expensive of the year.
  • Huge number of tourists – beaches and attractions are crowded.
  • Everything needs to be booked in advance – the best hotels sell out 2–3 months ahead.
  • Traffic jams and road closures – during the New Year holidays, central Pattaya is closed off.
  • Water may cool down – by the end of the month to +26 °C.

Tourist reviews of Pattaya in December

Opinions from those who have vacationed in Pattaya in December are mostly enthusiastic. Here are three different reviews:

"We vacationed in December – the weather was perfect! Not a single rain in 10 days. The sea was warm +28 °C, swam every day. Prices are steep, but it's worth it. Caught the New Year's fireworks – it was incredible!"

— Olga, Moscow

"December in Pattaya is the best time, if not for the prices. We booked the hotel 3 months in advance, and even then it wasn't the cheapest option. Jomtien Beach was crowded, but the water was clear. Celebrated Christmas at Terminal 21 – beautifully decorated, with photo zones."

— Dmitry, Saint Petersburg

"New Year in Pattaya is crazy busy. Hundreds of thousands of people on the beach, traffic jams, noise. But the fireworks are amazing! If you're going for peace and quiet – better not during the New Year week. But if you're going for the festive atmosphere – definitely!"

— Andrey, Novosibirsk

As you can see from the reviews December is the best month for weather, but the most expensive and crowded. If you're prepared for inflated prices and crowds – the trip will 100% meet expectations. If you want to save money – better choose November or January (after the holidays).

Pattaya or Phuket in December

Many tourists choose between Pattaya and Phuket in December. Let's compare:

Conclusion: in December, both resorts are at the peak of the high season. Pattaya is cheaper than Phuket and offers more diverse entertainment, including the large New Year's fireworks. Phuket is more expensive but offers more picturesque beaches. On Phuket, swimming is only allowed in some bays when the water is calm – pay attention to the flags.

If considering alternatives outside Thailand, Nha Trang (Vietnam) also enters the dry season in December and becomes a great option for a beach vacation.

Vacation and tour prices to Pattaya in December

December is the most expensive month for a vacation in Pattaya. From the beginning of the month, prices rise, and by Christmas and New Year, they reach their peak. Tours and flights to Pattaya in December from Moscow hit record highs. Hotels for December 31 are booked 2–3 months in advance, and closer to the holidays, there are practically no available rooms.

Here are approximate daily expenses per person:

• 3* hotel in the center – 1200–2000 baht (45.42 USD) per night with AC and pool. On New Year's, prices may be even higher.
• 4* hotel – from 2500 baht (75.69 USD) and above.
• 5* hotel – from 5000 baht (151 USD).
• Food: street rice with chicken – 60–80 baht (2.12 USD), food court lunch – from 120 baht (3.63 USD), dinner at a cafe – 200–350 baht (7.57 USD). On New Year's Eve, restaurant prices may be higher.
• Bike rental – from 250 baht/day (7.57 USD), car – from 1000 baht (30.28 USD).
• Tours from Moscow – in December, tours to Pattaya are the most expensive of the year. Prices for 10 nights in a 3* hotel start from $2800–3500 for two, and on New Year's dates can reach $4000–5000.

Important about taxis: during the New Year holidays, taxi and motorbike taxi prices increase 2–3 times. Factor this into your budget.

What to pack and what to pay attention to in December

Main tips for those going to Pattaya in December:

• Book your hotel in advance – December is peak season, the best options sell out 2–3 months ahead.
• Account for maximum prices – budget 30–50% more than in November.
• Plan your trip for early December – if you want to save money and avoid crowds.
• If you're going for New Year – book everything 3 months in advance and prepare for crowds and traffic jams.
• Don't forget sunscreen – the sun in December is still active.
• For temples – closed shoulders and knees are mandatory.
• Download Bolt or Grab – these taxi apps are often cheaper than street cabs.
• Account for road closures – on December 29–31, central Pattaya is closed off.

So, is it worth going to Pattaya in December?

Our conclusion: December is one of the best months for a vacation in Pattaya in terms of weather. There's practically no rain, the sun shines almost every day (compared to 8–15 in November), and the sea is warm (+27…+28 °C). This is an ideal time for beach vacations and excursions.

However, this is the most expensive and crowded month of the year. Hotel and tour prices reach their maximum, and beaches and attractions are crowded with tourists. If you're prepared for this and want to celebrate New Year in the tropics with a grand fireworks display – December is your month.

Compared to November, the weather in December is even more stable, but prices are higher. If you want to save money – better choose early December or January (after the holidays).

More about the resort in our complete Pattaya guide: Pattaya: complete guide for independent travelers.

Frequently asked questions about Pattaya in December

• What's the weather like in Pattaya in December? Dry, sunny, daytime +29…+32 °C, nighttime +21…+25 °C, water +27…+28 °C.
• How many days in December have rain? On average 1–2 days per month, and even then brief.
• Is it worth going to Pattaya for New Year? Yes, if you're prepared for high prices and crowds. The fireworks and festive atmosphere are unforgettable.
• Where to celebrate Christmas in Pattaya? At Terminal 21, there's Christmas Express, and hotels and restaurants have festive dinners.
• How much do tours to Pattaya in December from Moscow cost? Prices start from $2800–3500 for two for 10 nights in a 3* hotel, on New Year's dates – up to $4000–5000.
• Pattaya or Phuket in December? Pattaya is cheaper and offers more entertainment, especially New Year's. Phuket is more expensive but has more picturesque beaches.
• Is it worth going to Pattaya in December with kids? Yes, the weather is ideal for a family vacation, but be prepared for high prices and large crowds.