Pattaya in May: Weather, Is It Worth Going & What to See

Weather in Pattaya in May: what to expect

May marks the beginning of the rainy season in Pattaya. Humidity rises, rainfall increases noticeably, and the sky is cloudier more often. But don't panic just yet: May showers are usually short and not as drawn-out as during the peak of the season (September–October). So May still works for both beach time and sightseeing – downpours typically don't wipe out an entire day.

Daytime temperatures stay around +31…+33 °C, with nights at +26…+28 °C. At the same time, humidity is very high – reaching 80% – so the heat feels heavier, and rain only brings brief relief. Because of this, you need to be prepared for some everyday inconveniences: laundry takes forever to dry, documents can get damp, and electronics are at risk from the humidity. Air conditioning in your room and breaks in the cool air of shopping malls are lifesavers.

In May, average rainfall is about 160 mm, though this can vary from year to year. Rainy days range from 8 to 13, depending on the year. For comparison, during the peak season (September–October) there are significantly more. So May is one of the first months of the rainy season, and compared to the peak, rainfall is still not as intense.

Key May weather stats at a glance:

• Daytime air temperature: +31…+33 °C.
• Nighttime air temperature: +26…+28 °C.
• Water temperature: +29…+31 °C. The water is so warm it feels like stepping into a bath, especially near the shore. Kids absolutely love it – no need to get used to cool water.
• Rainfall: about 160 mm per month (on average).
• Rainy days: 8 to 13 days per month (depending on the year).
• Sunny days: about 12–15 fully or partially sunny days.
• Humidity: around 78–82%, making the heat feel heavier.

How it breaks down by period:

• Early May – heat lingers, rain still not that frequent.
• Mid-May – showers become more frequent, but they're short.
• Late May – the rainy season starts gaining momentum.

Monthly temperature and rainfall in Pattaya

Current weather in Pattaya and the 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 May

The sea in May is very warm – +29…+31 °C. The water is so warm that stepping in is pure pleasure, especially for kids who don't like cold water. However, due to the start of the rainy season, the sea can be rough, and the water near the shore can be murky, especially at Central Beach.

For clearer water, it's better to head to Koh Larn island, Jomtien Beach, Sai Keo (Military Beach), or Wong Amat (Naklua). The water is usually cleaner there than in the center.

In May, jellyfish season starts – they appear along the coast. They're usually small jellyfish that aren't deadly, but their stings can cause itching and skin irritation. If you see dark, slimy blobs on the sand, it's best to stay out of the water.

Beaches in May are noticeably less crowded than in high season. Sunbeds are available, and there are no queues at cafés.

For a detailed guide to all of Pattaya's beaches, check out our separate guide: Pattaya Beaches and Neighborhoods: Where to Stay.

What to do in May

May is a time when it's smart to have a backup plan for rainy days. Pattaya has plenty of entertainment that doesn't depend on the weather.

At the start of the rainy season, it's good to know some tried-and-true options for a rainy day:

• Malls – Central Festival, Terminal 21, Mike Shopping Mall. Shopping, cinemas, and food courts with AC.
• Sanctuary of Truth – a massive wooden structure on the shore. Rainy weather actually makes it extra atmospheric.
• Nong Nooch Tropical Garden – botanical gardens with elephant shows. Lots of covered areas.
• Tiffany or Alcazar shows – the famous cabaret performances.
• Museums – wax figures, Madame Tussaud's, the Bottle Museum.
• SPA and massage – an ideal plan for a rainy day.
• Cartoon Network Amazone Water Park – most rides are outdoors, but if the rain's brief, it's a great option.

In the evening, night markets are open – for example, Thepprasit (Jomtien), Rompho (Jomtien), Pattaya Night Bazaar (center), Buakhao Market (center, Soi Buakhao), and other markets around the city.

May events:

• Eastern Colors – The Food Runway (early May) – food festival on Central Beach with food, music, and contests.
• Pattaya Football Cup (early May) – international tournament.
• Pattaya Cafe Fest (late May) – coffee and café festival.

To keep up with additional May events, it's easy to follow local social media groups and sister-city websites – information pops up there quickly.

For a deeper dive into all of Pattaya's attractions, check out our full guide: Pattaya Attractions: What to See on Your Own.

Pros and cons of visiting Pattaya in May

• ✔ Pros:

  • Low prices – start of the rainy season, hotels and tours are significantly cheaper.
  • Fewer tourists – beaches and attractions are less crowded.
  • Very warm sea – water +29…+31 °C, like a bath.
  • Short showers – downpours often last 15–30 minutes and don't ruin your day.
  • Lighter than peak season – compared to September–October, there's less rain.

• ✖ Cons:

  • Start of rainy season – rainfall increases noticeably.
  • High humidity – around 80%, air feels heavy and muggy.
  • Murky water near shore – especially at Central Beach.
  • Jellyfish – they appear along the coast in May.
  • Risk of prolonged rain – weather becomes unpredictable.

Tourist reviews of Pattaya in May

Opinions from people who visited Pattaya in May are pretty mixed. Here are a few reviews:

"Flew in at the end of May for a month. It rained once at night – just a light drizzle. A couple of overcast days, but it was comfortable – the sun wasn't scorching."

— From forum reviews

"Spent 2 weeks in May, no rain or precipitation during the day, daily +30 degrees, and +25 at night."

— From weather reviews

"Went last year for the May holidays – out of 14 days, 7 had rain, and almost all day long."

— From forum reviews

As you can see, experience varies a lot depending on the year and luck. In May, the weather is unpredictable – you might get a week of sunshine or extended rain.

Pattaya or Phuket in May

Many travelers find themselves choosing between Pattaya and Phuket in May.

The verdict: In May, Pattaya is preferable to Phuket. Rain here is usually less intense, the sea is calmer, and prices are lower. On Phuket, strong waves and storms are possible during this time, making swimming unsafe.

If you're open to alternatives outside Thailand, Nha Trang in Vietnam is also in its rainy season in May.

Prices for holidays and tours to Pattaya in May

May marks the start of the low season, and prices drop significantly. Hotels become more affordable, and tours get cheaper. This is a great time for budget travel.

Here's a rough idea of daily costs per person (exchange rates are current as you read this):

• 3* hotel in the center – 800–1,200 baht per night.
• 4* hotel – from 1,500 baht.
• Food: street rice with chicken – 50–70 baht, food court lunch – from 100 baht, dinner at a café – 150–250 baht.
• Bike rental – from 150 baht/day, car rental – from 600 baht.
• Tours from Moscow – in May, tours to Pattaya are significantly cheaper than in season. Prices for 10 nights in a 3* hotel start from $1,500–2,000 for two.

What to pack and what to keep in mind for May

Top tips for anyone heading to Pattaya in May:

• Always carry a raincoat – May weather changes fast.
• Book a hotel with a pool – if the sea's rough or murky, a pool is a lifesaver.
• Bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes – for when the downpour hits.
• Laundry takes longer to dry – due to high humidity, pack extra changes of clothes. Hotels with clothes dryers are a must-have.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast – May can bring storms.
• Use sunscreen – even on cloudy days, UV is still strong.
• Download Bolt or Grab – these ride-hailing apps are often cheaper than street taxis.
• For temples – clothes that cover shoulders and knees are a must.

So, is it worth going to Pattaya in May?

Our take: May is a decent month for a budget trip if you're okay with rain and understand that the dry season is over. Compared to April, rainfall increases, but we're still far from the rainy season peak (September–October). In May, the rainy season is just starting, and rainfall isn't as heavy as during the peak.

If you want to save money and don't mind brief showers – May can work well. But if you need reliable sunny weather – it's better to choose March or come during the dry season (December–February).

For a complete overview of the resort, check out our full Pattaya guide: Pattaya: The Complete Guide for Independent Travelers.

Frequently asked questions about Pattaya in May

• What's the weather like in Pattaya in May? Hot, daytime +31…+33 °C, nighttime +26…+28 °C, water +29…+31 °C. The rainy season begins.
• How many days does it rain in May? On average, 8–13 days, depending on the year, but showers are often brief.
• Is May a good time to visit Pattaya? Yes, if you're okay with rain and want to save money.
• How does May differ from April? In May, rainfall increases noticeably, and the rainy season begins.
• What makes May better than peak rainy season? In May, the rainy season is just starting, and rainfall isn't as heavy as during the peak (September–October).
• How much do tours to Pattaya cost in May from Moscow? Prices start from $1,500–2,000 for two for 10 nights in a 3* hotel.