Pattaya in October: Weather, Reviews & Is It Worth Going

Weather in Pattaya in October: what to expect

October is the tail end of the rainy season in Pattaya, but that doesn't mean the weather suddenly turns dry. Statistically, it's one of the rainiest months of the year, right up there with September. And here's the thing – in recent years the peak rainfall has often shifted to October–November, so the risk of long stretches of bad weather is still pretty high.

Depending on the year, you can expect about 4 to 8 sunny days in October when the sun's out for most of the day. Rain falls on anywhere from 14 to 18 days during the month – it varies by year and by which source you check.

Key October weather stats at a glance:

• Daytime air temperature: +30…+31 °C.
• Water temperature: +27…+29 °C. The water's still lovely and warm for swimming, though it might cool off a bit toward the end of the month.
• Rainfall: about 225 mm on average for the month. In some years it can range from 216 to 250 mm, and in extreme seasons it can top 400 mm. That's way more than August (around 160 mm) and on par with September (roughly 215–225 mm).
• Rainy days: 14 to 18 days per month, depending on the data source.
• Humidity: super high – about 83% – so the air can feel heavy and muggy.

How it breaks down by week:

• Early October – rain is frequent, and you might get some long downpours.
• Mid-October – things can improve a little, but showers are still likely.
• Late October – statistically, rain starts to ease up, but in recent years the rainy season has often dragged on into November.

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 October: can you swim?

Yes, you definitely can swim. The water's still warm at +27…+29 °C – perfectly comfortable for a dip, though it might get slightly cooler toward the end of the month.

The bigger issue is that because of the seasonal rains and winds, the water near the shore is often murky, especially at the central beach. Rain washes sand and silt into the sea, so don't expect crystal-clear water.

Also, in October you'll still find jellyfish along the coast. The dangerous box jellyfish usually only appear after major storms. But in warm water, smaller jellyfish thrive – they're not lethal, but their stings can itch and irritate your skin. If you see dark, slimy blobs on the sand, it's best to stay out of the water. And always rinse off with fresh water after swimming.

As for the beaches themselves, Pattaya's central beach can look a bit rough in October due to debris washed ashore. Your best bet is Jomtien Beach – it's cleaner and stretches much longer.

What to do in Pattaya in October: beach alternatives

If the sea's rough or it's pouring rain – no worries. Pattaya's got plenty of things to do that don't depend on the weather. And October even brings a few seasonal events.

• Malls – Central Festival, Terminal 21, Mike Shopping Mall. Shopping, cinemas, and food courts with AC. A perfect escape from the rain.
• Sanctuary of Truth – a massive wooden structure right 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 – Thepprasit and Rompho. They're partially covered by tarps, and the vibe and prices are totally worth it.

October events:

• Pattaya Tattoo Festival (early October) – international tattoo festival.
• Vegetarian Festival (first to second week of October) – an annual nine-day event celebrated across Thailand. In Pattaya, expect special menus at restaurants and small fairs.
• Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race (late October) – a fun sports event right on the beach.

Just a heads-up: on public holidays (October 13 – King Bhumibol Memorial Day, October 23 – King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day), some places might operate on reduced hours.

Want to get out of Pattaya for a couple of days? In October, when the rain's still around, you could head to Kanchanaburi – the waterfalls are full and powerful, and the weather's not as hot. Or take a trip to Bangkok – there are enough museums and temples there to keep you busy for days.

For more ideas on what to do in October, check out expat groups online – they often have fresh suggestions for leisure activities.

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 October

• ✔ Pros:

  • Save money – hotel and flight prices are still lower than in the high season.
  • Fewer crowds – way fewer tourists than in November–December.
  • Warm sea – water's at +27…+29 °C, perfect for swimming.
  • End of rainy season – showers tend to get shorter in the second half of the month, though the risk is still there.

• ✖ Cons:

  • Very rainy – about 225 mm of rain on average, one of the wettest months.
  • High humidity – around 83%, so the air feels thick and sticky.
  • Murky water near shore – thanks to rain and wind stirring things up.
  • Jellyfish – they're still around in October.
  • Risk of extended rain – in recent years the season has often stretched into November.
  • Unpredictability – weather can vary a lot from year to year.

Tourist reviews of Pattaya in October

People who've been to Pattaya in October have pretty mixed opinions. Here are three different takes:

"Went in October – the weather was so-so. It rained almost every day, sometimes for hours. The sea was murky, and I didn't really feel like swimming. The malls and tours saved us. Not going back in October."

— Ivan, Novosibirsk

"We got lucky – late October was dry and sunny. It only rained a couple of times at night. The sea was warm, few tourists, and prices were low. If you catch good weather, October's a great option."

— Olga, Moscow

"Went in October – it rained every day, sometimes for 2–3 hours. The sea water was murky, so swimming wasn't pleasant. Prices were nice, though. But next time I'll pick November or December."

— Andrey, Yekaterinburg

As you can see from the reviews: October's a bit of a gamble. If the weather gods smile on you, you'll get a great trip at bargain prices. But be prepared for rain to throw a wrench in your plans.

Where to go in Thailand in October: Pattaya or Phuket?

Lots of travelers find themselves torn between Pattaya and Phuket in October. Let's compare:

The verdict: In October, both resorts are still feeling the effects of the rainy season. Pattaya is a bit cheaper, but also rainier. On Phuket, the rainy season can stretch into November, while in Pattaya, rain tends to ease up by late October – though each year is different. On some of Phuket's beaches, swimming is only allowed when the water's calm, and lifeguards use flags to signal safety – a red flag means no swimming. Keep an eye out for them.

If you're open to alternatives outside Thailand, Nha Trang in Vietnam is coming out of its rainy season in October and becomes a great beach option.

Prices in Pattaya in October

The main reason to consider October is the low prices compared to the high season. In October, prices start to creep up (about 10–20% higher than in August), but they're still way lower than in November–December. Here's a rough idea of daily costs per person:

• 3* hotel in the center – 700–900 baht per night with AC and a pool. Breakfast is usually extra – about 100–150 baht. In high season, the same hotels are 20–30% pricier.
• 4* hotel – from 1,400 baht.
• Food: street rice with chicken – 50–60 baht, food court lunch – from 100 baht, dinner at a café – 150–200 baht.
• Bike rental – from 150 baht/day, car rental – from 600 baht.
• Package tours – in October, tours to Pattaya are already more expensive than in August, but still cheaper than in peak season. You might find a 10-night stay in a 3* hotel for around $1,800–2,200 for two.

A note on taxis: when it rains, taxi and motorbike taxi prices can spike 2–3 times higher. Factor that into your budget.

What to pack and what to keep in mind for October

Top tips for anyone heading to Pattaya in October:

• Always carry a raincoat – October rain is just part of the deal.
• Book a hotel with a pool – if the sea's rough or murky, a pool is a lifesaver.
• Tides – in the center, low tides are strong, so plan your swim for morning or evening.
• Have a backup plan – if the rain won't let up, hop on a bus to Bangkok (2 hours away).
• Jellyfish – still around in October. Ask lifeguards about the situation.
• Sunscreen – 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 October?

Our take: October is a tricky month for Pattaya. It's one of the wettest months of the year (averaging 225 mm of rain), second only to September. In recent years, the rainy season has often stretched longer, with the peak shifting to October–November, so the risk of prolonged bad weather is still there.

If you don't mind the rain and want to save some cash, October can work out okay. But if you need reliable sunshine and clear water, you're better off with August (around 160 mm of rain) or waiting for November, when the rainy season officially ends.

Compared to September, the rainfall difference is small (225 mm vs. 215–225 mm), but October showers can be shorter. Still, in recent years that gap has been shrinking, and October is increasingly becoming the "new September" in terms of rainfall.

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 October

• How many days does it rain in October? On average, 14–18 days. It's one of the rainiest months.
• Can you get a tan? About 4–8 sunny days per month. You've got a shot, but less than in other months.
• Where's the best area to stay in October? We recommend Jomtien – it's cleaner and more laid-back.
• Is October a good time to travel with kids? If you're okay with rain and pick a hotel with a pool – yes. But be prepared for limited beach time.
• How does October compare to September? October has slightly more or similar rainfall (225 mm vs. 215–225 mm), but showers can be shorter. In recent years, the rainy season has often stretched longer, blurring the difference between the two months.