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Many tourists, when planning a trip to Thailand, try to avoid the summer months. Rainy season, expensive, uncomfortable, they say. But is that really true? We decided to find out firsthand by going to Pattaya in early June, and we're ready to share an honest picture. Spoiler: there are both huge advantages and serious risks.
Pattaya in summer: the main pros and cons
Summer in Pattaya is a time when tourist numbers drop and prices fall. But along with that comes unpredictable weather. Let's weigh all the arguments.
Three reasons to say "yes" (or at least consider it)
1. Savings on everything – from hotels to car rental
This is the biggest plus. In low season, accommodation and transport prices drop by half or even more. We rented a car for just 570 baht per day (17.04 USD), and found a hotel for three people for 800 baht (23.91 USD) per night. That's a price you can only dream of in winter. Even at popular restaurants and markets, it's easier to haggle – vendors are more willing to negotiate to avoid sitting idle. Hotel discounts can reach 30–50%, depending on the category and season.
2. No crowds or queues
Have you been to Walking Street in high season? It's a madhouse. In summer, the beaches are empty, and shopping malls and attractions are uncrowded. For example, at the famous Nong Nooch Garden, we walked around almost alone, and at the Pratumnak viewpoint (the one with the PATTAYA letters), we could take photos without crowds in the background. That's priceless if you value peace and quiet.
3. Lush tropical greenery
After brief rains, nature bursts into vibrant colors. Everything around becomes lush green and very photogenic. It's not the dry high-season picture – it's real jungle in all its glory.
Our budget hack: In low season, don't be afraid to negotiate for accommodation when checking in. If you're staying for a week or more, many hotels will knock off another 10–20% from the Booking.com price. Just ask.
Three risks that could ruin your vacation
1. Weather – like a moody child
If you're counting on consistent "beach" weather, summer in Pattaya might disappoint you. The weather here is unpredictable. Out of our 8 days in early June, only 3 were sunny and clear – we just got unlucky, but it happens. The rest of the time – overcast, strong winds, and rough seas. Rain is mostly brief, often coming in the afternoon or evening, while mornings can be clear. But even without rain, the sky is often cloudy.
2. The sea isn't great for swimming
Due to the wind, the sea gets big waves that are completely unsuitable for relaxed swimming. The main problem in summer is murky water and strong waves. Pattaya's city beach in such weather looks far from ideal. The water gets cloudy, and waves wash debris onto the shore. This is the main reason to choose a hotel with a pool.
3. High humidity and heat
The air temperature even on cloudy days stays around +32…+34 °C, but due to high humidity, it feels like +40. Being outside without AC during the day is quite an ordeal. You'll sweat even just standing still. This is something to consider if you have cardiovascular issues.
What's the weather like in Pattaya in summer: month-by-month breakdown
Summer is divided into three periods, each with its own nuances. We've compiled data based on our experience and statistics to help you know what to expect.
| Indicator | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average air temperature | +32 °C | +32 °C | +31 °C |
| Water temperature | +29…+30 °C | +29…+30 °C | +28…+29 °C |
| Precipitation (rainy days) | ~14 days | ~16 days | ~10–13 days |
| Air humidity | High (85–90%) | Very high | Very high |
| Our advice | Risky, but there's a chance of good weather | Wettest month | Stifling, but the sea is warm |
Temperature and rainfall by month
- June – this is when we went. Weather is changeable. You could have a great week, or it could rain for 5 days straight. The sea is often rough.
- July – peak rainy season. Rains are more frequent and last longer. The sky is almost always cloudy. This is the month when you really need a solid Plan B.
- August – we've also been here this month, and we can say for sure that it's one of the wettest months. However, toward the end of August, the number of rainy days may decrease slightly. Humidity remains extreme, the sea warms to its maximum temperature, but due to wind, swimming is still problematic.
But all three summer months in Pattaya share one thing – incredible heat, sometimes reaching 40 degrees in the sun.
Current weather in Pattaya and forecast for the coming days
Can you swim in Pattaya in summer
Yes, you can swim, but with some caveats.
From our June trip: out of 8 days, we could swim properly in the sea only on those 3 sunny days when there was no wind. On the other days, there were either waves or murky water. Red flags were up on the beach warning against swimming – a signal you shouldn't ignore.
For proper sea swimming in summer, it's better to head to nearby islands (e.g., Koh Larn), where the water is slightly clearer and waves are smaller due to the terrain. But even there, if the wind is strong, it won't be great, and the boat ride to the island can be pretty rough.
The main advice from personal experience: If your primary goal is swimming and sunbathing on the beach, summer in Pattaya is not the best choice. You risk spending half your vacation at the hotel or looking for alternatives. So definitely choose a hotel with a good, large pool. This isn't a recommendation – it's a necessity.
Important! In low season, many Pattaya beaches don't have sunbeds and umbrellas – beach service is practically non-existent. So don't count on a comfortable beach vacation.
Where to find hotels with pools in Pattaya:
How much does a vacation cost in Pattaya in low season
The main argument in favor of summer is the prices. We've compiled current prices based on our experience and data to help you plan your budget.
| Expense item | Summer (low season) | High season (winter) |
|---|---|---|
| 3* hotel (double room) | from 800 baht/night (23.91 USD) | from 1500 baht/night (44.83 USD) |
| Car rental | from 570 baht/day (17.04 USD) | from 1000–1200 baht/day (29.89–35.86 USD) |
| Bike rental | from 150 baht/day (4.48 USD) | from 250 baht/day (7.47 USD) |
| Lunch at a simple cafe | 60–100 baht (1.79–2.99 USD) | 80–120 baht (2.39–3.59 USD) |
| Tour (group) | 20–30% discount, haggling is welcome | full price, no negotiation |
How to save on tours: In summer, street tour agents in Pattaya are hungry for customers. Don't hesitate to haggle for group tours to Koh Larn or parks. You can knock 200–300 baht off per person just because you're the only ones who walked into the office that day.
What to do in Pattaya in summer if the weather lets you down
If the sea is rough and it's muggy outside, don't despair. Pattaya isn't just about the beach. Here's a tried-and-tested list of places where you can escape the rain and heat:
- Mega shopping malls – Central Pattaya, Terminal 21 Pattaya, Royal Garden. They're full of cafes, shops, and most importantly, powerful AC. You can spend half a day browsing the floors and sampling street food in the food courts.
- Covered and night markets – for example, Thepprasit Night Market (operates even in the rain) or the covered market on Pattaya Tai. A great way to combine shopping and shelter from bad weather.
- Sanctuary of Truth – this unique wooden structure is impressive even in cloudy weather. There are covered terraces where you can shelter from the rain and study the intricate wood carvings. Great photos happen here in any weather.
- Aquarium and zoo – the indoor Underwater World aquarium or a snake farm. Classic rainy-day options.
- Massage and spa – what better reason to treat yourself to a good 2-hour Thai massage while it's pouring outside?
And yes, if it really comes to it, you can always rent a car and drive to Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi – the weather there might be completely different.
Is it worth going to Pattaya in summer: final verdict
In our opinion, summer in Pattaya is a choice for conscious travelers who are ready for compromises.
Go if:
- You have a limited budget and want maximum comfort for minimum money.
- You're not strictly tied to the beach and are ready to spend most of your time on excursions and exploring the city.
- You're comfortable with changing plans and know how to find alternatives.
- You like solitude and don't enjoy crowds.
Don't go if:
- Your main goal is a perfect tan and swimming in the sea every day.
- You can't stand heat and high humidity.
- You're traveling with small children who shouldn't be exposed to sudden temperature changes (from outside into freezing AC).
Pattaya in summer is like a lottery: you might hit the jackpot with perfect weather, or you might get a "penalty round" of rain. The key is to be prepared.
And if you want to learn more about Pattaya, here's what else is worth reading:
- Pattaya in winter: is it worth going, what's the weather like, prices
- Complete guide to Pattaya – everything about the resort: districts, transport, shopping, and weather.
- Districts and beaches of Pattaya – where it's best to stay so you don't make a mistake.
- Sights of Pattaya – what to see and where to go on your own.
- Tours in Pattaya – how to choose and where to buy them without overpaying.