In Pattaya it rarely rains from morning to night, but when it does pour, the streets turn into rivers within an hour. Most of these days fall in September and October, but that's no reason to cancel your holiday, just a reason to plan it properly.
On the night of September 24, 2026, a thunderstorm raged over Pattaya for more than an hour. By 1:30am, water about 50 cm deep, and up to a metre in places, was standing on Beach Road, Sukhumvit Road, and in Central and South Pattaya.
The next day, Pattaya's marine service raised a red flag and banned all boats, speedboats and jet skis from going out to sea because of dangerous winds and waves. There were several such episodes in September 2026.
When the Rainy Season Is in Pattaya
The rainy season in Pattaya runs roughly from May to October. It's brought by the south-west monsoon, which blows in from the Indian Ocean in summer.
From November the weather changes: the dry and most comfortable season begins, lasting until February–March.
But the rainy months aren't all the same. From May to August the rain is moderate, averaging about 150–160 mm a month. Towards the end of the season, though, there's noticeably more.
The Wettest Month Is September
September is considered Pattaya's wettest month. According to World Meteorological Organization climate data, it gets an average of about 217 mm of rain, with around 17 rainy days. According to other climate data, the September norm reaches 240–250 mm.
Close behind September comes October, with about 225 mm of rain. These two months are the peak of the rainy season. For comparison, Pattaya gets only about 15 mm in December and about 30 mm in January.
What Rain in Pattaya Looks Like
Even in September, it almost never rains all day in Pattaya. The typical pattern is a sunny morning, a thunderstorm in the second half of the day and a dry evening. A downpour lasts from 20–30 minutes to an hour or two, after which the sun comes out again.
"If there is rain, it's short," says Pavel Neon, owner of the Travely travel company in Thailand, of the summer weather on the Gulf of Thailand.
But in September and October there are exceptions: several overcast days in a row, or rain that falls for most of the day.
How Much the Downpours Get in the Way
The main problem isn't the rain itself but what it does to the city. Pattaya's storm drains can't cope with heavy thunderstorms, and the central streets quickly go under water. Local residents have complained for years that the problem of flooded roads has never been solved. Wading through knee-deep water is unpleasant, and in a strong flow it's dangerous.
The second inconvenience is the sea. After downpours, the water at the city beaches turns murky, and when the monsoon strengthens, waves of 2–3 m build up in open parts of the gulf. On days like these, boat trips to the islands are postponed, and sometimes, as on September 25, 2026, going out to sea is banned completely.
The water itself stays warm, though: +28…+30°C in every month of the rainy season. You can swim when there are no waves and no warning flags.
The Upsides of the Rainy Season
September and October have their own advantages. There are fewer tourists in Pattaya than in the high season, and hotel prices are noticeably lower. After the rain, the air feels fresher and the heat is easier to bear.
On top of that, Pattaya has lots of entertainment that doesn't depend on the weather: shopping centres, an aquarium, evening shows and massage parlours. There's always somewhere to sit out a downpour.
When Pattaya Is Driest
If you want as little rain as possible, the best time is November to February. There's almost no rain in these months: about 15 mm in December and about 30 mm in January and February. Daytime temperatures are +29…+32°C, the water is +27…+29°C, and the sea is calm.
A good compromise is November: the rains are coming to an end (about 57 mm over the month), but the high season, with its prices, hasn't started yet.
How to Holiday in Pattaya in September and October
- Beach in the morning
Go to the sea before lunch: the chance of getting caught in a downpour in the morning is much lower than after 2–3pm.
- Leave spare days for excursions
Don't book an island trip for the last day of your holiday: if it's postponed because of the waves, you won't get a second chance.
- Don't walk through flooded streets
There may be open manholes, potholes and broken power lines under the water. During a heavy downpour, it's better to wait it out in a café or take a taxi.
- Bring a light raincoat and suitable footwear
A heavy umbrella quickly becomes a burden, while flip-flops or sandals will dry in half an hour.
- Keep an eye on warnings
The Thai Meteorological Department publishes forecasts and warnings about heavy rain, and flags are flown on the beaches: a red flag means swimming is prohibited.
