Traditional wisdom says that the best time to visit Thailand is between November and April to avoid the rainy season. Pattaya is different–even though the rainy season runs from May to October, Pattaya receives much less rain than the rest of Thailand, so any time is a great time to visit Pattaya. Rainy-season visitors also get the benefit of fewer crowds and lower prices.
Because Pattaya is a coastal city, rain storms can happen at any time, year-round. They are generally short-lived, but it is convenient to have a rental car in Pattaya in case the weather turns inclement. Renting a car also gives travellers the flexibility to see sights far from town and expensive to reach by taxi.
How Much Does It Actually Rain?
Hollywood often pushes the myth that the rainy season in Southeast Asia is a six-month non-stop monsoon. In reality, weather patterns all over Thailand vary greatly, and so does the amount of rain.
Phuket steals much of the spotlight for visitors to Southern Thailand, but many people don’t realise just how much rain it gets. On average, this popular resort island gets more than two metres of rain a year. Half of that falls in just three months, from August to October.
Pattaya, on the other hand, receives barely more than a single metre of rain each year. This means that even in the rainiest months, visitors rarely have their plans ruined by the weather. Furthermore, storms are often transient; dark clouds appear offshore and head inland to give the city a quick, refreshing rinse, and then disappear just as quickly. The rain helps lower the overall temperature and offers some time to duck into a shop or cafe.
Perks of the Rainy Season
Travellers who wish to avoid other tourists are encouraged to visit Thailand and Pattaya in the rainy season. This time of year means fewer crowds, and a dramatic drop in hotel prices. It means no waiting in line at attractions and having access to first-rate hotel properties with little notice.
Waterfalls in the rainy season are a spectacular sight, while in the dry season, they can slow to a trickle. Similarly, the rice fields that much of Asia is famous for are often barren in the dry season. Those who brave the rainy season are welcomed by endless fields of rice that are unimaginable shades of green.
While it doesn’t rain all the time in the rainy season, there are often cloudy days. Travellers from cooler climates often struggle with the intense sun and heat of the dry season, and cloudy days mean cooler temperatures without the risk of sunburn.
The Dry Season Is Also Great
The dry season has its own advantages and includes some of the best times to visit Pattaya. Even with little rain from November to April, temperatures in March and April can be quite high. This makes November to February the best months to experience dry weather without the worst of the heat.
Water sports enthusiasts will find numerous activities to enjoy in the dry season. The rainy season can mean storms and waves affecting visibility–not just above the surface, but below, as well.
Scuba divers especially enjoy dry season diving, as no river runoff muddies the pristine corals and popular dive sites. Similarly, jet skiers and swimmers have a much easier time without wind-swept waves tossing them about.
See the Sights Without Haggling
Pattaya is a fantastic destination for visitors of all types, but it doesn’t exactly offer fantastic transit options. There is no public transport in Pattaya, leaving many tourists stuck haggling with taxi drivers. One-way fares can be expensive for locations that are located thirty minutes to one hour away. For the same money, tourists can rent a car for an entire day.
Fortunately, Drive Car Rental offers a wide selection of vehicles to suit every budget. Visitors who want to go green can even opt for an electric vehicle from our fleet! No matter in which season you plan to travel, booking early will give you access to discounts and the best selection. Simply choose your car, and let Drive Car Rental give you the keys to your flexible, stress-free vacation!