If you’re planning a holiday trip to Pattaya during Christmas, expect a mix of warm sunshine, low rainfall, and pleasant evenings.
Daytime temperatures usually hover around 30°C (86°F), while nights cool down to about 22–24°C (71–75°F). It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to visit.
Rain barely makes an appearance in December, so you can make outdoor plans without worrying about sudden downpours.
You’ll notice the air feels much less humid than in the monsoon months. Skies tend to stay clear, and you get plenty of sunshine.
The sea stays warm too, averaging about 28°C (82°F). Swimming and beach activities feel inviting all through the holiday season.
With warm days, mild nights, and calm seas, Pattaya sets the stage for both relaxation and adventure during Christmas.
Whether you want to join festive events in the city or just chill along the coast, the weather usually cooperates. You won’t have to stress about storms or heavy rain ruining your plans.
Overview of Pattaya’s December Climate
December in Pattaya brings warm but not scorching heat, relatively low humidity, and almost no rain.
You’ll see mostly sunny days, comfortable evenings, and stable weather that makes it easy to plan outdoor activities.
Typical Temperature Ranges
Daytime temperatures in December usually reach 30–31°C (86–88°F).
Nights cool off to about 23–24°C (73–75°F), which is honestly pretty comfortable.
Unlike the hotter months like April or May, December doesn’t feel overwhelming. The sea stays warm, around 28°C (82°F), so swimming or water sports are a breeze.
Expect strong sunlight during midday. Light clothing, sunscreen, and maybe a hat? All smart choices for daytime outings.
Evenings are mild enough for short sleeves. If you get chilly easily, a thin long-sleeve shirt works well for outdoor dinners.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity averages about 65–70% in December, which is lower than in the wet season. The air feels lighter and it’s just easier to walk around or go sightseeing.
Since the humidity drops, sweat evaporates faster than during the monsoon season.
You can spend longer periods outside without feeling sticky or overheated.
Most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers use air conditioning, so you might want a light layer for those chilly indoor moments.
Overall, Pattaya’s December weather feels balanced, without the wild swings you get during other times of year in Chon Buri.
Rainfall Patterns
December stands out as Pattaya’s driest month.
Rainfall averages only 10–20 mm for the whole month, and showers barely show up, maybe on 1–2 days.
After the monsoon season wraps up in November, skies clear out and travel plans go off without a hitch.
You probably won’t need heavy rain gear. Still, tossing a small umbrella or light jacket in your bag isn’t a bad idea, just in case.
Low rainfall means less cloud cover, so you get loads of bright, sunny days to soak up coastal views and outdoor fun in Pattaya and nearby areas.
Weather Conditions Around Christmas
Around Christmas, Pattaya serves up warm days, cooler nights, and barely any rain.
Sunshine is the norm, and even though December days are shorter, there’s still plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Christmas week, you’ll see daytime highs of 30–31°C (86–88°F).
It’s technically the coolest time of year here, but honestly, it’s still hot compared to a lot of other places.
At night, temps drop to about 22–24°C (72–75°F). Walking along the beach or eating outside becomes way more comfortable.
If you’re moving around, you might still feel warm, but the lower humidity helps a lot.
The sea sticks to about 28°C (82°F), so you can swim or do water sports for hours without feeling cold.
Rain Probability During Christmas Week
December is the driest time of year in Pattaya.
Rainfall totals average just 8 mm for the month. That often means only 1–2 days of brief, light showers.
Your odds of rain during Christmas week are very low, especially compared to the wet season.
If rain does show up, it’s usually quick and light. Storms and heavy downpours almost never happen this time of year.
This dry spell makes December super reliable for planning outdoor activities. Day trips, boat tours, beach outings—you can pretty much count on good weather.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Pattaya enjoys about 8 hours of sunshine per day in December.
Sunrise is around 6:30 a.m. and sunset is close to 6:00 p.m. Even with shorter days, you get enough daylight for sightseeing and beach time.
Skies usually stay clear or just partly cloudy. The lower humidity keeps the air light, and cloud cover stays thin.
These bright, sunny conditions are perfect for snapping photos or eating outside.
Remember, the UV index is high, often hitting 9. Definitely use sunscreen, wear a hat, and maybe avoid direct sun at midday if you burn easily.
Sea Conditions and Beach Activities
You can count on warm sea temperatures, calm waters, and steady sunshine in December.
The beaches are great for swimming, water sports, and sunbathing. Of course, the holiday season brings bigger crowds.
Sea Temperature in December
Pattaya’s sea stays consistently warm through December.
Water temperatures usually range from 28°C to 29°C (82–84°F). You can swim for ages, and it’s safe for kids and less confident swimmers.
The water is a bit cooler than in November, but still warmer than many tropical places at this time of year.
No need for a wetsuit, even if you’re in the water all day.
Calm currents are the norm, thanks to the dry season. Gentle conditions make most beaches ideal for casual swimming and floating.
The sea’s warmth means you can enjoy activities any time of day without getting chilly.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Sports
December is honestly one of the best months for water activities in Pattaya.
The dry season means almost no rain—just about 2 days of light showers all month. Visibility stays high for snorkeling and diving.
The sea surface is usually calm, which works well for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming with the family.
Winds average around 8 km/h (5 mph), with gusts up to 20 km/h (13 mph). That’s good news for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially in open spots with steady breezes.
Snorkeling conditions are pretty good, though you won’t find coral reefs as impressive as those in southern Thailand.
Still, the clear water and gentle currents make the experience easy and relaxing.
Best Beaches to Visit
In December, Pattaya Beach gets busy, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Crowds grow, but the central location puts you close to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
For a quieter vibe, Jomtien Beach is a solid pick. It offers calmer waters, a laid-back feel, and wide sandy stretches that are great for families.
If you’re after clearer water, hop on a boat to Koh Larn (Coral Island). Beaches like Tawaen and Samae there have better swimming and are less crowded.
These spots are especially nice for snorkeling and day trips.
Regional Weather Context
Pattaya’s December climate reflects both its tropical setting and the coastal influence of the Gulf of Thailand.
Weather here stands apart from other regions, thanks to the province’s geography, seasonal rainfall, and the broader climate of Chon Buri.
Comparison with Other Parts of Thailand
If you travel in December, you’ll notice Pattaya’s weather feels different from northern and central Thailand.
In Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, nights can dip below 15°C, bringing a cool, dry vibe. Bangkok, just a couple hours away, stays warmer but sometimes feels less humid than Pattaya.
Pattaya averages 22–30°C in December. Rainfall is minimal, often less than 10 mm, and humidity sits at a moderate level compared to the sticky monsoon months.
Unlike Phuket or Krabi on the Andaman coast, which might still catch scattered showers, Pattaya’s eastern seaboard enjoys steadier, drier weather.
This makes Pattaya more comfortable for beach days in late December than the north, where evenings get chilly, or the south, where rain can linger.
Influence of Chon Buri Province
Pattaya is part of Chon Buri Province, stretching along the Gulf of Thailand.
The province’s coastal geography helps moderate temperatures and keeps the sea warm all year.
In December, sea surface temperatures stay near 28°C, so swimming and water sports are always comfortable.
The surrounding lowlands and lack of high mountains mean you don’t get those sharp temperature drops that northern Thailand sees.
Breezes off the gulf keep the air moving, which helps with the humidity that’s common in the rainy season.
Chon Buri avoids most tropical storms that hit southern provinces. By December, storm activity in the Gulf usually ends, giving the area its driest, most predictable weather.
That stability is a big reason why tourism peaks in Pattaya during Christmas.
Seasonal Weather Trends
December sits squarely in Pattaya’s dry season, which runs from November to February.
This stretch brings low rainfall, comfortable humidity, and steady sunshine.
You’ll get about 7–8 hours of sun per day, with only 1–2 rainy days in the month.
Compared to the hot season (March–May), December feels cooler, with highs below 31°C.
The rainy season (June–October) brings frequent storms and humidity above 80%, but you skip all that during Christmas.
These seasonal trends make December one of the most reliable months for weather in Pattaya.
Warm air, calm seas, and barely any rain combine for great sightseeing and beach time.
Tips for Visitors During Christmas
Expect warm days, cooler evenings, and low rainfall during Christmas in Pattaya.
It’s easy to spend time outside, but you’ll also run into busy streets, higher hotel prices, and big holiday crowds.
What to Pack for the Weather
Daytime highs land around 30–31°C. Evenings can dip to 22–24°C.
Pack light clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses for daytime comfort.
A light jacket or sweater comes in handy at night, especially near the water where breezes can feel cool.
Don’t forget swimwear, sandals, and sunscreen for beach days. The sun is strong, so bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for extra shade.
Humidity hangs around 70%, so go for breathable fabrics. Insect repellent is smart if you plan to visit gardens, parks, or outdoor night markets.
Recommended Outdoor Activities
The weather is just right for beach activities like swimming, jet skiing, or lounging on Pattaya Beach.
The sea temperature averages about 27°C, so you can swim as long as you like.
Island trips to Koh Larn, snorkeling, or boat tours are all fun options.
Outdoor attractions like Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Pattaya Viewpoint are pleasant this time of year, since you don’t have to worry about heavy rain or extreme heat.
Evenings get lively with Christmas and New Year events, including countdowns along the beachfront.
Outdoor dining is a big deal now, and many restaurants go all out with festive decorations.
Travel and Accommodation Considerations
Christmas falls right in Pattaya’s peak tourist season, so hotels and resorts often bump up their rates.
Booking a few weeks ahead helps you lock in better prices and snag a spot near the beach.
Traffic can get thick, especially near shopping centers and beachfront roads. Give yourself extra time if you’re heading to events or moving between attractions.
Public transport like songthaews (shared taxis) stays affordable, but it gets crowded. If you want more comfort, consider hiring a private car or using ride-hailing apps.
Expect bigger crowds at popular spots, so aim to visit beaches and attractions earlier for a quieter experience.
Historical Weather Data and Trends
Christmas in Pattaya usually falls during the dry season, when rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures stay steady.
Historical records show predictable patterns of heat, humidity, and rainfall, giving you a good idea of what to expect in late December.
Notable Weather Records
If you look at the data, Pattaya almost never gets hit with extreme cold or heat in December. The average daily high hangs around 30°C (86°F).
At night, temperatures usually dip to about 22–24°C (72–75°F).
Rainfall barely registers. December usually sees just 8–15 mm of rain, and that’s often from a single quick shower.
It’s the driest month of the year, hands down.
Back in April 2010, Pattaya hit its warmest average monthly temperature, reaching 33°C (91°F).
On the flip side, 1974 brought the coolest yearly average at 27°C (81°F).
These numbers really show how steady Pattaya’s tropical climate stays, especially in December.
Long-Term Climate Patterns
Pattaya falls under a tropical savanna climate. There are two main seasons: the wet season runs from May to October, and the dry season stretches from November to April.
December sits right in the heart of the dry season.
If you scan the records over the decades, you’ll notice a pattern. Late December brings low rainfall, high sunshine hours, and stable temperatures.
Humidity drops compared to the soggy months, averaging around 65–70%. That makes the air feel lighter and honestly, a lot more pleasant.
Wind patterns change up too. The southwest monsoon takes a break, and December brings in gentle northeast trade winds.
Those breezes keep the skies clear and help cut down on rain.
Maybe that’s why Christmas draws so many visitors who want dry, warm weather.
Changes in Recent Years
Recent climate data points to a slight warming trend in Pattaya. Over the past few decades, average annual temperatures have gone up by about 0.5–1°C.
This change isn’t dramatic, but you’ll probably notice warmer nights now than before.
Rainfall patterns usually stay pretty steady in December. Still, isolated showers tend to pop up in a less predictable way than they used to.
Even so, December gets the lowest rainfall totals of the year.
Some December days feel a bit more humid compared to what people remember from earlier decades.
These shifts tie into broader regional climate changes, but honestly, they haven’t changed Pattaya’s dry, sunny Christmas weather all that much.