Chon Buri is a coastal province on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard, best known for the resort city of Pattaya and its string of sun-drenched beaches along the Gulf of Thailand. The province blends vibrant beach tourism with industrial heritage, traditional fishing villages, and lush tropical landscapes just 80 km from Bangkok.
Chon Buri has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons: cool-dry (November–February), hot-dry (March–May) and wet (June–October). The province lies on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, receiving the tail end of the southwestern monsoon from May onward. Average annual temperature is 28°C (82°F) with humidity typically 70–85%.
Best time to visit
Best: November to February
Best Reason: Cool and dry season with temperatures of 24–30°C, low humidity, calm seas ideal for swimming at Ko Lan and Jomtien, and clear skies for sightseeing. The Gulf of Thailand is at its calmest during these months.
Peak Season: December to January (Christmas and New Year)
Avoid: May to October
Avoid Reason: Gulf monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, high humidity and choppy seas that can make Ko Lan ferry crossings uncomfortable. Some days see all-day downpours, though sunny spells still occur — showers are often brief but intense.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
28°C/82°F
Peak season — clear skies, calm seas, pleasant evenings. Busiest month with highest prices.
February
28°C/82°F
Still excellent weather, slightly fewer crowds than January. Valentine's and Chinese New Year bring short busy periods.
March
29°C/84°F
Temperatures rising; still dry with clear skies. Good shoulder-season value before the heat peaks.
April
31°C/88°F
Hot and increasingly humid. Songkran festival (13-15 Apr) is spectacular — the biggest water fight in Asia. Book early for Songkran.
May
31°C/88°F
Start of transition to monsoon; occasional afternoon showers begin. Good value month.
June
30°C/86°F
Rainy season begins; afternoon downpours common. Humid but beach mornings often clear. Hotel rates drop 30-50%.
July
30°C/86°F
Moderate rainfall; still enough dry periods for beach visits. Low season pricing.
August
30°C/86°F
Heaviest rainfall period. Seas can be rough for Ko Lan. Indoor attractions and spas are ideal.
September
29°C/84°F
Peak monsoon month. Heavy rain possible but prices at lowest. Great for budget travelers.
October
29°C/84°F
Rain easing toward end of month. Loy Krathong festival on full moon is magical at Pattaya Bay.
November
28°C/82°F
Rain stops, humidity drops, seas calm. Start of the excellent season. Loy Krathong festival early November.
December
27°C/81°F
Peak month for European and Russian visitors. Perfect beach weather. Prices highest around Christmas and New Year.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Cool_dry
Months: Nov–Feb
The best season — pleasantly warm days around 28°C, cool breezy evenings, minimal rain and calm seas. Hotels fill up over Christmas and New Year with peak prices.
Hot_dry
Months: Mar–May
Temperatures climb to 33–36°C with fierce sun and high UV. Seas remain calm but outdoor activities can be draining midday. Songkran (April 13-15) brings the festive water festival.
Rainy
Months: Jun–Oct
The Gulf monsoon brings humidity and afternoon-to-evening downpours. Rain rarely lasts all day. Seas can be choppy, particularly for Ko Lan crossings in September-October. Far fewer tourists and significant hotel discounts.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- December–February (European winter escape)
- Shoulder Season
- March–May and October–November
- Low Season
- June–September (Gulf monsoon, best hotel deals)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Songkran Water Festival
Thailand's New Year celebrated with massive water-throwing festivities on Pattaya Beach Road — the biggest Songkran outside Bangkok
Loy Krathong
Thousands of glowing lotus-shaped floats released on Pattaya Bay in a moving Buddhist tradition
Chinese New Year
Major celebrations in Chon Buri city and Pattaya's Chinese-Thai community with dragon dances and fireworks
Pattaya International Music Festival
Three-day free outdoor music festival on Pattaya Beach featuring Thai and international acts
Pattaya International Fireworks Festival
Annual fireworks competition from competing countries at Pattaya Bay — spectacular views from the beach