Weather in Phnom Penh + Best Time to Visit?

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What is the weather in Phnom Penh in Cambodia? What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh.

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What is the weather in Phnom Penh in Cambodia?

If you’re planning a trip to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, it’s important to know what the weather is like. As a tropical city, Phnom Penh experiences a wet and dry climate that is characterized by hot temperatures and high humidity. If you’re planning to visit between May and October, be prepared for some rain. The rainy season is in full swing during these months, with frequent showers and thunderstorms. The downpours can be quite heavy, so don’t forget to pack your umbrella and raincoat. The humidity levels during this time can also make it feel much hotter than it actually is. On the other hand, if you’re planning to visit between November and April, you’re in for a treat. This is the dry season, and the weather is sunny and pleasant. The humidity levels drop significantly, making it a great time to explore the city on foot or by bicycle. However, do take note that the temperature can soar to over 35°C in March and April, so make sure you stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing.


What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh? When to go?

Phnom Penh offers a unique blend of culture, history, and delicious cuisine that is best experienced during certain times of the year. The best time to visit Phnom Penh is during the dry season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is relatively cooler and drier, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s many sights. The temperature is usually around 27°C, with a gentle breeze that keeps you comfortable even during the hottest parts of the day. In addition, the dry season is an excellent time to attend festivals and events that are unique to Cambodia.

The Water Festival in November is a grand spectacle that celebrates the country’s maritime heritage with boat races, fireworks, and parades. Or, if you’re looking for something more cultural, the Angkor Sankranta in April is a traditional Khmer New Year celebration that features dance performances, traditional games, and colorful processions. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and score some great deals on accommodation, the rainy season (May to October) is worth considering. The lush greenery and colorful flora that emerge during this season create a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for photography enthusiasts. What is the weather in Phnom Penh? Current weather in Phnom Penh

BOOK a TOUR / TRIP in Phnom Penh

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Weather in Phnom Penh throughout the year:

Month Weather Description
January in Phnom Penh January is one of the cooler months in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during the dry season. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 31°C, with comfortable humidity levels. The weather is mostly sunny and dry, making it a great time to explore the city’s many attractions, from the historic Royal Palace to the vibrant markets and delicious food stalls. Make sure to bring light clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses to make the most of your visit!
February in Phnom Penh February is one of the best months to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as it falls towards the end of the dry season. The temperature is warm and pleasant, with an average range of 22°C to 33°C, and the humidity remains low. The weather is generally sunny and dry, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s stunning landmarks, from the majestic temples to the bustling streets. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes to enjoy your visit to the fullest!
March in Phnom Penh March marks the end of the dry season in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and the beginning of the hot season. The temperature starts to rise, with an average range of 24°C to 35°C, and the humidity levels begin to increase. Although the weather remains mostly dry, occasional heat waves and dust storms can occur during this time. It’s important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunscreen, and light clothing. Despite the heat, March is still a great time to explore Phnom Penh’s cultural sites and indulge in its vibrant cuisine.
April in Phnom Penh April is one of the hottest months in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with the dry season coming to an end. Temperatures can soar as high as 37°C, with increased humidity levels that can make it feel even hotter. The weather remains mostly dry, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. It’s important to stay hydrated, wear loose, breathable clothing, and take frequent breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion. Despite the heat, April is still a great time to visit Phnom Penh’s many attractions, such as the stunning Silver Pagoda or the bustling Central Market, and enjoy the city’s delicious street food.
May in Phnom Penh May marks the beginning of the rainy season in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms throughout the month. The temperature remains hot, with an average range of 25°C to 34°C, but the humidity levels start to increase significantly. The rain can provide some relief from the heat, but it can also make outdoor activities challenging. If you’re visiting Phnom Penh in May, it’s recommended to bring waterproof gear, such as an umbrella and raincoat, and wear light, breathable clothing. Despite the rain, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as exploring the city’s museums, galleries, and restaurants.
June in Phnom Penh June is one of the wettest months in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during the rainy season. The temperature remains hot, with an average range of 25°C to 33°C, but the humidity levels can make it feel even warmer. There are frequent showers and thunderstorms throughout the month, with occasional flooding in some areas. If you’re planning to visit Phnom Penh in June, it’s important to bring waterproof gear, such as an umbrella and raincoat, and wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes. Despite the rain, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting art galleries or trying out the city’s delicious street food. Just be prepared for occasional interruptions due to the weather!
July in Phnom Penh July is one of the wettest and most humid months in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during the rainy season. The temperature remains hot, with an average range of 24°C to 32°C, but the humidity levels can be high, making it feel quite sticky and uncomfortable. There are frequent showers and thunderstorms throughout the month, with occasional flooding in some areas. If you’re visiting Phnom Penh in July, it’s recommended to bring waterproof gear, such as an umbrella and raincoat, and wear light, breathable clothing. Despite the rain, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting museums or art galleries, or trying out the city’s delicious cuisine.
August in Phnom Penh August is one of the wettest months in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during the rainy season. The temperature remains hot, with an average range of 24°C to 31°C, but the humidity levels start to decrease slightly towards the end of the month. There are frequent showers and thunderstorms throughout the month, which can sometimes cause flooding in some areas. If you’re planning to visit Phnom Penh in August, it’s important to bring waterproof gear, such as an umbrella and raincoat, and wear light, breathable clothing. Despite the rain, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as exploring the city’s museums or trying out the local cuisine.
September in Phnom Penh September is still a relatively wet month in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during the tail end of the rainy season. The temperature remains warm, with an average range of 24°C to 31°C, and the humidity levels start to decrease towards the end of the month. There are still occasional showers and thunderstorms, but the frequency and intensity start to decrease as the month progresses. If you’re planning to visit Phnom Penh in September, it’s recommended to bring waterproof gear, such as an umbrella and raincoat, and wear light clothing.
October in Phnom Penh October is a transitional month in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as the rainy season comes to an end and the cooler dry season begins. The temperature starts to drop, with an average range of 23°C to 30°C, and the humidity levels decrease significantly. There are still occasional showers and thunderstorms, but they become less frequent as the month progresses. If you’re visiting Phnom Penh in October, it’s recommended to bring a mix of clothing suitable for both warm and cool weather, as the temperature can vary.
November in Phnom Penh November is one of the most pleasant months to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as it marks the start of the dry season. The temperature continues to drop, with an average range of 22°C to 30°C, and the humidity levels are low. There are occasional showers, but they are usually short-lived and don’t interfere with outdoor activities. If you’re planning to visit Phnom Penh in November, it’s recommended to bring light clothing suitable for warm weather during the day, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Overall, November is an ideal month to experience the best of Phnom Penh’s culture and natural beauty.
December in Phnom Penh December is one of the most popular months to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as it marks the start of the high season. The temperature remains pleasant, with an average range of 21°C to 30°C, and the humidity levels are low. There are occasional showers, but they are usually short-lived and don’t interfere with outdoor activities. If you’re planning to visit Phnom Penh in December, it’s recommended to bring light clothing suitable for warm weather during the day, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. It’s a great time to explore the city’s historic landmarks, such as the National Museum or the Wat Phnom, and enjoy the bustling night markets and nightlife.


The Current weather in Phnom Penh:

PHNOM PENH WEATHER

Max, Min and Average Temperature in Phnom Penh:

The average temperature in Phnom Penh ranges from 25°C to 28°C, depending on the time of year. During the wet season, the temperature tends to be slightly lower due to the increased rainfall and cloud cover. In contrast, during the dry season, the temperature tends to be higher due to the clear skies and sunshine. In summary, Phnom Penh experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with the maximum temperature ranging between 32°C and 35°C and the minimum temperature ranging between 21°C and 24°C.

Month Max. Temp. (°C) Min. Temp. (°C) Aver. Temp. (°C)
January 31 22 26
February 33 23 27
March 35 24 29
April 35 25 30
May 34 24 29
June 33 24 28
July 32 24 28
August 32 24 28
Sep 31 24 28
October 31 23 28
Nov 30 23 27
Dec 31 22 26


Rainfall and Rainy Days in Phnom Penh:

The rainy season in Phnom Penh generally runs from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April. During the rainy season, Phnom Penh experiences heavy rainfall, with the highest precipitation levels occurring in September and October. On average, the city receives around 1,500mm of rainfall annually, with the majority of this falling during the wet season. In terms of the number of rainy days, Phnom Penh experiences an average of 150 to 200 rainy days per year. During the rainy season, it is common to experience heavy downpours and thunderstorms, which can lead to flooding in some parts of the city. However, the rain typically falls in short bursts, with breaks of sunshine in between, so it is still possible to enjoy outdoor activities during the rainy season.

Month Aver. Rainfall (mm) Rainy Days
January 10 1-2
February 5 1-2
March 20 2-3
April 80 5-6
May 190 12-13
June 170 14-15
July 160 14-15
August 180 14-15
September 270 16-17
October 240 13-14
November 50 4-5
December 10 1-2


Cloud and Humidity in Phnom Penh:

The city’s humidity level typically ranges between 70 to 85 percent, with occasional spikes during the rainy season from May to October. Cloud cover in Phnom Penh varies throughout the year. During the dry season, which runs from November to April, the city typically experiences clear skies with very little cloud cover. However, occasional clouds can provide relief from the intense heat and humidity during this time. In contrast, during the rainy season, the city experiences higher levels of cloud cover, with frequent rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. The clouds provide some relief from the heat and humidity, but can also make the city feel more muggy and oppressive.

Month Average Cloud Cover Average Humidity
January 25% 74%
February 21% 72%
March 31% 74%
April 41% 74%
May 60% 81%
June 67% 84%
July 67% 84%
August 63% 83%
September 68% 83%
October 62% 81%
November 30% 77%
December 25% 75%


Sun Hours and Sun Days in Phnom Penh:

The city enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, particularly during the dry season. On average, Phnom Penh receives around 7 hours of sunlight per day throughout the year. However, during the dry season, which runs from November to April, the city can enjoy up to 9 hours of sunlight per day. This is due to the clear skies and lack of rain during this period. In terms of the number of sunny days, Phnom Penh typically experiences around 170 to 200 sunny days per year. The highest number of sunny days is usually recorded in January, February, and March, which are the driest months. During the rainy season, which runs from May to October, the number of sunny days decreases, but there are still plenty of sunny periods between the showers.

Month Aver. Sun Hours per Day Aver. Sunny Days per Month
January 8 23
February 9 23
March 9 25
April 8 24
May 7 20
June 7 20
July 7 20
August 7 19
September 7 18
October 7 20
November 8 22
December 8 22


Visibility in Phnom Penh:

Visibility in Phnom Penh is generally good throughout the year, with average values ranging from 5 to 10 kilometers. However, during the dry season (December to May), the visibility can be reduced due to dust and smoke from agricultural burning and forest fires in neighboring regions. This can lead to hazy conditions and reduced air quality in the city. Overall, visitors to Phnom Penh can expect good visibility for most of the year, but may experience some reduced visibility during the dry season. It’s always a good idea to check local air quality reports and wear a mask if air quality is poor.

Month Visibility (km)
January 8
February 9
March 8
April 7
May 6
June 7
July 7
August 7
September 7
October 8
November 8
December 8

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Frequently Asked Questions – Weather in Phnom Penh:

1. What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

    • The best time to visit Phnom Penh is during the dry season, which runs from November to February. During this time, temperatures are comfortable, and rainfall is low.

2. What is the temperature like in Phnom Penh?

    • The average temperature in Phnom Penh ranges from 25°C to 35°C throughout the year. The hottest months are April and May, while the coolest months are December and January.

3. Does it rain a lot in Phnom Penh?

    • Yes, Phnom Penh receives a considerable amount of rainfall, particularly during the wet season, which runs from May to October. However, the city also experiences occasional rain showers during the dry season.

4. What is the humidity like in Phnom Penh?

    • Phnom Penh is known for its high levels of humidity, with an average of 80% throughout the year. This can make the heat feel more intense and uncomfortable, particularly during the wet season.

5. How strong are the winds in Phnom Penh?

    • Phnom Penh experiences relatively light winds throughout the year, with average speeds ranging from 3-8 km/h. The strongest winds tend to occur during the wet season, particularly during thunderstorms.

6. What is the cloud cover like in Phnom Penh?

    • Phnom Penh experiences a mix of sunny and cloudy days throughout the year. During the wet season, cloud cover is more prevalent, with occasional thunderstorms and heavy rain.

7. How many hours of sun does Phnom Penh get per day?

    • Phnom Penh receives an average of 7 hours of sun per day throughout the year, with slightly more during the dry season. However, during the wet season, there can be extended periods of overcast skies.

8. Does Phnom Penh experience fog or mist?

    • Fog and mist are relatively rare in Phnom Penh, but they can occur during the cooler months of December and January, particularly in the early morning.

9. Is the air quality in Phnom Penh good?

    • Air quality in Phnom Penh can be poor, particularly during the dry season when dust and pollution levels are higher. It is advisable to check air quality levels before planning outdoor activities.

10. What is the visibility like in Phnom Penh?

    • Visibility in Phnom Penh can be affected by the high levels of humidity and occasional fog or mist. However, visibility is generally good throughout the year, with an average of around 10 km.

11. Is it safe to travel during the wet season in Phnom Penh?

    • While the wet season in Phnom Penh can be unpredictable, with occasional flooding and road closures, it is generally safe to travel. However, it is advisable to keep up to date with weather forecasts and avoid traveling during severe weather.

12. What should I wear in Phnom Penh?

    • Light, breathable clothing is recommended, as temperatures can be high throughout the year. It is also advisable to bring a rain jacket or umbrella during the wet season.

13. Are there any special events or festivals that take place during the year in Phnom Penh?

    • Yes, Phnom Penh hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Khmer New Year in April, the Water Festival in November, and the Bon Om Tuk festival in December. These festivals are popular with tourists and locals alike and offer a unique cultural experience.

14. Where you can travel from Phnom Penh?

    • From Phnom Penh you can travel by tourist bus, private van or plane – direct flight to Siem Reap – another popular tourist city in Cambodia. You can also travel by train, bus or plane to Sihanoukville.

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