Spring in Battambang, Cambodia, brings a mix of rising heat, growing humidity, and the first hints of the rainy season. Daytime highs usually hover around 34°C, sometimes climbing up to 36°C in April. Nights stay pretty warm, sitting between 24–26°C.
This season feels hot and muggy. The weather shifts from dry skies in March to frequent rain by May, so you’ll notice a real change in the air.
Cloud cover builds up fast during these months. Skies start out partly clear but turn mostly overcast as spring moves forward.
Rainfall ramps up quickly too. It starts out light in early spring and gets heavy by late May.
At the same time, daylight lasts longer. You get more time to wander the city’s temples, markets, and countryside before afternoon storms roll in.
If you visit during spring, you’ll get a taste of both Cambodia’s hot season and the first refreshing rains that prep the land for monsoon. This mix of weather makes spring in Battambang pretty unique, with both challenges and a few rewards for travelers.
Overview of Spring Weather in Battambang
Spring in Battambang brings very hot daytime temperatures, rising humidity, and a sharp jump in rainfall as the weeks pass. At the start of spring, days feel long and bright, but by late May, the skies get much cloudier and wetter.
Typical Temperature Range
During spring, daily highs in Battambang often reach the mid-90s °F (about 34–36°C). April stands out as the hottest month, with highs near 96°F (36°C) and nighttime lows around 79°F (26°C).
Temperatures rarely drop below 71°F (22°C) or rise above 103°F (39°C). Nights stay warm, and there’s not much relief after sunset.
The heat sticks around, so you should expect hot and humid conditions all season.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 94°F (34°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
| April | 96°F (36°C) | 78°F (26°C) |
| May | 95°F (35°C) | 79°F (26°C) |
This steady climb in temperatures, both day and night, makes spring tough if you’re sensitive to heat.
General Weather Patterns
Weather in Battambang province changes quickly through spring. Early March brings more clear or partly cloudy skies, but by the end of May, cloud cover takes over and most days feel overcast.
Rainfall jumps up fast. In early spring, you might only see about 1 inch (25 mm) of rain for the whole month. By late May, monthly totals can top 7 inches (180 mm).
Humidity goes up too. March already feels muggy most days, but by May, nearly every day feels humid or downright oppressive.
Winds stay light, averaging about 5–6 mph, usually blowing in from the west.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to the dry months from November through February, spring feels hotter, wetter, and less comfortable for outdoor stuff. The dry season brings clearer skies, lower humidity, and cooler nights, so most people prefer to travel then.
Summer follows spring and brings even more rain and stubborn cloud cover. Autumn months dry out again, but the heat sticks around.
If you want to dodge heavy rain and extreme humidity, spring isn’t as appealing as the cooler dry season. Still, you do get longer daylight hours, with almost 13 hours of sun by late May.
Average Temperatures by Spring Month
Spring in Battambang has hot daytime highs, warm nights, and humidity that keeps climbing. April is the hottest stretch, while May starts to feel wetter and cloudier.
March Temperature Details
March brings some of the driest and clearest weather of the season. Daily highs average around 93–94°F (34°C), with nights cooling off to about 75°F (24°C).
The air feels hot but not as humid as it will later. Cloud cover is moderate, and about half the days are partly sunny.
Rain doesn’t show up much, with just a small chance of showers.
If you visit in March, you’ll find the heat manageable in the mornings and evenings. Midday, though, can feel sweltering, so light clothing and lots of water help.
April Temperature Details
April is the hottest month in Battambang, hands down. Average highs hit 95–96°F (35–36°C), and overnight lows rarely dip below 78–79°F (25–26°C).
On some days, highs even go over 100°F (38°C). Humidity climbs fast, making the heat feel even more intense.
Cloud cover builds up, and rain chances rise as April goes on, but many days still stay dry and extremely hot.
During April, you’ll want to stick to outdoor plans early in the morning or after sunset. The sun feels strong, and cooler nights are rare.
May Temperature Details
By May, the weather shifts toward the wet season. Average highs stay hot at about 93–94°F (34°C), but frequent clouds and more rain finally bring some relief.
Nighttime lows hover at 78–79°F (25–26°C). Rain becomes a regular thing, with sudden afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Humidity peaks, making the air feel heavy and sticky. If you’re in Battambang in May, be ready for surprise downpours and high humidity.
Temperatures still run hot, but the rain and clouds mark the end of the dry stretch.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends in Spring
During spring in Battambang Province, you’ll notice a shift from dry to wetter weather. Each month brings more rain, and humidity keeps rising, making days warmer and stickier compared to earlier in the year.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Battambang during spring changes a lot from March to May. March is usually one of the driest months, with around 30–40 mm of rain.
April sees a big jump, often reaching 60–90 mm, as the wet season starts to move in.
By May, rain picks up sharply, averaging 120–160 mm.
This steady increase shows how the season shifts. You’ll want to expect more frequent showers in April, and by May, heavier downpours and a few thunderstorms.
Most of the rain comes in short, intense bursts, not long, steady drizzles.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Seasonal Note |
|---|---|---|
| March | 30–40 | Mostly dry |
| April | 60–90 | Transitional |
| May | 120–160 | Wet season onset |
Humidity Fluctuations
Humidity in Battambang stays high all year, but spring brings a noticeable upward swing. In March, relative humidity averages 71%, which is about as low as it gets.
By April, it rises to about 75–78%, and in May it often hits 80–85%.
This jump makes the air feel heavier, especially in the afternoons when temps climb above 35°C. Evenings stay warm and sticky, and there’s not much break from the humidity.
If muggy weather gets to you, you’ll definitely notice the difference between early and late spring.
The rising humidity also means monsoon season is just around the corner.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days in Battambang pick up during spring. March usually brings just 1–2 rainy days, so it’s still pretty dry.
April bumps up to about 5–7 rainy days, and May often has 10–12.
The rain doesn’t spread out evenly. You might go several days with dry, hot weather, then get hit by a heavy downpour.
Showers are often short and intense, sometimes lasting less than an hour.
If you’re traveling, you can still enjoy outdoor activities in March and April with little hassle. By May, it’s smart to plan for rain in the afternoons and carry light rain gear if you’re out and about.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Daylight Hours
In Battambang, spring brings strong sunlight, heavier cloud cover as the months go by, and more daylight.
These changes affect how hot the days feel, how often you catch clear skies, and how much time you get for outdoor plans.
Average Daily Sunshine
You’ll get about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in spring. Early in the season, skies are clearer and let in more direct sun.
As spring moves along, more cloud cover cuts down on sunshine, especially in May.
The sun’s pretty intense, with a UV index often reaching 7–8, so wearing protective clothing and sunscreen is a must if you’re outside for long.
April usually feels the brightest, with open skies and climbing temps. By May, sunshine hours stay similar, but the light gets filtered through clouds, giving everything a hazier look.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Cloud cover changes fast in Battambang during spring. At the start of March, skies are clear or partly cloudy about half the time, so you get a mix of sun and shade.
By May, the chance of overcast or mostly cloudy skies jumps to over 90%, a sure sign the wet season is close.
This change makes late spring feel more humid and less predictable for sightseeing.
- March: ~50% clear or partly cloudy
- April: Clouds keep building
- May: Mostly cloudy or overcast most days
If you love blue skies, early spring is your best bet. Later in the season, the weather feels heavier, with fewer sunny breaks.
Spring Daylight Duration
Daylight hours in Battambang stretch out from early March through late May. On March 1, you get about 11 hours and 53 minutes of daylight.
By May 31, the day grows to nearly 12 hours and 51 minutes.
Sunrise gets earlier as spring moves on. In early March, the sun comes up around 6:23 AM, but by late May, it’s closer to 5:39 AM.
Sunset times inch later too, from about 6:16 PM in March to 6:30 PM in May.
This gradual increase gives you more daylight for travel, markets, and outdoor tours before the rainy season hits.
Travel Tips for Visiting Battambang in Spring
Spring in Battambang brings hot days, rising humidity, and an increasing chance of rain as the monsoon approaches. You’ll need to plan your activities carefully, dress for the heat, and think about how to get around the city.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to get out and explore. Daytime highs often reach the mid-30s °C (around 94°F), and humidity keeps climbing from March through May.
Midday can feel brutal, especially when clouds trap the heat.
If you want to see temples, hop on the bamboo train, or stroll the colonial streets, try to start before 9 AM. That’s when temperatures are still reasonable, and crowds are lighter.
Rain becomes more frequent in May, so plan countryside tours or river trips for earlier in the season.
By late spring, carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella makes sense, since short, heavy showers can pop up fast.
Recommended Clothing
Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics if you want to stay cooler in the heat. Cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and loose pants usually feel best.
Skip heavy or dark clothing, since that stuff just traps heat and makes you sweat more.
The sun can get pretty intense, so definitely pack a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Even on cloudy days, those UV levels stay high.
Bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good grip, since temple paths and rural areas can be uneven.
Humidity cranks up toward May, so quick-dry clothing really comes in handy. A small packable raincoat or poncho can save you during those sudden rain showers.
If you’re visiting pagodas or religious sites, carry a light scarf or wear something that covers your shoulders and knees—locals appreciate the respect.
Transportation and Access
Battambang doesn’t have its own international airport. Most people fly into Siem Reap International Airport, which is about 3.5 to 4 hours away by road.
From there, you can hop on a bus, grab a private taxi, or join a shared van to get to Battambang.
Inside the city, tuk-tuks make getting around pretty easy. They’re affordable and perfect for short trips.
If you’re heading into the countryside, hiring a driver with a car or motorbike works better, especially once the roads get muddy in late spring.
You can rent bicycles if you want to explore on your own. It’s best to cycle in the morning before the heat and humidity hit their peak.
Most roads stay flat, but traffic in town can get busy, so keep your eyes open.
Regional and Local Influences on Spring Weather
Spring weather in Battambang comes from a mix of geography, local features, and its spot near other regions. Temperature, rainfall, and humidity all shift because of these things, so both travelers and locals can plan ahead.
Geographical Factors
Battambang sits in northwestern Cambodia at a low elevation—about 59 feet above sea level. The area around the city stays mostly flat, with the Cardamom Mountains southwest and Tonlé Sap Lake to the east.
Because the land is flat, warm air settles and keeps temperatures high in spring, often hitting the mid-90s °F. The Southwest Monsoon starts picking up toward late spring and brings changes in rainfall.
Flat cropland stretches across the landscape, and with not much forest cover, the area heats up fast during the day. At night, the low elevation means temperatures barely drop, so evenings stay humid and a bit muggy.
Impact of Battambang Province
Battambang Province stands out as one of Cambodia’s main agricultural hubs, packed with rice paddies and farmland. These big open fields soak up heat all day, which adds to the already warm weather.
As spring rolls on, humidity jumps up as the wet season gets closer. By May, rain shows up more often, and the chance of daily showers climbs fast.
Wind patterns here usually stay light to moderate, averaging around 5 or 6 mph in spring. Most winds blow in from the west, bringing moist air from the Gulf of Thailand, which fuels the seasonal spike in rain and clouds.
Nearby Destinations
Battambang’s climate feels pretty similar to what you get in nearby cities like Siem Reap, which sits about 75 kilometers away. Both places go through hot, humid springs, though Siem Reap gets a bit more moderation from Tonlé Sap Lake, since the lake tends to soften temperature swings just a little.
Battambang doesn’t have the same urban sprawl as Phnom Penh, so you don’t get as much heat radiating from concrete or heavy traffic. Still, because Battambang sits inland, you’ll probably notice stronger humidity than you would along the coast in spots like Sihanoukville, where sea breezes actually make things a bit more comfortable.
If you head west toward Thailand, you’ll run into similar spring conditions in the border provinces. Rainfall and humidity both creep up gradually across this whole part of mainland Southeast Asia.