Spring in Phnom Penh means hot days, rising humidity, and the first hints of the rainy season. Expect daytime highs hovering in the mid-90s °F, with nights that barely cool off, staying in the upper 70s to low 80s.
Clouds build up fast as the season goes on. By late spring, overcast skies and frequent showers show up more often.
You’ll notice the weather shifting week by week. Early spring usually feels dry and sunny, but by May, heavy humidity and a higher chance of rain move in.
Daylight stretches a bit longer, so you’ve got more hours to wander the city, though the heat and humidity can turn afternoons into a slog.
Knowing what to expect really helps with planning. Temperature trends, rainfall, sunshine hours, and wind patterns all shape how you’ll experience Phnom Penh in spring.
Overview of Spring Climate in Phnom Penh
Spring in Phnom Penh brings some of the year’s hottest days, along with a sharp jump in humidity and rainfall. You’ll get long daylight hours, steady southern winds, and skies that grow cloudier as weeks pass.
Spring Season Months
Spring in Phnom Penh runs from March through May, a stretch marked by rising heat and the shift into the wet season.
During these months, daily highs often hit 94–96°F (34–36°C), and lows sit around 76–80°F (24–27°C).
March tends to feel a bit drier and clearer. April usually brings the peak heat. By May, humidity climbs and rain showers get more frequent.
Daylight grows steadily. In early March, there’s about 11 hours and 54 minutes of daylight. By late May, the days stretch to nearly 12 hours and 45 minutes.
This gradual change affects both temperature and how people plan their days.
Typical Weather Patterns
Spring in Phnom Penh has a tropical monsoon climate—so, hot and sticky. Cloud cover builds fast, and by late May, skies often turn mostly cloudy or overcast.
Rainfall rises sharply. At the start of March, average rainfall sits below 1 inch for the month, but by May, it can pass 5 inches.
The chance of a wet day jumps from 8% in early March to about 50% by late May.
Humidity becomes a big factor. You’ll notice muggy air almost every day, with high dew points reaching 100% by the end of May.
Winds stay light to moderate, usually about 6–7 mph, coming from the south.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to winter, spring feels much hotter and more humid, with way more rain.
Winter months—especially January and February—are drier and a bit cooler, so they’re more comfortable for being outside.
Summer brings even heavier rainfall, with the monsoon peaking in August and September. Spring is really the transition, moving from dry to wet.
Autumn, from September to November, sees rain start to ease up, though it stays humid. Unlike autumn, spring has less rain overall but higher temps, especially in April, which is often the hottest month in Phnom Penh.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in Phnom Penh brings some of the year’s hottest weather. Daily highs often soar into the mid-90s °F, and nights stay warm and humid.
Temperatures climb steadily from March through May. April usually stands out as the hottest stretch before the rains kick in.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
You can expect daytime highs to average around 94°F (34°C) during spring. Most days, the temperature doesn’t dip below 89°F (32°C) or rise above 101°F (38°C).
The heat peaks in early April, with average highs near 96°F (36°C).
At night, it stays warm. Nighttime lows go from about 76°F (24°C) in early March up to 80°F (27°C) by late May.
Even after sunset, Phnom Penh’s humidity sticks around, making evenings feel not much cooler than the day.
This combo of high heat and warm nights means you won’t get much relief, so plan for constant warmth if you’re outside. Lightweight clothes and lots of water are a must.
Temperature Trends by Month
In March, highs sit near 92–94°F (33–34°C) and lows around 76°F (24°C). Humidity’s on the rise but still manageable.
By April, the heat really ramps up. Highs often reach 95–96°F (35–36°C), and lows hang near 80°F (27°C). This is when the weather feels most intense, with humidity piling onto the heat.
In May, it’s still hot, but the first rains show up. Highs hover near 93–95°F (34–35°C), and lows average 79–80°F (26–27°C).
More clouds and rain help a bit, but nights stay muggy.
Record Extremes
Averages tell most of the story, but Phnom Penh sometimes gets more extreme temperatures. The hottest spring days can edge just above 101°F (38°C), though that’s not common.
On the cooler end, nighttime lows in spring rarely drop below 73°F (23°C). These cooler nights don’t last long.
Compared to winter, spring delivers the city’s most intense heat. Unlike some places where spring brings wild swings, Phnom Penh’s tropical climate keeps things hot and steady, with only small shifts between day and night.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Spring in Phnom Penh marks the move from dry months into wetter times. Rainfall starts rising, and humidity climbs, making the city warmer and more humid as the monsoon approaches.
Monthly Precipitation Averages
Rain in Phnom Penh stays pretty low in March, averaging 30–40 mm. By April, it bumps up to 80–100 mm, and May brings a real jump—often over 150 mm.
This steady climb signals the start of the wet season.
Rainy days come more often, too. March might only have a couple of quick showers, but April gets wetter. May can see 10–15 rainy days, which can definitely mess with outdoor plans.
Rain usually comes in heavy bursts, not light sprinkles. Showers often hit in the late afternoon or evening, leaving most of the day dry.
That’s pretty typical for a tropical monsoon climate and helps when you’re trying to plan around the weather.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| March | 30–40 | 2–4 |
| April | 80–100 | 6–8 |
| May | 150–200+ | 10–15 |
Humidity Variations
Humidity in Phnom Penh just keeps climbing through spring. March averages about 72–74%—which, honestly, feels decent compared to what’s coming.
By April, it rises to 76–78%, and in May, it often tops 80%.
The higher humidity and heat make the air feel heavier. Mornings can feel sticky, and evenings stay humid even after it rains.
These aren’t the highest levels of the year, but you’ll notice the difference if you’re outside for a while. Staying hydrated and taking breaks indoors will help.
Onset of the Wet Season
Spring bridges Phnom Penh’s dry season and the full-on monsoon. March still acts like the dry season, but April starts to bring more unsettled weather.
By May, the wet season’s in full swing, with frequent showers and thick, humid air.
The change isn’t sudden. Early May might have some dry spells, but by the end of the month, rain gets more regular.
This pattern ties in with the bigger tropical monsoon climate across Cambodia.
If you’re traveling, you’ll want to adjust your expectations. Outdoor sightseeing is still possible in March and April if you plan ahead, but May calls for more flexibility because of heavier, less predictable rain.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Spring in Phnom Penh brings plenty of sunshine, even as the rain starts to pick up. Daylight stays pretty steady, so you’ve got lots of time for outdoor plans.
Average Daily Sunshine
Spring delivers some of the brightest sunshine of the year here. March averages about 8.1 hours of sunshine per day—almost the annual peak.
April tops out with about 8.6 hours daily.
May still gives you good sun, though it dips a bit as the monsoon nears. On average, May gets around 7.5 hours of sunshine per day, which is still more than half the daylight hours.
So, even as showers ramp up from March to May, you still get long stretches of clear skies. With high UV and strong sunlight, make sure to plan for shade or sun protection if you’re outside a lot.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~8.1 hours | Bright, dry with rising heat |
| April | ~8.6 hours | Peak sunshine, hottest month |
| May | ~7.5 hours | Sun remains strong, rain increases |
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight in Phnom Penh doesn’t change much through the year, thanks to its tropical spot. Early March gives you about 11 hours 54 minutes of daylight.
By late May, that’s up to roughly 12 hours 45 minutes.
The shortest and longest days in spring are less than an hour apart. You probably won’t notice any big shifts in sunrise or sunset.
For planning, figure on 12 to 12.5 hours of daylight each day through spring. That, plus plenty of sunshine, means you’ve got reliable time for sightseeing, markets, or day trips without worrying about it getting dark early.
Wind Patterns and Other Weather Factors
Spring in Phnom Penh brings steady, gentle winds and more cloud cover. The air stays warm and humid, with light breezes that shift a bit from month to month.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In spring, Phnom Penh’s winds usually come from the south or southwest. This matches the change from the dry northeast monsoon to the incoming southwest monsoon.
During March and April, you’ll notice winds shifting more toward the southwest. By May, that direction gets stronger as the wet season arrives.
These winds bring in more humidity from the Gulf of Thailand, which explains the extra clouds and higher rain chances later in the season.
If you’re visiting, expect more overcast skies and less direct sun than in winter.
Knowing which way the wind blows also helps explain why evenings feel muggy. The breeze brings in warm, moist air that hangs over the city, especially near the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers.
Wind Speed Ranges
Spring winds in Phnom Penh stay light, averaging 2 m/s (4.5 mph) to 3 m/s (6.7 mph). That’s enough to rustle leaves and feel a light breeze, but not enough to mess with outdoor plans.
- January, February, May: ~2 m/s
- March, April: ~3 m/s
At 2 m/s, you’ll barely feel the air move. At 3 m/s, the breeze gets a bit more noticeable but still stays gentle.
Some days can hit 6 m/s (13 mph), but that’s rare. Even then, the wind doesn’t feel harsh.
Most of spring brings calm to mildly breezy days, which makes walking or cycling around the city pretty comfortable—even with the heat.
Tips for Visiting Phnom Penh in Spring
Spring in Phnom Penh means very hot temperatures, rising humidity, and more frequent rain. If you prep for the heat and plan your activities around the weather, you’ll stay more comfortable and get the most out of your visit.
What to Pack
Pack light, breathable clothes—trust me, you’ll feel every degree when the temperature hits the mid-90s °F. Cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and loose dresses just feel better in that tropical heat. Skip anything heavy that’ll trap sweat and stick to your skin.
Grab a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun. By late spring, you’ll probably want an umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket, since those afternoon showers can sneak up on you.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes or sandals, especially if you plan to wander through temples or busy markets. Shoes that dry fast come in handy during those sudden downpours.
Toss a reusable water bottle in your bag to stay hydrated. Humidity creeps up on you, and dehydration’s no joke. Most folks also bring insect repellent since mosquitoes love the warm, damp weather.
A small daypack makes it easy to carry your water, sunscreen, rain cover, and whatever else you need, without feeling bogged down.
Popular Activities
Mornings work best for outdoor sightseeing before the heat really kicks in. You can check out landmarks like the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, or the National Museum while it’s still comfortable.
In the evening, riverfront walks along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers feel much nicer since the temperature drops a bit. Cafés and open-air restaurants nearby let you try local food and maybe catch a breeze.
Markets such as Central Market (Phsar Thmei) and Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung) buzz with activity and offer crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. I’d go earlier if you prefer fewer crowds.
If you need a break from the heat and want some culture, pop into an air-conditioned museum or art gallery. Lots of travelers also hop on boat trips along the river, which can be a fun way to cool off and see Phnom Penh from a new angle.