When you picture summer in Battambang, Cambodia, you’ll find a season that’s warm, wet, and thick with humidity. Average daytime highs hover between 87°F and 91°F, and nights rarely dip below 78°F, so the air just stays hot and muggy.
This heavy mix of heat and moisture really shapes daily life. You’ll notice the sky often looks gray, with thick clouds hanging around for much of the season.
Rainfall ramps up as summer goes on, and showers get more frequent and intense. The air almost never feels dry, and the constant humidity makes the heat feel even more intense than the numbers say.
Still, despite the rain and clouds, summer in Battambang has its own rhythm. Daylight lasts about 12 and a half hours, with only tiny changes from June through August.
The balance of sun, storms, and warmth sets the tone for daily routines and travel in this part of Cambodia.
Summer Temperature Trends in Battambang
Summer in Battambang means hot, humid weather, with daytime highs often hitting the mid-30s °C. Nights stay warm too.
Month to month, temperatures shift only a little. You get steady heat, high humidity, and not much relief after sunset.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Daytime highs in Battambang during summer usually land between 30°C and 36°C (86°F–97°F). April often feels the hottest, while June through August cools just a bit thanks to more clouds and rain.
At night, lows almost never drop below 25°C (77°F). So evenings stay muggy, and you’ll probably want air conditioning or at least a fan.
Cooler nights are rare, so the heat just lingers. The humidity plays a big part in that.
Even if the thermometer doesn’t budge, high humidity makes the air feel hotter. That’s why late summer nights can feel really heavy, even without much change in temperature.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Summer in Battambang usually runs from March through August. Each month brings a slightly different feel.
- March–April: Hottest stretch, with highs near 35–36°C and lows around 25–26°C.
- May: Highs ease to about 34°C, but humidity climbs as the rains start.
- June–August: Highs settle around 30–32°C, lows near 25°C. It’s not as scorching as April, but clouds and rain keep everything damp and sticky.
You’ll notice the shift from dry, intense heat in early summer to a more humid warmth later on. That’s classic Battambang.
Historical Temperature Averages
Long-term records put Battambang’s average yearly temperature at about 27–28°C (81–82°F). Summer months run hotter.
April stands out as the hottest month. July and August cool just a bit, mostly because of the rain.
Extremes above 40°C (104°F) don’t happen often, but April sometimes surprises you. On the other end, summer lows almost never dip below 21°C (70°F).
So, if you’re planning, you can count on hot days, warm nights, and not much difference between the two.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Summer in Battambang brings heavy rain, high humidity, and lots of cloudy skies. The wettest and driest parts of the season feel pretty different, and that shapes daily comfort and what you can do outside.
Average Precipitation in Summer Months
From May to October, Battambang gets its wet season. Rainfall peaks between August and September, when monthly totals often go over 200 mm (7.8 inches).
May and June see less, usually around 120–150 mm (4.7–5.9 inches). Most of the rain falls in short, intense showers—usually in the afternoon or evening.
Those storms can dump a lot of water fast, and sometimes you’ll see brief flooding in low spots. The seasonal monsoon drives this pattern, bringing moist air from the southwest.
You should expect wet conditions on most days, especially later in the summer when the monsoon is strongest.
Humidity Levels and Their Impact
Humidity in Battambang stays high all summer. Levels usually run between 75% and 85%, peaking in August and September.
May sometimes brings slightly lower readings, closer to 70%, before the rains really kick in. High humidity makes hot days feel even hotter.
A day at 34°C (93°F) with 85% humidity feels much warmer than it sounds. Outdoor activities can be tough.
You might notice clothes drying slowly, and rooms without fans or AC get damp fast. Many travelers plan around the cooler mornings, since humidity is just a bit less intense then.
Rainy Day Frequency
Rainy days are common in Battambang’s summer. You’ll get 15 to 20 rainy days per month during the peak wet season.
August and September usually see the most. Rain rarely lasts all day, though.
Most showers are heavy but quick, often clearing in under an hour. Sunshine sometimes pops out between storms.
With so many rainy days, flexible plans are a must. Carry a poncho or umbrella, since sudden downpours are just part of life this time of year.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Battambang’s tropical climate means long, bright days in summer. You get steady sunshine and only minor changes in daylight length.
Number of Sunny Days
Summer brings plenty of sunshine. On average, you’ll see about 10 hours of sun per day from May through August.
July is often the sunniest, with just over 10 hours daily. Rain is frequent, but storms usually come in short bursts, leaving much of the day clear.
There’s still time for sightseeing or getting outside. Humidity rises in June, July, and August, but the steady sunshine helps balance things out.
Even in rainy September, Battambang still averages about 9 hours of sun daily.
To break it down:
- May–August: ~10 hours of sun each day
- September: ~9 hours per day
That’s more sunshine than many tropical cities, so you can usually count on daylight for most activities.
Average Day Length
Day length barely changes in Battambang. Thanks to its spot near the equator, the difference between the longest and shortest days is just over 1.5 hours.
In summer, expect about 12 hours and 30 minutes of daylight. The longest day is in late June, hitting nearly 12 hours and 54 minutes.
Even December’s shortest day still gives you over 11 hours. You won’t need to tweak your schedule much through the season.
Sunrise and sunset times stay close to 6:00 AM and 6:30 PM, whether it’s early or late summer.
For travelers, this makes planning easy—river trips, tours, and cultural visits don’t get cut short by sudden changes in daylight.
Seasonal Weather Characteristics
Summer in Battambang means warm temperatures, heavy rainfall, and constant humidity. You’ll see frequent cloud cover, a bit shorter days as the season goes on, and a steady westward wind that shapes the weather.
Typical Summer Weather Events
Daily highs usually hit 31°C to 33°C (87°F–91°F). Nights stay warm, with lows around 26°C (79°F).
Unlike some places where evenings cool off, you’ll still feel muggy after sunset since humidity often stays close to 100%.
Rain really defines the season. Wet days happen about 70–76% of the time, and monthly rainfall can go over 200–270 mm.
Showers are usually intense and short, sometimes popping up more than once a day. Cloud cover is almost always there.
About 9 out of every 10 days are overcast or mostly cloudy, so direct sunshine is limited.
Still, you get about 12.5 hours of daylight in June, dropping to 12.3 hours by late August. Winds stay light to moderate, averaging around 11 km/h from the west.
These breezes help a little, but they don’t really cut the humidity.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to other times of year, summer feels pretty different in Battambang. The dry season (roughly November to April) gets even hotter in April, with highs often reaching 36°C (97°F), but there’s a lot less rain and more sunshine.
The coolest months are December and January, when highs stick near 30°C (86°F) and nights can drop to 21°C (70°F). Humidity is lower and skies are clearer, making it easier to be outdoors.
Summer stands out for its persistent rainfall and constant cloud cover. Other seasons bring brighter skies and less humidity, but summer is always wet and muggy.
It’s the toughest time for outdoor travel, but honestly, it’s also crucial for local agriculture.
Regional Context: Battambang and Cambodia
Battambang’s climate fits into Cambodia’s bigger weather patterns, but local geography adds its own twist. You get a tropical monsoon climate with long, wet summers.
Timing and intensity of rain, cloud cover, and heat can vary compared to other parts of the country.
How Battambang’s Summer Compares Regionally
If you compare Battambang to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you’ll see summer temperatures are pretty similar—warm to hot everywhere.
Battambang’s highs run 87–91°F (31–33°C), right around the national average. What’s different is the cloud cover and rain.
In summer, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 91% of the time here, which is more than in many other provinces.
Rainfall rises quickly, from about 8 inches in June to nearly 11 inches in August.
Coastal spots like Sihanoukville get heavier, more drawn-out downpours because they’re closer to the Gulf of Thailand.
Battambang’s rain is steady but less extreme, which actually makes it easier to plan around. Humidity stays high everywhere, so you’re in for muggy days no matter where you are in Cambodia.
Influence of Local Geography
Battambang sits on a broad, low-lying plain near the Sangker River, just 50–60 feet above sea level.
This flat landscape limits air movement, so heat and humidity tend to hang around longer than in hillier or coastal areas.
The area’s full of rice paddies and cropland, which soak up heat during the day and let it out slowly at night.
That keeps overnight lows warm, often 76–80°F (24–27°C). Unlike places near the Cardamom Mountains, Battambang doesn’t get much cooling breeze or elevation change.
Winds stay light, averaging 6–7 mph from the west, so relief from the humidity is limited.
All this—flat land, lots of agriculture, and not much airflow—makes Battambang’s summer feel warmer and stickier than higher or coastal regions.
Tips for Experiencing Summer Weather at Home
Hot, humid weather can make daily life tough, and frequent rain brings its own hassles. A few adjustments at home can keep you comfortable and help you avoid extra stress.
Staying Comfortable During Hot Weather
High temperatures heat up your home fast, so focus on keeping things cool. Use fans to move air, and set them by windows in the evening to pull in cooler air.
If you have air conditioning, set it to a steady temperature instead of fiddling with it all day. Small changes help too.
Close curtains or blinds in the afternoon to block out direct sunlight. Wear light, breathable fabrics for bedding and clothes.
Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty—humidity makes it harder for sweat to cool you down.
Try not to use the oven or stove during the hottest hours. Instead, make cold meals or use a slow cooker.
Those small steps can lower both the temperature and your energy bill.
Preparing for Rainy Days
Heavy summer rain often sneaks in and causes damp spots inside your home. Check for leaks around windows, doors, and roofs—don’t just assume you’re safe.
Clear out gutters so water actually flows away from your house. If your place sits in a low-lying area, try using sandbags or even a simple raised barrier, just in case flooding decides to show up.
Inside, grab some moisture absorbers or set up a dehumidifier to keep mold from taking over. Store important stuff, like electronics or documents, in waterproof containers.
Honestly, keeping an umbrella and a lightweight raincoat near the door makes life easier when a storm rolls in.
Strong storms love to knock out the power. Put together a small emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and bottled water—it’s better to have it and not need it, right?