If you’re planning a trip to Kampot, Cambodia, get ready for a summer that’s warm, humid, and honestly, pretty wet most of the time. Average summer temperatures usually stick between the mid-80s and low-90s °F, and the heat doesn’t really let up, even at night.
The tropical climate makes the air feel thick, and weather can flip from sunny to cloudy in a snap.
You’ll quickly notice how rain shapes daily routines here. Showers pop up a lot, and the odds of rain just keep rising as summer goes on.
Clouds often take over the sky, and humidity stays high enough to make every day feel sticky.
Even with all that dampness, summer in Kampot still brings long daylight hours, warm sea water, and steady breezes from the west.
These patterns shape not just the weather, but also local activities, farming, and the daily rhythm of life.
Overview of Kampot’s Summer Climate
Kampot’s summer climate owes everything to its tropical monsoon setup. You get steady warmth, high humidity, and frequent rain.
Most days are cloudy, with temperatures barely changing and muggy air hanging around both day and night.
Tropical Monsoon Characteristics
Kampot falls under the tropical monsoon (Am) climate label. Summers bring heavy rainfall and humidity that barely ever drops below 90%.
Muggy conditions basically never let up, so it often feels hotter than the thermometer says.
Daily highs in summer hover around 88°F (31°C), with lows near 80°F (27°C). The nearby Gulf of Thailand keeps that temperature range narrow.
Unlike places farther inland, you won’t see big swings between day and night.
Rain comes often and can be pretty heavy. More than half the days are wet, and by late summer, your odds of rain shoot past 65%.
All this rain keeps Kampot green, but it can mess with visibility and make outdoor plans tricky.
Humidity stays close to 100% in the “muggy” range. With gentle winds of 8–9 mph, the air feels thick.
If you’re visiting, you’ll want to prep for damp weather and be ready to dodge sudden downpours.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
Summer in Kampot means persistent cloud cover. Skies stay overcast about 90% of the time.
You might catch a few clear spells in July, but don’t count on long stretches of sun.
Rainfall piles up fast. Early summer brings a 31‑day average of about 9 inches (23 cm), and by August, that jumps to nearly 13 inches (33 cm).
September usually sees totals over 300 mm, making it one of the soggiest times of year.
Daylight hours slowly shrink as summer goes on. June gives you around 12 hours and 45 minutes of daylight, but by late August, it’s down to 12 hours and 20 minutes.
Sunrise moves from about 5:40 AM to close to 6:00 AM, and sunsets slide from 6:30 PM to around 6:15 PM.
Water temperatures stay warm—86°F (30°C) in early summer, dipping to about 84°F (29°C) later on.
Swimming’s still an option, but heavy rain and runoff can make the water murky.
Comparison to Other Cambodian Regions
If you compare Kampot to other spots in Cambodia, you’ll see both similarities and differences.
Like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Kampot stays hot and humid all year, with highs near 90°F (32°C).
Kampot’s coastal location keeps temperatures steadier than inland areas.
Rainfall is heavier here than in drier provinces. Kampot usually gets over 3,000 mm annually, while central Cambodia sees less.
September is especially rainy in Kampot, with about 20 wet days, compared to fewer up north.
Clouds linger more here too. Inland cities sometimes get clearer skies, but Kampot’s spot by the Gulf of Thailand means the air stays loaded with moisture.
That extra moisture makes the air feel heavier and cuts down on sunny days.
If you’re traveling, you’ll find Kampot’s summer weather less predictable than drier regions.
Always plan for sudden downpours. Inland areas might offer steadier weather in the same months.
The coastal influence really sets Kampot’s climate apart.
Average Summer Temperatures in Kampot
Kampot’s summer stays hot and humid, with barely any change in temperature from month to month.
Clouds are common, rain is frequent, and the heat just keeps going, day and night.
Daily Highs and Lows
You’ll see daily highs around 87–89°F (31–32°C) all summer.
That doesn’t really change from June to August, and you won’t get wild spikes in heat here.
Nights are also warm, usually 79–81°F (26–27°C). Cooler evenings just aren’t a thing, so you’ll feel the humidity even after dark.
This steady pattern makes having air conditioning or at least a fan pretty important.
The small gap between highs and lows shows just how strong Kampot’s tropical monsoon climate is.
The sea keeps temperatures stable, and they rarely stray from this narrow band.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From June to August, Kampot’s average temperature sits between 83–84°F (28–29°C).
June is a bit warmer, with highs near 89°F. July and August cool off slightly, closer to 88°F.
Lows stay steady near 80°F all summer.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Temp | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 89°F | 84°F | 81°F |
| July | 88°F | 83°F | 80°F |
| August | 87°F | 83°F | 80°F |
Heavier rainfall and thick clouds block some sun, but they don’t cool things off much.
You’ll notice humidity, not heat, is what really makes things uncomfortable.
Hourly Temperature Fluctuations
Hourly temps in Kampot barely budge. Mornings start close to 79–80°F, and by early afternoon, you’re up to 87–89°F.
After sunset, it cools just a touch, staying near 80°F well into the night.
This lack of variation comes from the tropical climate and all the moisture in the air.
Unlike drier places where nights can cool off fast, Kampot’s humidity traps the heat.
If you want to get outside, early mornings feel a little less stifling.
Afternoons are hot and muggy, and evenings are warm with plenty of clouds or rain.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Heavy rainfall, lots of wet days, and clear seasonal shifts in precipitation shape Kampot’s summer.
You’ll see high totals during the wettest months, with rain coming in short, intense bursts that can mess with daily plans and travel.
Frequency of Wet Days
In summer, wet days ramp up fast compared to the dry season.
June, July, August, and September bring rain most days, often late in the afternoon or evening.
September averages about 20 rainy days, making it the peak of the wet season.
February, by the way, only has 4 rainy days—the difference is huge.
Rain doesn’t always last all day. Usually, you’ll get quick but heavy showers, with dry spells in between.
That’s typical for tropical monsoon climates.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain totals jump fast as summer goes on.
June brings around 250–280 mm of rain. July and August usually get 280–300 mm, and September peaks at about 304 mm.
Here’s a quick look at average rainfall over the summer:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~260 mm | 18–19 days |
| July | ~280 mm | 19–20 days |
| August | ~290 mm | 19–20 days |
| September | ~304 mm | 20 days |
Summer is definitely the wettest time of year in Kampot.
Even with all that rain, daytime temps stay steady around 30°C, so it stays hot and sticky.
Seasonal Variation in Precipitation
Kampot’s climate splits clearly between dry and wet seasons.
From November to April, rain is rare—February only gets 33 mm.
Once May hits, rain picks up fast, and the wet season kicks in.
By summer, rainfall is at its max. The southwest monsoon pulls in moisture from the Gulf of Thailand, fueling storms.
That’s why summer months average almost ten times more rain than the driest months.
If you’re planning a visit, expect heavy showers and plan accordingly.
Flooded roads, disrupted outdoor plans, and lower visibility can all happen.
On the plus side, all that rain keeps Kampot green and sometimes cools things off a bit after a storm.
Humidity, Dew Point, and Cloud Cover
Summer in Kampot means high humidity, steady dew points, and skies that are usually covered with thick clouds.
You’ll get warm, damp air most days, and there’s rarely a break from muggy conditions or overcast skies.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Kampot during summer stays sky-high, often close to 100% most days.
The air feels heavy and damp, day and night.
Unlike places where humidity drops in the evening, Kampot’s levels barely budge.
Even at night, with temps above 75°F, the air stays moist.
You should expect muggy weather every day.
Travelers often notice clothes dry slowly, and outdoor activities can feel exhausting.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, plan for lots of shade and light, breathable clothes.
Dew Point Trends
The dew point tells you how humid it really feels, and in Kampot, it stays high all summer.
Dew points usually stay above 75°F, so the air always feels muggy.
The dew point barely changes between day and night.
A hot, damp afternoon turns into a warm, damp evening, no real relief.
Because the dew point is so high, sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly.
That makes it harder for your body to cool down, so physical activity feels tougher.
If you’re heading outdoors, expect to feel sticky and warm most of the day.
Cloud Cover and Overcast Conditions
Kampot’s summer skies are dominated by clouds.
Overcast or mostly cloudy conditions show up about 90% of days.
Late August is the cloudiest, with gray skies almost nonstop.
Completely clear or mostly clear days are rare. You might get partly cloudy weather about 10% of the time during summer.
Clouds block direct sun, but they don’t lower humidity.
They also bring frequent rain, adding to the damp feeling.
If you’re after sunny beach days, summer isn’t ideal.
But if you like softer light and cooler skies, the clouds might actually feel nice.
Winds and Atmospheric Conditions
Kampot’s summer stays hot and humid, but wind and pressure shifts really affect how it feels each day.
Breezes from the Gulf of Thailand and the monsoon system shape comfort, rainfall, and visibility across the area.
Average Wind Speed and Direction
Average wind speeds in Kampot during summer run between 6 to 12 km/h (about 3 to 7 knots).
Winds are usually gentle but steady, which helps a bit with the heavy air.
The prevailing wind direction is southwest during the wet season, bringing in moisture from the sea.
That matches the regional monsoon system, which takes over much of Southeast Asia in summer.
Sometimes, winds shift a bit west or south if local pressure changes.
These shifts aren’t dramatic, but they do tweak cloud cover and short-term weather.
For travelers, winds are mostly predictable—not disruptive, but enough to notice when you’re outside.
Impact on Local Weather
Southwest winds bring in moist marine air, fueling Kampot’s summer rainfall. Paired with high humidity, these winds often trigger afternoon showers and sometimes a thunderstorm or two.
Since the winds usually stay gentle, they don’t disrupt most daily routines. Instead, they carry clouds and rain across the region, so skies can shift from partly sunny to totally overcast pretty fast.
You’ll notice the airflow helps regulate air quality. Gentle but steady breezes keep the air from getting stagnant, which might otherwise make the heat feel stifling. After a rain, visibility improves as haze and dust clear out.
If you’re visiting, you’ll probably feel the wind’s effect most in how it takes the edge off the heat. Even a light breeze can make a riverside walk or countryside trip a lot more pleasant.
Seasonal Wind Variations
Kampot’s summer winds follow a seasonal rhythm, closely tied to the monsoon cycle. From May through October, the southwest monsoon brings wetter, cloudier weather. During these months, moist winds carry frequent rain showers inland.
As the dry season approaches, winds start to shift. By late October or November, the flow often turns northeast, and drier continental air moves in. That’s when the heaviest rains taper off and skies clear up.
You can count on these seasonal changes—they make planning a bit easier. When winds come from the southwest, expect more rain. Once the northeast winds arrive, the weather settles down.
If you’re into outdoor activities like boating or cycling, knowing about wind shifts helps you prepare. Light winds rarely ruin plans, but their direction hints at whether you’ll get a humid, rainy afternoon or something clearer and drier.
Sunlight, Solar Energy, and Water Temperature
Summer in Kampot means long days, intense sun, and warm water. These factors shape how comfortable you’ll feel outside and how reliable the weather is for swimming, boating, or sightseeing.
Daylight Hours and Solar Elevation
During summer, Kampot gets about 12.5 to 12.7 hours of daylight each day. June and July offer the longest days, so you have extra time for outdoor adventures. Even in August, daylight stays above 12 hours.
The solar elevation angle climbs high at midday, putting the sun almost overhead. Shadows shrink, and sunlight feels much stronger than in winter. Surfaces heat up fast, and you’ll notice the intensity right away.
So, it’s smart to plan mid-day activities with care. Shade, hats, and sunscreen are your friends when the sun is at its peak. Early mornings or late afternoons usually feel more comfortable, but you’ll still have plenty of light.
Shortwave Radiation and Solar Energy
Kampot’s summer climate delivers lots of shortwave radiation—the kind of sunlight that hits the ground as direct energy. On clear or even partly cloudy days, you get several kilowatt-hours per square meter, which is great for solar panels.
Long daylight and strong solar angles mean solar energy potential peaks in summer. If you travel with solar-powered gear, like portable chargers, this is the season you can count on.
But, since the monsoon overlaps with summer, you’ll also get plenty of cloudy skies and rain. Even then, the high sun angle lets some energy through, though it’s less intense. This mix of bright sun and sudden rain is just part of summer’s energy profile here.
Sea and River Water Temperatures
Water around Kampot stays warm all summer. The Gulf of Thailand coast averages about 29–30°C (84–86°F), making it perfect for swimming and water sports. You won’t need a wetsuit—unless you’re just into that sort of thing.
Rivers like the Kampot River also stay warm, but rain and runoff can cool them by a degree or two. Even after a heavy rain, the water’s still fine for kayaking or boating.
Since the sea holds heat well, you get steady warmth even when air temperatures drop after storms. That means water activities are a safe bet, whether you’re into beaches, boat rides, or a dip in the river.
Environmental and Geographical Influences
Kampot’s summer weather isn’t just about the monsoon. Landforms, vegetation, and even what people build all play a part. Elevation, farming, and artificial surfaces shape how heat, humidity, and rain get distributed.
Topography and Land Use
Kampot sits between the Gulf of Thailand and the Elephant Mountains, so you get a mix of coastal lowlands and higher ground. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) shows most of the province is under 200 meters, with Bokor Mountain rising sharply inland.
Mountains catch moist air, so windward slopes get more rain, while the lowlands stay warmer and more humid. Sea breezes near the coast help keep temperatures down compared to inland areas.
Land use follows the landscape. Flat valleys and river plains are packed with rice fields, while higher ground has pepper farms and fruit orchards. These choices affect microclimates—irrigated fields, for example, cool off faster at night thanks to moist soil.
Vegetation and Cropland Distribution
Vegetation makes a big difference in how heat and moisture move around. Kampot has a high cropland share, with rice paddies dominating the lowlands. These fields hold water in the wet season, which boosts humidity and can make afternoons feel heavier.
Trees, especially along rivers and in pepper farms, create cool pockets. Groves of mango, durian, and coconut palms cast shade and keep the ground cooler. Open cropland, on the other hand, heats up more during the day and cools off faster at night.
If you notice fewer trees where forest has been cleared for farms, you’ll feel hotter days and less rainfall buffering. Keeping a mix of trees and crops helps balance temperature and soil moisture through evapotranspiration.
Artificial Surfaces and Urban Effects
Paved roads, markets, and new housing absorb and release heat differently than fields or forests. In Kampot town, concrete and asphalt soak up more sun, so nights stay warmer than out in the countryside.
This urban heat effect stands out on humid, still evenings. Narrow streets with little airflow trap the warmth, while riverside spots cool down faster.
Urbanization also messes with drainage. Heavy summer rains can flood areas where roofs and pavement have replaced permeable soils, since less water soaks in and more runs off into the Kampot River.
So, if you’re visiting, expect the town center to feel hotter than the countryside, even if the thermometer says otherwise.
Seasonal Activities and Growing Conditions
Kampot’s summer brings steady heat, high humidity, and frequent rain. These conditions shape outdoor plans and farming routines, with harvests and schedules built around the climate.
Growing Season Overview
Kampot’s climate gives you a nearly year-round growing season. Summer highs hover around 87–88°F (31°C), and lows rarely drop below 79°F (26°C). With rainfall peaking at 11–13 inches per month in July and August, tropical crops thrive.
Farmers grow rice, pepper, durian, and mangoes here. Rice paddies love the heavy rains, and Kampot pepper—famous for a reason—needs the right mix of wet and dry spells for top yields.
If you visit, you’ll see lush green landscapes, flooded rice fields, and orchards full of fruit. The wet season might limit some travel, but it’s also when the scenery is at its best.
Growing Degree Days
Growing degree days (GDD) track heat accumulation and help predict crop growth. In Kampot, steady temperatures mean crops get plenty of GDD year-round, with no cold snaps to slow things down.
Summer averages stay close to 82–84°F (28–29°C). This lets rice and tropical fruits grow without pause. You don’t have to worry about frost or sudden cold when planning what to plant.
With that kind of stability, farmers can manage multiple planting and harvest cycles. Rice often gets planted more than once, and fruit trees keep growing. High GDD also supports Kampot’s pepper vines, which need long, warm stretches to mature.
Agricultural Impacts of Summer Weather
Summer rains are a blessing for crops, but they do bring challenges. Heavy downpours in July and August sometimes flood low-lying rice fields and damage early plantings. Farmers often adjust their schedules or use drainage to avoid waterlogging.
High humidity, often near 96%, raises the risk of pests and fungal diseases. Pepper growers, in particular, have to watch their vines closely to prevent losses. But the same moisture helps fruit trees like durian and rambutan produce bigger harvests.
Markets fill up with fresh produce during this season. Tropical fruits hit peak flavor, and Kampot pepper harvested now is especially aromatic, thanks to the region’s unique mix of heat and rain.
Astronomical and Lunar Data for Summer
Summer in Kampot brings steady lunar cycles that shape the night sky. You’ll see predictable moon phases and rise/set times that fit the region’s tropical climate.
Moon Phases During Summer
The lunar cycle repeats every 29.5 days, so you’ll get several full moons, new moons, and quarters over the summer. Each phase changes how bright the night sky gets, which stands out even more with frequent clouds.
A new moon brings the darkest nights, making stars easier to spot when clouds part. A full moon lights up the landscape, sometimes enough to see without a flashlight. First quarter and last quarter phases offer moderate light, with half the moon visible.
Moonrise and moonset shift by about 50 minutes later each day. Sometimes the moon rises during daylight, other times much later at night. Knowing this helps if you want to plan an evening walk or catch the moon reflecting over the water.
Lunar Data and Local Observations
You can check moonrise and set times to track visibility, which varies a bit each night. On some evenings, the moon hangs in the sky for hours, while on others it only shows up after midnight.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
| Phase | Visibility | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Moon | Not visible | Darkest skies |
| First Quarter | Half visible | Moderate light |
| Full Moon | Fully visible | Brightest nights |
| Last Quarter | Half visible | Moderate light |
Since Kampot sits near the coast, moonlight often shimmers on the water, making the phases even more dramatic. Even with clouds, you’ll get clear views of the moon on many nights, especially around the full moon.
Access and Weather Monitoring
You can check Kampot’s summer weather through local observation points and regional data sources. These offer up-to-date info on temperature, rainfall, and wind—handy for planning activities or travel.
Weather Stations in Kampot
Kampot only has a handful of local weather stations. These stations record daily stuff like temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
They give you a sense of how the coastal climate flips between the wetter and drier stretches of summer.
Since Kampot sits close to the Gulf of Thailand, sudden changes in rainfall and wind show up in the local readings.
A station near the riverfront usually reports higher humidity and slightly cooler nights than stations farther inland.
You’ll probably see these stations report rainfall totals that go over 300 mm in August. Rain is pretty common that time of year.
They also track wind speeds. Those winds tend to pick up in late summer when the southwest monsoon really kicks in.
These local stations do offer useful data, but they don’t always have the long-term records that bigger regional facilities keep.
Even so, they’re handy for short-term planning. If you want to dodge the heaviest showers, you’ll want to check their updates.
Data from Phnom Penh International Airport
If you want more complete climate records, you’ll probably end up looking at data from Phnom Penh International Airport. It sits about 150 km away from Kampot, which isn’t exactly next door, but it’s one of Cambodia’s main meteorological sites.
This airport station actually keeps some of the most consistent and long-running records in the country.
They measure temperature ranges, rainfall amounts, wind direction, and humidity with pretty high accuracy. That’s useful for getting a sense of the bigger seasonal weather patterns that affect Kampot, especially when the local data feels a bit patchy or limited.
Take summer, for example. The airport usually records average highs between 31°C and 33°C. That lines up pretty well with what you’ll feel in Kampot.
Rainfall’s a bit different though. The airport usually gets less rain than Kampot, mostly because the coast pulls in heavier monsoon showers.
If you compare the airport’s numbers with local station readings, you’ll notice some real differences between Kampot’s coastal climate and the weather farther inland.
It’s a handy way to get a better sense of what’s coming, especially during those wild, rainy summer months.