Kampot’s charm isn’t just about its riverside setting or colonial-era buildings. The weather really shapes your experience here. The best time to visit Kampot, Cambodia, is during the cool and dry season from November to March, when temperatures feel comfortable and rain rarely interrupts your plans. You’ll have the best shot at enjoying outdoor adventures with barely any heavy showers getting in the way.
The town really comes alive during these months. You’ll see clear skies above Bokor Mountain, calm river scenes, and easy access to pepper farms and national parks nearby.
Once you step outside this window, the weather changes fast. The rainy season brings its own mix—lush green scenery and fewer crowds, but also some travel hassles.
Knowing how the climate shifts through the year does more than help you pack. It lets you pick whether you want the buzz of peak season, the peace of shoulder months, or the wild drama of the monsoon.
Let’s walk through Kampot’s weather, seasonal activities, and a few practical tips so you can pick the timing that matches your style.
Overview of Kampot’s Climate
Kampot sits in southern Cambodia, and the weather here is warm and humid all year. You’ll notice steady temperatures, a clear split between wet and dry seasons, and high humidity that can really shape your comfort and travel plans.
Tropical Monsoon Characteristics
Kampot falls under a tropical monsoon climate (Am on the Köppen scale). Basically, the region gets heavy rain for about half the year, then dries out for the rest.
The rainy season runs from May through October. September usually brings the most rain. Most afternoons, you’ll get downpours, and sometimes flooding hits the low-lying spots. Roads can turn muddy, so outdoor activities take a hit.
The dry season runs from November to April. Rain drops off sharply, skies clear, and you get much better conditions for sightseeing, hiking, or river trips. Even with less rain, humidity sticks around, so expect things to stay warm and sticky.
Rainfall patterns shape Kampot’s weather more than temperature does. If you’re planning a trip, keep an eye on the rain forecast.
Temperature Patterns Throughout the Year
Temperatures in Kampot don’t change much. Daytime highs usually sit between 30°C and 32°C (86°F to 90°F). Nights cool off a bit, averaging 23°C to 26°C (73°F to 79°F).
March and April are the hottest months, with highs near 32°C. The humidity makes it feel even hotter, especially around midday.
December and January are the coolest, with highs closer to 30°C and nights that feel a bit fresher. The difference isn’t huge, but mornings and evenings can be noticeably more pleasant.
You don’t have to worry about extreme heat or cold here. What really matters is how the heat, humidity, and rain mix together.
Humidity and Weather Consistency
Humidity in Kampot stays high all year, usually between 70% and 85%. The air feels muggy, especially during the rainy season when clouds and evaporation trap moisture.
In the wettest months, everything feels heavy and drying your clothes can take forever. You’ll also see less sunshine—September might only bring 5 hours of daylight, while January can give you 9 hours.
During the dry season, humidity is still there but feels less intense thanks to clearer skies and breezes from the coast. Outdoor activities become more pleasant, even if it’s still pretty warm.
Since the weather stays so steady, you can count on warmth and humidity any time. What really changes is the balance of rain, sunshine, and how comfortable you’ll feel each day.
Dry Season: Optimal Months to Visit
The dry season in Kampot brings lots of sunshine, lower humidity, and comfortable temperatures that make being outdoors much easier. You’ll find clear skies, reliable travel conditions, and a climate that really supports both sightseeing and chilling out.
Weather Conditions from November to April
From November to April, Kampot hits its dry season stride. Temperatures usually land between 24°C and 32°C (75°F–90°F), with January and February on the cooler side. Rain is rare, and humidity drops a bit compared to the wet months.
Skies mostly stay clear, so you’ll get long daylight hours for exploring. Evenings cool down, especially in December and January, making it nicer to walk around or grab dinner by the river.
The dry season keeps the weather pretty predictable. You can plan day trips, river cruises, or hiking without worrying too much about surprise storms.
Advantages of Visiting During the Dry Season
Traveling in the dry season gives you a lot more flexibility. Roads and paths are easier to use, especially in rural areas that get muddy or flooded during the rains. Getting between Kampot, pepper farms, and other sights is simple.
Tourist services run at full speed during these months. Guesthouses, boat tours, and guides are more reliable since rain rarely messes with their schedules.
Air quality improves too. With less humidity and reduced rainfall, the air feels fresher and views are clearer. You’ll really notice this on Bokor Mountain or by the Preaek Tuek Chhu River.
Recommended Outdoor Activities
The dry season is perfect for outdoor fun in Kampot. Take a river cruise on the Preaek Tuek Chhu—the waters are calm, and skies are usually blue. Cycling through the countryside is popular since the roads stay dry.
Love hiking? Bokor National Park has some great trails with scenic views, waterfalls, and cooler air higher up. Lower humidity makes longer walks easier.
Visiting pepper plantations is a highlight. The fields are easy to reach, and you won’t have to slog through mud. Beaches near Kep are also better during this time, with rare rain and more sunshine.
Wet Season: What to Expect
Kampot’s wet season brings heavy rainfall, higher humidity, and lots of cloudy days. The upside? The landscape turns a deep green, though travel and outdoor plans can get tricky. If you understand the rainfall cycle, how the monsoon shapes daily life, and how to prepare, you’ll have a smoother trip.
Rainfall Patterns from May to October
Kampot’s wet season usually starts in May and runs through October. The southwest monsoon brings in moisture from the Gulf of Thailand, leading to regular showers and storms.
July to September see the heaviest rain, with storms that sometimes last for hours. Still, you’ll catch sunny breaks on many days.
Humidity often jumps above 80%, making the air feel warmer than it is. Daytime highs hover around 29–31°C (84–88°F), and the nights stay warm and damp.
Rain doesn’t fall evenly. Early in the season, you’ll get short showers, but the later months can bring longer, heavier downpours. This rhythm really shapes life in Kampot.
Monsoon Impacts on Travel
The monsoon affects daily life and how you travel. Rural roads can get muddy or flood, making trips to pepper farms, Bokor National Park, or the coast more challenging.
After heavy storms, river levels rise fast. Boat trips might get canceled or delayed, and riverbanks can turn slippery.
Some small guesthouses and restaurants might cut hours or close for a bit when visitors are few. On the plus side, the streets feel quieter, which can be a nice change.
Outdoor stuff like hiking or cycling gets unpredictable. Trails can be slippery, and fog or rain can hide the mountain views. If you want to explore nature, keep your plans flexible.
Travel Tips for the Rainy Months
Pack light, quick-drying clothes and a solid rain jacket. Waterproof shoes come in handy if you’re heading out of town.
Keep your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags, especially if you’re using boats or motorbikes. Power outages aren’t common, but they can happen during big storms, so a flashlight is a smart addition.
Try sightseeing in the mornings, since showers are less likely then. Save afternoons for indoor spots like markets or cafes.
If you’re into photography, this season gives you dramatic skies and vibrant green scenery. Just be careful with your gear in the wet.
Expect slower travel times. Whether you’re moving around town or heading into the countryside, leave yourself extra time for weather delays.
Monthly Breakdown of Weather in Kampot
Kampot stays hot all year, but rain and sunshine hours swing a lot between the dry and wet months. You’ll find steady warmth, a clear dry season, and a heavy monsoon that changes how much you’ll want to be outside.
Temperature and Rainfall by Month
Highs in Kampot usually sit between 30°C and 32°C (86°F–90°F). April feels the hottest, hitting around 32°C, while January and December are a bit cooler at 30°C. Nights stay warm, only dropping to 23–26°C.
Rainfall changes the most through the year. The dry season is from December to April, and February is the driest, with about 33 mm of rain over just a few days.
The wet season starts in May and runs to October. September is the wettest month, with about 300 mm of rain across 20 or more days. You’ll get frequent downpours, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 23 | 40 |
| Apr | 32 | 26 | 100 |
| Sep | 31 | 25 | 300 |
| Dec | 30 | 23 | 50 |
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Kampot’s daylight hours don’t change much—about 11.5 to 12.6 hours per day. What really matters is how much actual sunshine you get, which swings with the seasons.
In January and February, you’ll see about 8–9 hours of sunshine daily. That makes it easy to plan outdoor activities. In September, clouds and rain cut that down to about 5 hours per day.
This difference really impacts how much time you’ll want to spend outside. During the rainy season, mornings are often clearer before the afternoon storms hit. In the dry months, skies are bright most of the day, with less humidity and better visibility.
Sea Temperature Variations
The Gulf of Thailand keeps Kampot’s sea warm all year. Water temperatures range from 28.5°C (83°F) early in the year to about 30.5°C (87°F) in late summer.
These steady temps mean you can swim or try water activities anytime. The sea feels warmest from May to September, which is also the rainy season.
If you want calmer seas and less rain, January through March offer slightly cooler but still pleasant water. These months are great for boat trips, river cruises, and coastal visits without the frequent storms.
Seasonal Activities and Events
Weather in Kampot shapes how you get outside, enjoy the rivers and coast, and experience local traditions. Dry months open up more hiking and sightseeing, while the rainy season brings farming festivals and community gatherings.
Best Times for Nature and Adventure
If you want comfortable weather for hiking and exploring Bokor Mountain, go between November and March. The air feels cooler, and you’ll get less rain, so trails are safer and the views actually pop.
National parks around Kampot really come alive during this dry season. Animals gather near water sources, so you’ll spot wildlife more easily.
Roads to rural caves and pepper plantations stay open, letting you mix sightseeing with a quick trek.
If you show up in the wet season, get ready for muddy trails and thick fog. Long hikes might not sound appealing, but wow, the waterfalls roar and the forests turn a rich, deep green.
It’s a photographer’s dream, honestly, but you’ll want sturdy shoes and a rain jacket.
Beach and River Activities
Kampot sits by the river and isn’t far from the Gulf of Thailand, so you’ve got plenty of water activities to try. From November to April, the dry season brings calm water and clear skies—perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a lazy boat cruise down the Kampot River.
During these months, you can easily hop over to Kep for a beach day. The sea stays warm, usually between 27°C and 30°C, so swimming feels great.
Sunset boat rides are a big hit too, since the sky tends to be clearer.
When the rainy season rolls in, the river gets rougher and the weather’s more unpredictable. That means fewer long boat trips, but if fishing’s your thing, river levels rise and the fish get more active.
Local Festivals Influenced by Weather
Kampot’s festivals usually line up with Cambodia’s agricultural and religious calendar, which depends a lot on the weather. Khmer New Year in April lands at the end of the dry season, so travel’s easier and outdoor parties are everywhere.
The Water Festival in November celebrates the Tonle Sap River’s reversal and kicks off the cooler dry season. In Kampot, expect boat races and riverside crowds, all thanks to steady water conditions.
During the rainy months, you’ll find smaller village events focused on rice planting and harvest. They might not be huge, but these gatherings let you get a real glimpse of local life and traditions.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
If you’re heading to Kampot, you’ll need to plan for the tropical climate, shifting seasons, and changing crowds. Think about what to pack, how to stay healthy in the humidity, and when to book your place to stay.
Packing Recommendations for Kampot’s Climate
Kampot has two main seasons—a dry season from November to March, and a rainy season from May to September. Temperatures sit between 23°C and 32°C most of the time, so go for light clothes.
Pack breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. You’ll want a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection, especially around midday.
When it’s rainy, bring a light rain jacket or a small umbrella. Waterproof sandals or shoes that dry fast are smart, since streets can flood pretty quickly.
Mosquitoes love humid spots, so grab repellent with DEET and maybe some long sleeves for evenings. If you’re hiking Bokor National Park, add sturdy shoes and a light sweater, since it cools off up there.
A small daypack comes in handy for water, snacks, and anything else you might need while you’re out exploring the countryside or river.
Health and Safety Considerations
Kampot’s heat and humidity can dehydrate you fast. Keep a reusable water bottle and drink often, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Electrolyte packets are a good idea to replace what you sweat out.
Food’s usually safe in tourist spots, but stick with freshly cooked meals and skip the tap water. Bottled or filtered water is easy to find.
Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue do show up in Cambodia. Use repellent, sleep under a mosquito net if there’s one, and cover up at dusk and dawn.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, watch out for slippery trails during the rainy season. The right shoes help you avoid a nasty fall.
Travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation is a really good idea, since rural clinics can’t always match what you’d find in Phnom Penh.
Booking Accommodation According to Season
Kampot’s tourism really moves with the weather. The peak season runs from November to March, when things are cooler and drier, and suddenly everyone wants a spot in the hotels, guesthouses, or those riverside bungalows. If you want a place you actually like, you’ll want to book early—prices and availability can get wild.
In April and October, you’ll notice fewer visitors around. That means you might score some discounts or find booking a bit easier. The weather’s still mostly manageable, though April can get pretty hot, and October sometimes hangs onto the last bits of rain.
From May to September, rain comes down hard and tourist numbers drop. A few smaller lodges might just close up for a bit, but the ones that stick it out usually offer much lower rates. If you don’t mind getting wet, you can get some great deals during this stretch.
Thinking of staying longer? Look at guesthouses with kitchens or maybe a homestay near a pepper farm for a quieter vibe. Riverside spots are nice, but it’s smart to double-check if they flood during the wet season before you book.