If you’re planning a trip to Phnom Penh, you’ll want to think about when the weather will actually cooperate. The best time to visit Phnom Penh is from November to March, when the dry season brings cooler temperatures, clear skies, and barely any rain.
During these months, you can wander the city’s landmarks, stroll along the riverside, and catch Cambodia’s cultural festivals without sweating buckets or dodging daily downpours.
Once you move outside that window, the climate changes fast. April and May bring on the heat, while May through October hits you with frequent afternoon rain and high humidity.
These changes shape your experience—whether you’re visiting open-air markets or temples, you’ll feel the difference.
If you understand these weather patterns, you can plan your trip with a lot more confidence. Maybe you want the most comfortable conditions, or maybe you’re chasing deals and don’t mind a little rain.
Knowing how Phnom Penh’s climate works through the year really helps.
Understanding Phnom Penh’s Climate
Phnom Penh sits in a tropical monsoon climate that’s driven by seasonal winds and rainfall. You’ll notice the city flips between dry, hot months and wet, humid ones, but the temperature always stays warm.
These changes will directly affect how comfortable you feel, and what activities make sense.
Tropical Monsoon Climate Overview
Phnom Penh, like a lot of Southeast Asia, sits squarely in a tropical monsoon zone. The city gets two main weather patterns: the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon.
These winds bring either dry or wet conditions, depending on the time of year.
Rainfall doesn’t spread out evenly. Instead, you get several months of heavy showers, then months with barely any rain at all.
This cycle really shapes the city’s daily rhythm.
Humidity? It stays high all year, usually above 70%. That, mixed with the heat, means it often feels hotter than the numbers say.
You’ll want to be ready for sticky weather, especially if you’re not visiting in the cooler months.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Phnom Penh’s climate falls into three main seasons: dry, wet, and hot.
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Dry Season (November–March): Cooler, lower humidity, clear skies.
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Hot Season (April–May): High heat, not much rain.
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Wet Season (May–October): Frequent showers, especially in August and September.
The dry season gives you the best weather for sightseeing. The wet season turns the city green, but afternoon downpours can mess with your plans.
The hot season doesn’t last long, but it’s intense, and you might find yourself hiding indoors during the afternoons.
You can count on these shifts, so it’s easier to plan. River cruises are great in the dry months, and lots of festivals line up with the changing seasons.
Temperature and Humidity Trends
Temperatures in Phnom Penh don’t swing much—usually between 24°C and 35°C (75°F–95°F). December and January bring the coolest days, while April is the real scorcher.
Nights almost never get cold, so you can leave heavy clothes at home.
Humidity tracks with the rain. In the wet season, it often goes over 80%, making the air feel thick. During the dry season, it drops to around 60–65%, which feels much nicer when you’re out and about.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Season | Avg. Temp | Humidity | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (Nov–Mar) | 25–30°C | 60–65% | Very low |
| Hot (Apr–May) | 30–35°C | 70–75% | Light showers |
| Wet (Jun–Oct) | 26–32°C | 75–85% | Heavy, frequent |
These patterns make it easier to pick the right time to visit, depending on what you want—comfort, budget, or certain activities.
Phnom Penh Weather by Season
Phnom Penh’s tropical monsoon climate brings clear seasonal differences. You’ll see a dry period with cooler, comfortable days, a wet stretch with heavy rain and humidity, and a couple of months in between where things shift.
Knowing these patterns helps you pick the best time for your trip.
Dry Season (November to April)
Most people visit Phnom Penh during the dry season. From November to February, daytime temperatures usually sit between 24°C and 30°C (75°F–86°F), and the air feels less muggy.
Skies stay mostly clear, and rain rarely interrupts your plans, so you can easily check out outdoor spots like the Royal Palace or the riverside.
By March and April, things heat up. Temperatures can hit 35°C (95°F) or higher, and the air gets drier.
Walking tours get tougher, but you can still manage with sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water.
This season brings reliable weather for sightseeing, taking photos, and river cruises. It’s also the busiest time, so you’ll notice higher hotel prices and more crowds.
Wet Season (May to October)
When the wet season rolls in, heavy rain hits, especially from August to September. Showers usually show up in the afternoon or evening, so mornings often stay clear.
Average temperatures stick between 26°C and 32°C (79°F–90°F), but the humidity cranks up.
Even with the rain, there are upsides. The countryside turns bright green, and you’ll run into fewer tourists. Hotels and tours often cost less, so it’s a good time if you’re watching your budget.
Sometimes, flooding messes with road travel. If you visit now, pack quick-drying clothes, waterproof gear, and bug spray to stay comfortable.
Transition Months and Shoulder Seasons
April, May, and November act as transition months. April and May mark the move from dry to wet, with average highs around 33°C (91°F) and humidity climbing.
It’s one of the hottest times of year, so indoor attractions like museums start to look pretty good.
November signals the end of the wet stretch. Rain lets up, humidity drops, and daily temps average 25°C to 31°C (77°F–88°F).
This makes November a great month to start doing things outside again.
Shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds and decent prices. If you don’t mind a bit of heat or the chance of rain, you’ll get a nice balance visiting Phnom Penh during these months.
Monthly Weather Breakdown
Phnom Penh’s two main seasons—dry with cooler months early in the year, then a long wet stretch—really define the weather.
Temperatures stay high, but rain and humidity change a lot from month to month.
December to February: Cool and Comfortable
You’ll get the nicest weather in Phnom Penh during these months. Daytime highs usually reach 29–32°C (84–90°F), and nights cool off to about 22–24°C (72–75°F).
Humidity drops compared to other times, so outdoor activities feel easier.
Rain barely shows up—often less than 20 mm per month—so you probably won’t need to worry about storms. Skies stay clear, and you’ll get about 7–8 hours of sun each day.
Tourism peaks now. You can walk around the Royal Palace, hit the markets, or take a river cruise without sweating through your shirt or running for cover.
If you want reliable sightseeing weather, this is the sweet spot.
March to May: Hot and Dry
Once March arrives, the temperature jumps. Daily highs often reach 35–37°C (95–99°F), and April is usually the hottest.
Nights stay warm, around 26–28°C (79–82°F), so you won’t get much relief after sunset.
Rain stays low in March and April, but humidity starts to creep up. By May, you’ll see more showers as the wet season approaches.
You’ll still get plenty of sun—8–9 hours per day—but the heat can be brutal, especially in the afternoon.
If you’re visiting now, plan indoor stuff for midday. Early mornings and evenings work better for temples or riverside walks.
Drink water and find shade when you can.
June to October: Rainy and Humid
This is the wettest time of year. Rain peaks in September with 200–250 mm, usually falling in heavy afternoon or evening bursts.
You can expect 15–20 rainy days each month during the peak.
Temperatures stay high—daytime averages around 31–33°C (88–91°F), nights near 24–26°C (75–79°F). Humidity climbs past 80%, making things feel sticky.
Sunshine drops to about 4–5 hours a day, especially in September.
You’ll need to stay flexible if you travel now. Roads might flood, but mornings are often dry enough for sightseeing.
The landscape turns lush, and you’ll find fewer tourists, so cultural sites feel a bit more peaceful.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh for Outdoor Activities
Cool, dry months give you the best shot at exploring Phnom Penh on foot or by boat. Warm, sunny days with little rain make it easier to enjoy the city’s sights, riverfront, and open-air spaces without dodging showers or sweating through your clothes.
Sightseeing and City Tours
If you’re planning city tours, aim for December to February. Temperatures usually stay between 24°C and 30°C, and humidity is low.
Walking around Phnom Penh feels much easier and less exhausting.
You can check out Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda without worrying about sudden downpours.
Streets stay dry, so it’s easy to move between attractions and markets.
The air is clearer, so photos turn out better. You’ll get great light for snapping French colonial buildings, temples, and the busy riverside.
If you spend a lot of time outside, bring light clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. The midday sun still packs a punch, even in the cooler months.
River Cruises and Outdoor Markets
The Tonlé Sap River and Mekong River look their best from November to March. Skies stay mostly clear, and rain is rare.
River cruises at sunset are especially nice, with calm water and comfortable breezes.
Outdoor markets like the Central Market and Russian Market are easier to explore when it’s dry. During the rainy season, narrow aisles can get slippery, but in the dry months, you can take your time browsing.
Cooler evenings in December and January make riverside dinners and night markets more fun. Food stalls and open-air cafés stay busy, but it’s rarely overwhelming.
For the best time, go to markets or take cruises in the morning or late afternoon. Even in the dry season, midday can get hot.
Festivals and Events Influenced by Weather
Phnom Penh’s weather patterns shape when big festivals happen and how you’ll experience them. Cooler months bring big outdoor events, while the hotter or wetter months slow things down or change the vibe.
Water Festival and River Celebrations
The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) stands as one of Cambodia’s biggest events, happening in November. It marks the Tonlé Sap River’s flow reversal.
This lines up with the end of the rainy season, when water levels are high and steady—perfect for boat races and riverfront festivities.
You’ll spot decorated boats, racing crews, and fireworks along the riverside near the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
Cooler, drier weather makes it easier to join the crowds without feeling overwhelmed by heat or rain.
Expect big turnouts, so book your place to stay and transport early. If you’re into photography, clear skies and softer light make for great festival shots.
Khmer New Year and Cultural Events
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) rolls around in mid-April, right when the heat really cranks up. We’re talking temperatures soaring past 33°C, so locals tweak the celebrations with water games and rituals that help everyone cool off.
You’ll probably spot people gathering at temples, especially those close to Phnom Penh’s city center, for blessings and ceremonies. Meanwhile, younger folks take to the streets for lively water fights that spill into public spaces.
Most of the action happens in the mornings and evenings, since afternoons get almost unbearably hot. If you’re thinking of joining, wear light clothes and just plan on getting soaked. The festival feels both cultural and practical, honestly, since all that water play makes the April heat a little more bearable.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony usually pops up in May and marks the start of the rice-planting season. Organizers set up the event near the Royal Palace grounds, with sacred oxen leading the symbolic plowing.
This ceremony lines up with the shift from the hot season to the rainy one. Farmers pay close attention to what the oxen eat during the ritual, hoping to predict how the crops will do that year.
The weather stays hot and humid, and you might get caught in an early shower. Bring sun protection and maybe a rain jacket, just in case. While the crowds aren’t as intense as at the Water Festival, this event gives you a closer peek at Cambodia’s agricultural roots, which are so tied to the changing seasons.
Travel Tips for Each Season
If you’re planning a trip to Phnom Penh, the weather really decides what you’ll pack, how much you’ll spend, and how you’ll keep yourself comfortable. Dry months feel totally different from the wet ones, so it makes sense to prep for each scenario.
Packing Essentials for Dry and Wet Seasons
During the dry season (November–April), you’ll face strong sun and warm days. Pack lightweight cotton or linen clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of high-SPF sunscreen. You’ll want comfortable shoes for wandering around Phnom Penh’s temples, markets, and the riverfront. Toss in a light jacket for those chilly air-conditioned spots.
When the wet season (May–October) arrives, you get frequent downpours and sticky humidity. Quick-dry outfits, sandals that won’t stay soggy, and a compact umbrella come in handy. Protect your electronics with a waterproof bag or phone case. It’s smart to carry insect repellent too, since mosquitoes love the rain.
A reusable water bottle helps year-round, because staying hydrated really matters in Cambodia’s tropical weather.
Budget and Crowds Considerations
The dry season pulls in the most visitors, especially between December and February. Hotels and flights get pricey, and places like the Royal Palace or riverside markets feel packed. Booking ahead usually helps you snag better deals during this busy stretch.
During the wet season, you’ll notice fewer tourists. You can often score discounts of 30–50% on places to stay and tours. Flights drop in price too. Some rural roads might flood, but Phnom Penh itself stays pretty accessible, and the smaller crowds make sightseeing way more chill.
The shoulder months—April and November—fall somewhere in between. Prices aren’t sky-high, and you dodge both the worst rains and the biggest tourist rush. If you want to save a bit without dealing with big weather hassles, these months are a solid bet.
Health and Safety Tips
In the dry season, you’ll mostly deal with heat and dehydration. Bring water, slap on some sunscreen, and try to rest in the shade or somewhere with air conditioning. If you have any breathing issues, a light mask might help since dust and air pollution can get pretty bad.
The wet season brings its own set of problems, like flooding and a higher risk of waterborne illnesses. Drink only bottled or filtered water. Don’t walk through floodwater if you can avoid it.
Mosquitoes seem to love the wet season, and illnesses like dengue pop up more often. Use repellent, and maybe throw on some long sleeves when the sun goes down.
When heavy rain hits, traffic in Phnom Penh gets a bit wild. Give yourself extra time to get around.
Keep an eye on local weather updates—they’re actually pretty helpful for changing your plans on the fly.