Weather in Cambodia: What Are The Seasonal Indications

Cambodia is a tropical nation, slightly above the equator. The weather in Cambodia is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 35 °C (69.8 to 95 °F). There is no hard winter, and there is no winter at all. Bring a sweater regardless because many buses, workplaces, and stores maintain the air conditioning on full blast.

1. What is the weather like in Cambodia?

How is the weather in Cambodia?

Cambodia's temperatures are very consistent throughout the year, with a distinct rainy and dry season. In general, the North has significantly cooler winters (dry seasons) than the South.

The dry season is by far the most popular time to visit, as rains normally occur in the late afternoon and last only a few minutes before passing over. During the wet season, however, rainfall may be consistent and intense, with August and September providing the majority of the country's monsoon rains. That shouldn't deter you, either, because the Angkor temples and terraced rice fields appear best after rain and without the haze of the dry season. Furthermore, the wet season is often much quieter.

The weather in Cambodia 

2. Weather by seasons in Cambodia

How many seasons are there in Cambodia?

The weather in Cambodia is divided into 4 seasons of the year:

• Summer (June-August) is hot and humid.
• Autumn (September-November) is chilly and rainy
• Cool and dry in the winter (November-February).
• Hot and dry in the spring (March-May).

Remember that the difference between hot and cool is only a few of degrees, so while 'cool' may not seem like beach weather, it still averages approximately 30°C (88°F).

When is the wet season in Cambodia?

Cambodia’s wet season is characterized by rain, and it can rain daily at the peak of the wet season, which lasts from July through September. Rainy days tend to feature a few hours of heavy rain rather than all-day downpours. Aside from being soaked, the primary downside of traveling in Cambodia during the wet season is flooding and poor road conditions. The majority of Cambodian roads are dirt, and during the wet season, they deteriorate into highly rutted and pot-holed mud pools.

Traveling in rural areas, notably in the country's north and northeast, may be extremely sluggish. You will still be able to travel almost anywhere; it will simply take longer.

Bridges being out is a secondary concern, although this is becoming less of an issue as bridgework quality improves. Cambodia's main highways, which connect Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Battambang to Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, are all-weather and significantly less problematic than unsealed roads.

The wet season in Cambodia is characterized by rain 

When is the monsoon season in Cambodia?

On the upside, monsoonal Cambodia can be a beautiful country to travel to. The dust is all gone -- turned to mud, unfortunately -- and the lush greenery of the country returns. Angkor Wat, in particular, can be stunning in the wet season, the birdlife is far more obvious, and the ruins have a special appearance and feel.

Observing Angkor Wat with a lightning storm as a backdrop is an electrifying experience (couldn't resist!). Far fewer travelers are in-country, too, so if you prefer to dodge the crowds, the monsoon can be a good time to visit.

When is the cool dry season in Cambodia?

The dry season in Cambodia lasts from October to April.

While November and January are relatively chilly by April, tourists flock to the region between November and January to take advantage of the absence of rain and relatively cool.

As the land dries up, dangerously rutted roads are graded, and journey times improve substantially, although at the expense of being extremely dusty. Cambodia's beach strips at Kep, Sihanoukville, and Ko Kong bask in dazzling sunshine and clean, quiet waters throughout the dry season; if you're a beach bum, this is the season for you.

3. When is the best time to visit Cambodia weather-wise?

Why should you visit Cambodia during the rainy season (monsoonal season)?

Here we go through 5 reasons why travelers should come to Cambodia during the monsoon season of the year:

• Beautiful sightseeing

Cambodia's rainy season is charming, with roadways lined with yellow rumdul, the country's national flower. Flowers in yellow grow around the hillsides, enticing travelers to pause and capture the moment. This is especially true with natural tourism sites. Every landscape is painted in a nostalgic tint, emphasizing the historical beauty.

The charm of the countryside will wow you after the rain. The sun streams brilliantly through the tree arches and into the green grounds. The sky is blue, deep, and expansive. Birds sing joyously as they dance on the branches of starfruit trees as if welcoming the sky and earth to change color.

An ideal time to visit Cambodia is during the monsoon season

• Fewer visitors

This is a rare opportunity to appreciate anything that isn't overly loud and hectic. You will no longer have to rush to buy tickets or stand in line to snap photographs. It's pointless to be concerned about running out of rooms!

• Angkor Wat has been demolished

The discovery of the Angkor Wat temples must be the highlight of every Cambodia tour. From July through October, this province will enjoy the rainy season. That is also when there are the fewest tourists in the region since everyone is afraid of rain. Going out without knowing where to check in or engage in outdoor activities is difficult.

However, on wet days in this city, you may feel the chill. The fog blanketed the path through the pine trees, making the environment more romantic and mysterious. Because of the unexpected downpours, the air is cleaner during the day, and the beautiful weather in the evening offers ideal conditions for exploring additional sights.

• Plenty of things to do during the monsoon season

While rain might ruin a vacation elsewhere, life continues as usual in the monsoonal tropics. You may go shopping at markets, boutiques, galleries, and museums, take a cooking lesson or another type of class, relax at a spa, eat and drink at Cambodia's hip cafés, restaurants, and pubs, see a play, traditional entertainment, or movie, and even spend time at the circus.

• Cost-cutting measures

Flights to Cambodia are less expensive because it is off-season and fewer people are there. (This also means that aircraft are emptying out, which means you may have some open seats to stretch out on, and immigration lines at the airport are moving faster.)

Best of all, hotel rates are significantly lower during the low season than during the busy season. That means you may stay in fancy hotels at a reasonable price. Because restaurants, cafés, and bars are quieter, there are more meal and drink specials available, as well as longer happy hours. Shopkeepers will hold sales and discount stock, but market sellers will decrease prices quicker when you negotiate.

Don't miss: Best time to visit Cambodia

4. Quick tips to learn about the weather in Cambodia

What is the hottest month in Cambodia?

Cambodia heats up steadily from February to April, with temperatures peaking as high as 40°C in April. Temperatures remain high in May and June, and the southwest monsoon brings in more humidity and some very sticky days!

The hottest month in Cambodia 

What is the coldest day in Cambodia?

The coldest day in these 70 years was reported by the Phnom Penh Airp weather station. Here the temperature dropped to 15.3 °C in January 2014. Phnom Penh Airp lies at an altitude of ten meters above sea level. The coldest winter (January to March) was in 1962, with an average temperature of 24.5 °C.

In general, the terrain and features of each area of Cambodia are heavily influenced by the weather conditions throughout the year. Visitors will have a better understanding of the areas they want to visit if the weather cooperates. 

We hope that the fundamental characteristics of the weather in Cambodia provided in this article will assist you in obtaining more helpful information for organizing your trip. If you can deal with weather issues ahead of time, your trip will be much more enjoyable.

Furthermore, weather shock might pose a number of health hazards. So, make sure you've also prepared yourself with travel insurance so you can have your finest time in a distant nation with confidence! Contact Cambodia Immigration Services right away for more information on travel insurance and our lightning-fast e-Visa service.