Weather in Phnom Penh: All You Need to Know Before You Travel

If you're about to embark on a trip to the capital of Cambodia, understanding its weather patterns is essential to ensure a perfect journey. In the blog post below, we will provide you with all the essential information regarding the weather in Phnom Penh, month by month, so that you can arrange your upcoming trip to this amazing city properly.

What is the weather like in Phnom Penh?

What is the Weather Like in Phnom Penh?

The weather in Phnom Penh is warm and humid most of the year, with average temperatures of 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The dry season and the wet season are the two main seasons of the Cambodia capital city.

The dry season in Phnom Penh extends from November to April, characterized by plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall. Owing to the abundant sunshine and comfortably warm temperatures, the dry season in Phnom Penh is ideal for engaging in outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the city's landmarks. December and January are particularly pleasant, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels.

From May to October, Phnom Penh transitions into the wet season, featuring heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Throughout the rainy season, the daytime temperatures in Phnom Penh typically range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. The first several months of the rainy season, particularly from May to July, are still extremely hot and dry dotted with sporadic brief downpours of rain. The rain tends to become more consistent and heavy in the latter months (late July to September), especially in rural and coastal areas.

The weather in Phnom Penh is warm and humid most of the year

The Best Time To Visit Phnom Penh

The best time to visit Phnom Penh is from November through February. With low rainfall and average temperatures of about 25°C (77°F), this is the perfect time of year for outdoor activities and visiting some well-known attractions in the city. March through May may be quite hot, with the temperature reaching 40°C (104°F). June through October experiences rains most of the time, with regular downpours and sporadic floods. However, visiting Phnom Penh during the rainy season has its benefits because there are fewer visitors and the scenery is more verdant.

The Hottest Month and Wettest Month in Phnom Penh

The hottest month in Phnom Penh is April, with an average maximum temperature of 37°C. Visitors to Phnom Penh in April may experience the scorching hot weather, so prepare well before going out to avoid heat shock.

On the other hand, September is considered the wettest month in Phnom Penh. This month receives the highest rainfall in Phnom Penh, with an average of 252 mm. If you’re planning a trip during this month, expect frequent showers.

Phnom Penh Weather In Each Month

January

In January, Phnom Penh experiences a mild and dry climate.

• Average daytime temperature: Around 31°C (88°F)
• Average nighttime temperature: Approximately 21°C (70°F)

The weather in Phnom Penh during January is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for visitors to participate in various outdoor activities with sunshine and clear skies. Additionally, January is also suitable to explore the city's rich history in the Royal Palace or take a sunset cruise along the Mekong River.

Phnom Penh weather in January

February

In February, Phnom Penh experiences hot and dry weather. The average daytime temperature ranges from 24°C (75°F) to 35°C (95°F). While there may be a few rainy days, the weather is generally comfortable and dry in February.

In February, travelers may engage in various activities, including: 

• Visit the Royal Palace
• Climb to Wat Phnom Daun Penh
• Stroll through the central market
• Discover the National Museum
• Visit Independence Monument
• Wander around Sisowath Riverside Park

March

In March, Phnom Penh experiences the tail end of the dry season when visitors enjoy their exploration and outdoor activities in the delightful weather conditions. During this time, the temperatures average around 30°C (86°F), with relatively low humidity compared to the wet season. Visitors to Phnom Penh in March can take advantage of the pleasant weather to explore the city's rich cultural heritage.

April

During April, the average temperatures in Phnom Penh are typically around 26°C to 37°C. However, as the wet season approaches, the humidity may increase.

April marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon, which brings occasional rain showers and thunderstorms to the region. While days may still be sunny and pleasant, especially in the earlier part of the month, it's common to experience sudden downpours, particularly towards the end of April. These showers partly decrease the heat and contribute to the lush greenery that characterizes Cambodia's landscape.

Phnom Penh weather in April

May

In May, Phnom Penh experiences the full onset of the wet season, characterized by increased rainfall and humidity compared to the preceding months. During this time, the weather in Phnom Penh tends to be warm and humid, with temperatures typically ranging from around 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F). May sees frequent rainfall, often in the form of short, intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms.

June

In June, Phnom Penh continues to experience the wet season, with rainfall and humidity remaining prominent features of the weather. The temperatures typically range from around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F), making the weather pleasant throughout the month.

Rainfall in Phnom Penh during June tends to be frequent and can come in the form of short, intense showers or prolonged downpours. These showers often occur in the afternoons or evenings, refreshing the city and contributing to the lush greenery that characterizes the region.

Phnom Penh weather in June

July 

In July, the weather remains warm, with temperatures typically ranging from around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Rainfall in Phnom Penh during July is often heavy and occurs regularly throughout the month. Thanks to intense rain showers, the city is covered in greenery landscapes and becomes attractive.

August 

Rainfall continues in August, though it may become less frequent towards the end of the month. Visitors should take advantage of breaks in the rain to explore Phnom Penh's iconic landmarks, such as the Silver Pagoda or the Killing Fields memorial.

September 

In September, Phnom Penh transitions from the wet season into the dry season. The rainfall and humidity levels begin to decrease gradually, with the temperatures typically ranging from around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) in September. However, occasional rain showers may still occur, particularly in the early month.

October 

In October, Phnom Penh is characterized by the warm and humid weather. The average temperature during daytime in October is a maximum of 31°C (87°F) and may drop to 24°C (75°F) at night. So, it’s pleasantly warm but not too hot.

If you’re planning a trip to Phnom Penh in October, make sure to stay hydrated and be prepared for occasional rain!

Phnom Penh weather in October

November

The weather in Phnom Penh in November is very hot. The average temperature during a typical day is 33°C. Additionally, there is occasional rain in November, from 03 to 08 days of rain during this month.

December

December offers some of the most pleasant weather in Phnom Penh, with mild temperatures and low humidity levels. It's an ideal time for outdoor sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs at local markets, and enjoying festive celebrations leading up to the New Year.

Understanding the patterns of Phnom Penh's weather year-round is essential for planning a successful trip to this dynamic city. Whether you prefer the sunny days of the dry season or the lush green landscapes of the wet season, Phnom Penh promises unique experiences for visitors throughout the year. There is no shortage of amazing destinations in Cambodia for exploration, so let's apply for a Cambodia e-visa today and get ready to set foot in this Southeast Asian country!