Cambodia Weather & Climate Guide
Cambodia has two distinct seasons—hot and dry (November–April) and hot and wet (May–October). Understanding the monthly patterns helps you pack right, choose the best time, and enjoy every day regardless of when you visit.
Current Conditions
Live weather data for Cambodia's major cities, updated every 30 minutes.
What is the best month to visit Cambodia for weather?
November to February offers the best overall weather, with temperatures around 25-32°C, minimal rain, and comfortable humidity. March-May is the hottest period (35-38°C), while the rainy season (May-October) brings short, heavy afternoon downpours but lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Best weather: November-February (25-32°C, minimal rain)
- Hottest period: March-May (35-38°C, high humidity)
- Rainy season (May-October): short afternoon downpours, lush landscapes
- Cambodia does not get typhoons — shielded by Vietnam
Overview
Cambodia sits in the tropics just north of the equator, giving it a consistently warm climate year-round. There's no "cold" season—even the coolest months (December–January) see daytime temperatures of 30°C+. The real question isn't "warm or cold?" but "dry or rainy?"
Month-by-Month Weather Data
| Month | Temp | Rain | Humidity | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24–32°C | 10mm | 60% | 🔴 High | Peak season. Cool, dry, perfect weather. Book ahead. |
| February | 25–33°C | 10mm | 60% | 🔴 High | Excellent weather continues. Great for temples. |
| March | 26–35°C | 40mm | 65% | 🟡 Medium | Getting hot. Still dry. Fewer tourists. |
| April | 27–36°C | 75mm | 70% | 🟡 Medium | Hottest month. Khmer New Year (Apr 14-16). Short showers begin. |
| May | 26–34°C | 150mm | 75% | 🟢 Low | Rainy season starts. Afternoon showers. Green landscapes. |
| June | 26–33°C | 160mm | 80% | 🟢 Low | Regular afternoon rain. Lower prices. Lush scenery. |
| July | 26–33°C | 170mm | 80% | 🟢 Low | Wet season established. Budget-friendly. Some roads flood. |
| August | 26–33°C | 180mm | 82% | 🟢 Low | Heaviest rain. Tonle Sap rising. Cheapest accommodation. |
| September | 26–32°C | 250mm | 85% | 🟢 Low | Wettest month. Pchum Ben festival. Rural roads challenging. |
| October | 25–32°C | 250mm | 83% | 🟢 Low | Rain decreasing. Water Festival (Nov). Tonle Sap at its highest. |
| November | 24–31°C | 130mm | 75% | 🟡 Medium | Season turning. Water Festival. Beautiful light for photography. |
| December | 24–31°C | 45mm | 65% | 🔴 High | Dry season begins. Cool evenings. Holiday tourism surge. |
Seasons Explained
Dry Season (November – April)
- Cool dry (Nov–Feb): The best weather. Temperatures 24–32°C, low humidity, virtually no rain. Peak tourist season with highest prices
- Hot dry (Mar–Apr): Temperatures soar to 35–38°C. Brutally hot midday. Smoke from agricultural burning can reduce visibility. Khmer New Year (April) is festive but hot
Wet Season (May – October)
- Early wet (May–Jun): Afternoon showers begin. Mornings usually clear. Landscapes turn green. Tourism drops, prices fall 20–40%
- Peak wet (Jul–Sep): Daily afternoon downpours, 1–3 hours typically. Tonle Sap lake expands dramatically. Some rural roads become impassable. Cheapest time to visit
- Late wet (Oct): Rain begins to decrease. Tonle Sap at maximum. Water Festival in November marks the seasonal turn
Rainy Season Reality
"Rainy season" sounds worse than it is. Rain typically falls in short, intense afternoon bursts (1–2 hours) with clear mornings for sightseeing. All-day rain is unusual. The biggest advantage: 30–50% fewer tourists, dramatically lower prices, and lush green scenery. See our Rainy Season Guide for details.
Regional Differences
- Phnom Penh & Central Plains: Hottest region. Flat terrain traps heat. Urban heat island effect adds 2–3°C
- Siem Reap & Northwest: Slightly cooler than Phnom Penh. More distinct dry/wet seasons. Tonle Sap creates localized humidity
- Coast (Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep): Sea breezes moderate temperatures. Slightly more rain than inland. Higher humidity year-round
- Mountains (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri): 2–5°C cooler than lowlands. More rainfall. Nights can be genuinely cool (18–22°C) in December–January
- Islands (Koh Rong): Sea regulates temperature. More affected by Gulf of Thailand weather patterns. Rougher seas June–September
What to Pack by Season
Dry Season (Nov–Apr)
- ✓ Light, breathable clothing
- ✓ Strong sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- ✓ Wide-brimmed hat
- ✓ Sunglasses
- ✓ Reusable water bottle
- ✓ Light layer for AC (buses, malls)
- ✓ Scarf/sarong for temples
Wet Season (May–Oct)
- ✓ All dry-season items PLUS:
- ✓ Lightweight rain jacket
- ✓ Compact umbrella
- ✓ Waterproof phone case
- ✓ Quick-dry clothing
- ✓ Waterproof sandals (Tevas, Chacos)
- ✓ Dry bag for electronics
Best Time by Activity
| Activity | Best Months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Exploring | Nov–Feb | Cooler temps, no rain, good light |
| Beach & Islands | Nov–Apr | Calm seas, clear water, no ferry cancellations |
| Photography | Nov & Jun | Golden light, dramatic clouds, green landscapes |
| Budget Travel | May–Oct | 30–50% lower prices, fewer tourists |
| Wildlife Spotting | Dec–Apr | Animals gather at water sources, easier trails |
| Diving | Oct–May | Best visibility (15–20m), calm seas |
Plan Around the Weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambodia Packing Checklist
Season-specific packing list with quantities — dry & rainy season covered.
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