Phnom Penh - the capital of Cambodia, is an attractive destination with a combination of unique culture, ancient architecture and diverse cuisine. However, to have the most complete and comfortable trip, choosing the right time based on the Phnom Penh weather is an important thing that cannot be ignored. Phnom Penh has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons: rainy season and dry season. Each season brings a different experience, from cool rains to bright sunny days. So which season is the most ideal time to explore this city? Let's find out to have the perfect choice for your trip.
Overview of Phnom Penh Weather
Phnom Penh Weather
Phnom Penh is located in a tropical monsoon climate zone, where the weather Phnom Penh is divided into two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. To determine the best time to visit Phnom Penh, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the city’s climate characteristics. Seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall not only affect outdoor activities but also impact the overall visitor experience.
Rainy season in Phnom Penh weather
The rainy season in Phnom Penh weather lasts from June to November every year. During this time, the city often experiences heavy rains, sometimes lasting for hours. The average temperature during this season ranges from 27°C to 35°C, combined with high humidity, creating a characteristically hot and humid atmosphere. Although it is summer, the combination of rain and high temperatures can make sightseeing and moving around more difficult. However, the rainy season also brings Phnom Penh a fresh beauty with lush green trees and the Mekong River full of water.
Dry season in Phnom Penh weather
The dry season in Phnom Penh starts in December and lasts until May of the following year. During this time, the city receives only about 20% of the annual rainfall, making the climate drier and more pleasant. Temperatures in the dry season range from 23°C to 35°C, with occasional high-temperature days, but are generally quite ideal for tourism activities. This is the best time for tourists to explore Phnom Penh, as the dry weather makes it easier to visit famous destinations such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and ancient pagodas.
In general, if you want to avoid the heat and humidity of the rainy season and enjoy a comfortable trip, the dry season will be the best choice. However, each season in Phnom Penh brings its own unique experiences, suitable for each tourist's preferences and desires.
Monthly Weather Guide for Phnom Penh
Weather by month in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh weather varies in temperature and rainfall from month to month. Here is a monthly weather guide for Phnom Penh to help you get an overview and choose the right time to travel.
- January: January is the ideal time to visit Phnom Penh with an average temperature of around 26°C. With an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day, the weather is dry and pleasant. Rainfall is very low, only about 10mm, providing visitors with perfect conditions to visit outdoor destinations.
- February: February continues to maintain pleasant weather with an average temperature of 27°C. The average sunshine is still 8 hours per day, creating favorable conditions for tourism activities. Rainfall increases slightly to 20mm, but still does not affect your plans much.
- March: In March, temperatures start to increase, reaching an average of 29°C. However, the average sunshine is still maintained at 8 hours per day. Rainfall drops to 10mm, making the weather still dry and convenient for traveling and sightseeing.
- April: April is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 31°C. Although there are still 8 hours of sunshine per day and only 10mm of rain, the high temperatures can make outdoor activities difficult, especially in the middle of the day.
- May: The average temperature in May drops slightly to 30°C, but it is still quite hot. Sunshine hours remain at 8 hours, while rainfall starts to increase to 20mm, signaling a gradual transition to the rainy season.
- June: June marks the start of the rainy season with an average temperature of 29°C. Sunshine hours drop to 7 hours per day, with rainfall of 20mm.
- July: In July, the average temperature drops to 28°C as the rainy season really begins. Sunshine hours drop to 6 hours per day, while rainfall increases sharply to 40mm. This is a month that can be rainy, so visitors should be prepared for sudden showers.
- August: August has similar weather to July with an average temperature of 29°C, 6 hours of sunshine and an average rainfall of 40mm. The rainy season continues with many days of heavy rain, which can affect travel.
- September: September is the month with the highest rainfall of the year, reaching 60mm. The average temperature remains at 28°C and the sunshine hours are only 6 hours per day. The wet weather and frequent showers may not be ideal for outdoor activities.
- October: In October, the rainfall starts to decrease slightly to 50mm, the average temperature is 27°C. The average sunshine hours are still 6 hours per day, but the wet weather remains.
- November: November continues the trend of decreasing rainfall with an average rainfall of 40mm. Temperatures are steady at 27°C and the average sunshine hours are 6 hours per day. This is when the weather starts to dry out, making for better conditions for sightseeing.
- December: December marks the return of the dry season with an average temperature of 26°C. The average sunshine hours increase to 8 hours per day and rainfall drops to 10mm. This is a great time to explore Phnom Penh with pleasant, dry and sunny weather.
With the Phnom Penh weather changing every month, visitors can choose the most suitable time to visit Phnom Penh, depending on personal preferences and planned travel activities.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
Tourists should visit Phnom Penh in the dry season
When planning a trip to Phnom Penh, choosing the right time plays an important role in ensuring a great experience. Phnom Penh has a tropical monsoon climate, with a distinct division between the dry and rainy seasons, which greatly affects outdoor activities and exploring the city.
The best time to visit Phnom Penh is during the dry season, which lasts from November to May. During this period, the weather is dry and cool, creating favorable conditions for sightseeing and traveling. In particular, from late November to early March, the weather in Phnom Penh becomes more pleasant with cool temperatures and long hours of sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities, from visiting historical sites to strolling the bustling streets of the city.
During the dry season, visitors can easily visit famous destinations such as the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the National Museum of Cambodia without worrying about sudden rains. In addition, the dry weather is also very favorable for picnics, visiting traditional markets, or enjoying Phnom Penh's unique street food.
With stable and dry weather, the dry season gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy Phnom Penh to the fullest. Whether you want to explore cultural heritage, participate in traditional festivals, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city, the dry season is definitely the best time for you to experience all that Phnom Penh has to offer.
Therefore, when planning your trip, choose the time from November to May to have a perfect and memorable trip to Phnom Penh.
Weather Impacts on Tourism in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh weather plays an important role in the travel experience. Like many other tourist cities, Phnom Penh tourism is strongly influenced by weather factors, especially the distinct division between the rainy and dry seasons.
During the rainy season, the city often experiences heavy rains, accompanied by high humidity. This not only reduces the comfort of sightseeing but also causes difficulties in moving around and planning outdoor activities. For tourists who are not used to tropical weather, the feeling of heat and humidity can reduce the excitement and make them hesitate to choose this time to visit Phnom Penh. Therefore, the number of tourists often decreases during the rainy season, leading to many tourist services such as sightseeing tours or outdoor activities being limited.
In contrast, the dry season is the time to attract more tourists due to the dry weather and favorable conditions for tourism activities. However, it should also be noted that during the peak months of the dry season, especially from March to May, temperatures in Phnom Penh can reach 35-38°C. Although the weather is dry, the sweltering heat of the dry season sometimes makes visitors consider when choosing the time to visit this city.
Bon Om Thook festival is also affected by Phnom Penh weather
Weather has a significant impact on festivals and events in Phnom Penh. The Bon Om Thook Boat Racing Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals, usually takes place in November, when the rainy season ends and the Mekong River begins to decrease. Phnom Penh Cambodia Weather conditions at this time are usually cooler, creating favorable conditions for organizing and participating in the festival. In contrast, Cambodia's largest festival - Bom Chaul Chnam Festival, takes place in April, coinciding with the hottest time of the year. Although the hot weather may make it difficult for some outdoor activities, this does not reduce the excitement and scale of the festival, but even increases the excitement and enthusiasm of the participants.
Overall, the weather has a major impact on Phnom Penh's tourism industry. Seasonal changes not only affect visitors' travel decisions, but also affect the way the city's major festivals and events are organized and participated in. Choosing the right time to visit Phnom Penh ensures visitors have a smooth travel experience and helps them fully enjoy the beauty and unique culture of this city.
Weather-Related Safety Tips for Phnom Penh
For a safe and smooth trip, here are some practical tips on how to cope with different weather conditions in Cambodia's capital.
Choose the right time
Phnom Penh has two main seasons: the rainy season from June to November and the dry season from December to May. To avoid weather-related risks such as storms, flooding and ensure your trip goes smoothly, the dry season is the best time to visit.
Check the weather forecast before you leave
Check the weather forecast to visit Phnom Penh on nice days
Before you leave, it is important to check the weather forecast for your stay in Phnom Penh. This will help you prepare better, from choosing the right clothes to scheduling outdoor activities. You can easily follow the weather forecast through phone applications or reputable weather websites. Knowing the weather conditions before you leave will help you avoid unwanted surprises and have a reasonable travel plan.
Handling severe weather situations
If you are unfortunate enough to encounter extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, flooding or extreme heat during your trip, stay calm and follow these instructions:
- Heavy Rain and Flooding: In case of heavy rain and flooding, limit outdoor activities and avoid areas prone to flooding. If you are in an area at risk of flooding, seek safe shelter on high ground and wait until the situation has stabilized. Bring a raincoat and umbrella to protect yourself from the rain.
- Hot weather: In hot weather, especially during the dry season, keep your body hydrated and avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, use sunscreen, and wear light, airy clothing to minimize the effects of high temperatures.
Contact local authorities via emergency contact number
When you encounter weather-related problems, contact local authorities for assistance. You can contact hotels, travel agencies, or local authorities for advice and assistance. In particular, save emergency contact numbers such as:
- Police: 117
- Fire: 118
- Medical: 119
In addition, Cambodian government apps and websites also provide weather information and emergency alerts. Knowing this information will help you be more proactive and safe in all situations.
Read more: National Museum Phnom Penh - All you need to know
Real-Time Weather Updates for Phnom Penh
When traveling or planning a business trip in Phnom Penh, keeping track of the weather in real time is essential to stay safe and plan accordingly. With the advancement of technology, getting accurate and timely weather information has become easier than ever. Here are some ways you can use to keep track of the weather in Phnom Penh in real time.
Use reputable weather forecast websites
There are many websites that provide accurate and up-to-date weather information. Among them, aqi.in and accuweather.com are two of the top choices that you can visit to know the current weather conditions in Phnom Penh. These websites provide detailed information on temperature, rainfall, humidity, air quality, and weather warnings, helping you to have a comprehensive view and be better prepared for any situation.
Download and use weather forecast applications
If you want to have weather information conveniently on your phone, using an application like Khmer Weather Forecast is an ideal choice. This application provides real-time weather information, forecasts for the following days, and even warnings of severe weather conditions. You can easily update information with just a few simple steps, helping you be more proactive in arranging your schedule.
Quick Google Search
Quick search for weather forecast on Google
If you need a quick weather update and don’t want to go to a website or app, just search for “Phnom Penh weather forecast today” on Google. The search engine will return instant results with information about the current temperature, rainfall, wind, and the forecast for the day. It’s a simple and quick way to get a quick grasp of the weather at a glance.
Getting real-time weather information for Phnom Penh is no longer difficult thanks to the support of modern websites, applications, and search engines. By using these sources of information, you will always be proactive in every situation, ensuring a smooth and safe travel or work plan.
To ensure more safety and best support in every trip, readers can look for Phnom Penh tours of Sinhcafe. We provide a variety of Cambodia tours with many different schedules for visitors to choose from.