Cambodia weather

Cambodia weather: Wet season

The wet season in Cambodia lasts from May to October. At this time the southwest monsoon arrives from the Gulf of Thailand and brings with it 75% of Cambodia’s annual rainfall.

Weather in the wet season is generally characterised by one to two hours of heavy rainfall in the afternoon, rain will not usually last the entire day.

Daytime temperatures during the wet season average slightly lower than those of the hot season. There is significantly more cloud and humidity levels are higher than at other times of year.

Localised flooding is commonplace and dirt roads rapidly degrade to immobilising mud. This causes travel in the wet season to be slow and difficult though not nearly impossible. Travel will be hardest in rural locations where the infrastructure is not well serviced. Main roads between the major cities are built for the weather and are easier to travel. This includes the main road between Phnom Penh and Siam Reap.

The hardship of travel in the wet season does not come without reward. The arrival of rainy weather washes away dust associated with travel in the dry season. Flora and Fauna are noticeably more abundant and the moats of Angkor Wat are resplendent and full of water.

The wet season attracts the least visitors to Cambodia and consequently, aside from two hours of rain in the afternoon, you may find that you can spend the entire day wondering in solitude amongst the temples and ruins.

A climate chart showing the weather in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Featuring monthly temperature forecasts and mean expected rainfall.

Cambodia weather: Dry season

The dry season in Cambodia runs from the month of October right the way through to April. There will be, on average, 8 hours of sunshine per day throughout this time.

In order to give an accurate description of the dominant weather conditions we divide the dry season into two further seasons:

Cambodia weather: Cool dry season

The ‘cool dry season’ runs from November through to February. December and January represent the coolest months and consequently attract the highest number of tourists. The weather is characterised by very little rainfall and low relative humidity.

A benefit of travel during this season is the cool, refreshing breeze that blows across the land helping to reinvigorate weary travellers. Typical day time temperature will average 30°C (86°F) and at night will drop to about 20°C (68°F).

A climate chart showing the weather in Siam Reap, Cambodia. Featuring monthly temperature forecasts and mean expected rainfall.

Cambodia weather: Hot dry season

The ‘hot dry season’ runs from March through to the month of May. Temperatures rise steadily until April when some travellers may find the weather slightly oppressive.

Late in the hot dry season it is not unknown for the temperature to rise as high as 40°C (104°F) but on average it will be seen to remain around 35°C (95°F).