Cambodia Weather
Facts of Cambodia Climate & Weather
Main Climatic Zone: Tropical Monsoon Climate Zone
Climatic Features: Hot and humid throughout the year, with abundant rainfall; obvious dry and rainy seasons
Hottest Month:April; Warmest City: Preah Vihear: 42.6℃ (108.7℉)
Coolest Month: January; Coldest Place: Rotanak Kiri: 9℃ (48℉)
Located to the south of the Tropic of Cancer, Cambodia overlooks the Gulf of Thailand and faces the vast sea. Low latitudes endow the charming Southeast Asian country with typical tropical climate. It is relatively hot nearly all year around and there are no chilly days existing. Due to relatively uniform altitudes and latitudes, the weather in the whole of Cambodia is highly similar. There is no significant climate difference among various regions.
The average temperature throughout the year is around 27℃ (81℉). The hottest month is April with an average temperature of 30℃ (86℉). However, extremely high temperature over 40℃ (104℉) may often occur in Phnom Penh and Preah Vihear. The coolest months in Cambodia are generally December and January, which have average temperature of 24℃ (75 ℉) and sometimes the temperature can lower to around 16℃ (61 ℉).
Also influenced by seasonal monsoon, the country has two obvious seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. The dry season sometimes also could be divided into the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to April. Cambodia’s annual precipitation reaches about 2,000mm, 90% of which falls during the rainy season. However, influenced by terrain, the rainfall differs a lot in various regions. In the southern end of the Elephant Mountains, it can reach 5,400mm while there is only about 1,000mm in the regions east of Phnom Penh.
See more about Siem Reap Weather
Hottest Month:April; Warmest City: Preah Vihear: 42.6℃ (108.7℉)
Coolest Month: January; Coldest Place: Rotanak Kiri: 9℃ (48℉)
Angkor Wat |
The average temperature throughout the year is around 27℃ (81℉). The hottest month is April with an average temperature of 30℃ (86℉). However, extremely high temperature over 40℃ (104℉) may often occur in Phnom Penh and Preah Vihear. The coolest months in Cambodia are generally December and January, which have average temperature of 24℃ (75 ℉) and sometimes the temperature can lower to around 16℃ (61 ℉).
Also influenced by seasonal monsoon, the country has two obvious seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. The dry season sometimes also could be divided into the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to April. Cambodia’s annual precipitation reaches about 2,000mm, 90% of which falls during the rainy season. However, influenced by terrain, the rainfall differs a lot in various regions. In the southern end of the Elephant Mountains, it can reach 5,400mm while there is only about 1,000mm in the regions east of Phnom Penh.
See more about Siem Reap Weather
3-Day Weather Forecast of Major Cities
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
As far as the weather is concerned, the best time to visit Cambodia is generally from November to March in the dry season. During this period, the weather keeps mild and cool, and no frequent rain disrupts your travel itinerary. However, this is also undoubtedly the high travel season in Cambodia, reflecting in the largest crowds and highest travel costs, especially during New Year, Christmas, and Chinese New Year periods.
The rainy season from May to October is generally not recommended. However, that may not be so terrible in Cambodia when visitors can find green and lush Cambodian countryside scenery and enjoy a less hectic experience in the spectacular Angkor Wat temples. Southeast Asia’s largest fresh lake, Tonle Sap Lake in the heart of Cambodia, also comes to life in the rainy season. A lot of unique floating villages near the lake are worth visiting.
The rainy season from May to October is generally not recommended. However, that may not be so terrible in Cambodia when visitors can find green and lush Cambodian countryside scenery and enjoy a less hectic experience in the spectacular Angkor Wat temples. Southeast Asia’s largest fresh lake, Tonle Sap Lake in the heart of Cambodia, also comes to life in the rainy season. A lot of unique floating villages near the lake are worth visiting.
Month | Travel Recommendation | Season | Average Temperature |
---|---|---|---|
January | Dry Season | 21-32°C (70-90℉) | |
February | Dry Season | 22-33°C (72-91℉) | |
March | Dry Season | 23-34°C (73-93℉) | |
April | Dry Season | 25-36°C (77-97℉) | |
May | Rainy Season | 25-35°C (77-95℉) | |
June | Rainy Season | 25-34°C (77-93℉) | |
July | Rainy Season | 25-33°C (77-91℉) | |
August | Rainy Season | 24-33°C (75-91℉) | |
September | Rainy Season | 24-32°C (75-90℉) | |
October | Rainy Season | 23-32°C (73-90℉) | |
November | Dry Season | 23-32°C (73-90℉) | |
December | Dry Season | 22-31°C (72-88℉) |
Cambodia Weather by Month
Cambodia does have a risk of typhoons but it’s not very frequent. They generally land in coastal provinces, mostly between May and November. Especially from August to October, they may bring heavy rains and strong storms, and the streets may be flooded. Visitors who plan to visit during the period should pay attention to the weather forecast timely.
- Last updated on Sep. 24, 2024 by Jally Zhang -