Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh, Cambodia · Asia
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
32°
22°
Great
Feb
33°
23°
Great
Mar
35°
25°
Good
Apr
35°
26°
Good
May
34°
26°
Good
Jun
32°
25°
Good
Jul
32°
25°
Good
Aug
32°
25°
Good
Sep
31°
24°
Good
Oct
30°
24°
Good
Nov
30°
23°
Good
Dec
31°
23°
Great
Month-by-Month Weather in Phnom Penh
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryRecommended | 32°C | 22°C | 3 | 10h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 33°C | 23°C | 2 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| March | 35°C | 25°C | 6 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| April | 35°C | 26°C | 14 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| May | 34°C | 26°C | 23 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 24 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 25 | 9h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 25 | 9h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 27 | 9h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| October | 30°C | 24°C | 25 | 9h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 30°C | 23°C | 11 | 10h | 82% | 3 | Good | View |
| DecemberRecommended | 31°C | 23°C | 5 | 9h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Phnom Penh
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 35°C high, 26°C low
Spring in Phnom Penh brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 35°C (95°F) while nights cool to 26°C (79°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 32°C high, 25°C low
Summer is the hottest season in Phnom Penh, with temperatures reaching 32°C (90°F). The heat can be intense, but mornings and evenings remain pleasant for sightseeing. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 30°C high, 24°C low
Fall in Phnom Penh is a transitional season with changing conditions. Temperatures settle around 30°C (86°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 32°C high, 23°C low
Winter in Phnom Penh brings the cooler period, though temperatures remain warm by most standards. This can actually be one of the most comfortable times to visit if you prefer less intense heat.
When to Avoid Phnom Penh
The least favorable time to visit Phnom Penh is April and May. During this period, you can expect extreme heat, frequent rain, high humidity.
April
Challenges: extreme heat, frequent rain, high humidity
May
Challenges: very hot temperatures, heavy rainfall, high humidity
June
Challenges: very hot temperatures, heavy rainfall, high humidity
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Phnom Penh
Packing recommendations for visiting Phnom Penh during the best travel months (January, December, February), when temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C:
- +Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)
- +Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for daytime
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Phnom Penh Year-Round Climate Overview
Phnom Penh has a tropical climate (Koppen classification: Am). The warmest month is April with highs of 35°C, while the coldest month is November at just 30°C. Annual rainfall averages 1398mm across approximately 190 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 32 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 31 |
| Low °C | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 |
| Rain Days | 3 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 25 | 11 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 15 | 8 | 39 | 86 | 156 | 154 | 156 | 179 | 251 | 249 | 79 | 26 |
| Sun h/day | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Humidity % | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 |
| UV Index | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Phnom Penh? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Phnom Penh?+
The best time to visit Phnom Penh is January, December, February. During these months, temperatures average 32°C (90°F) with 10 hours of daily sunshine and only 3 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Phnom Penh?+
The least ideal time to visit Phnom Penh is April and May. During this period, you can expect extreme heat, frequent rain, high humidity. While Phnom Penh can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Phnom Penh good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Phnom Penh (June to August) brings temperatures of 32°C (90°F) highs and 25°C (77°F) lows, with about 9 hours of sunshine and 25 rain days per month. Consider visiting during the recommended months instead for better weather.
What is the rainy season in Phnom Penh?+
The rainy season in Phnom Penh runs from May to October, when average rain days increase to 25 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 191mm.
What should I pack for Phnom Penh?+
When visiting Phnom Penh during the best travel months (January, December, February), pack lightweight breathable clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Rain gear is generally not needed. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Is January a good time to visit Phnom Penh?+
Yes, January is one of the best months to visit Phnom Penh. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), 10 hours of daily sunshine, and only 3 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Phnom Penh
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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