Weather Comparison
Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City
| Metric | Phnom Penh | Ho Chi Minh City | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 34°C (93°F)▲ | 33°C (91°F) | Phnom Penh |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 26°C (79°F) | 26°C (79°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 23 days▲ | 25 days | Phnom Penh |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 156 mm▲ | 199 mm | Phnom Penh |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 82% | 82% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 8 | 8 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 13 km/h | 13 km/h | Tie |
Which City is Better in May?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Phnom Penh edges ahead as the better destination in May. Phnom Penh offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 23 rain days, while Ho Chi Minh City sees 10 sunshine hours and 25 rain days.
Phnom Penh can feel quite hot at 34°C, so plan for heat. Ho Chi Minh City runs hot at 33°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Phnom Penh is the stronger choice in May.
Temperature Comparison in May
Phnom Penh reaches an average high of 34°C (93°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Ho Chi Minh City averages 33°C (91°F) for the high and 26°C (79°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.
Rainfall Comparison in May
Phnom Penh receives approximately 156 mm of rainfall across 23 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Ho Chi Minh City sees 199 mm over 25 rain days. That makes Phnom Penh the drier option by 2 rain days and 43 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.
What to Pack: Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City
Packing for Phnom Penh in May
Highs of 34°C, lows of 26°C, 23 rain days
- ✓lightweight breathable clothing
- ✓sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓sunglasses
- ✓a wide-brimmed hat
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓moisture-wicking fabrics
Packing for Ho Chi Minh City in May
Highs of 33°C, lows of 26°C, 25 rain days
- ✓lightweight breathable clothing
- ✓sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓sunglasses
- ✓a wide-brimmed hat
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓moisture-wicking fabrics
Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during May.
Year-Round Comparison: Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Phnom Penh | Ho Chi Minh City | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 32°C | 3d | 31°C | 4d |
| Feb | 33°C | 2d | 33°C | 2d |
| Mar | 35°C | 6d | 34°C | 5d |
| Apr | 35°C | 14d | 34°C | 12d |
| May | 34°C | 23d | 33°C | 25d |
| Jun | 32°C | 24d | 31°C | 27d |
| Jul | 32°C | 25d | 31°C | 29d |
| Aug | 32°C | 25d | 31°C | 29d |
| Sep | 31°C | 27d | 30°C | 29d |
| Oct | 30°C | 25d | 30°C | 27d |
| Nov | 30°C | 11d | 30°C | 17d |
| Dec | 31°C | 5d | 30°C | 9d |
Phnom Penh Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Ho Chi Minh City Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities