Cambodia Weather by Month
Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, is bordered by Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east and southeast. To the southwest, the country has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia’s landscape is diverse, featuring the vast Tonlé Sap Lake, the Mekong River that flows through the country, and mountain ranges such as the Cardamom Mountains in the southwest and the Dangrek Mountains in the north.
The country’s topography includes flat plains, low mountains, and large river systems, making it an agricultural hub. Cambodia’s proximity to the equator gives it a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Cambodia experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season from November to April and the wet or monsoon season from May to October. Each season brings different weather conditions that can greatly affect travel plans, outdoor activities, and agriculture. Understanding Cambodia’s weather by month is crucial for planning an ideal trip to this beautiful Southeast Asian nation.
Cambodia’s Weather by Month
January: The Dry Season Peaks
Coastal Regions (Sihanoukville, Kep)
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very low, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70%
- Winds: Light breezes from the Gulf of Thailand
Central Plains (Phnom Penh, Battambang)
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 5-10 mm
- Humidity: Low to moderate, around 60-65%
Highlands (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri)
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very low, less than 10 mm
- Winds: Light, with cooler mornings and evenings
Summary: January is one of the best months to visit Cambodia, as it falls in the peak of the dry season. The weather is warm but not overly hot, making it ideal for beach vacations along the coast and exploring temples like Angkor Wat. Rainfall is minimal across the country, with moderate humidity levels that are comfortable for outdoor activities.
February: Warm and Dry
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70%
- Winds: Light breezes from the sea
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very low, around 5-10 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
- Winds: Calm, with occasional cooler breezes
Summary: February remains dry and warm throughout Cambodia, with temperatures slightly rising compared to January. Coastal areas, central plains, and highlands experience minimal rain, making it an excellent time for sightseeing, trekking, and beach trips. The pleasant weather, coupled with low humidity levels, creates perfect conditions for exploring the country’s natural and cultural attractions.
March: Increasing Heat
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: Rising, around 75%
- Winds: Light sea breezes
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 5-15 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 65-70%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, less than 15 mm
- Winds: Light, with occasional afternoon gusts
Summary: March marks the transition toward the hot season, with temperatures rising across Cambodia. While the weather is still dry, the heat becomes more intense, particularly in the central plains. Humidity levels also begin to climb, though outdoor activities are still feasible, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. Travelers may find the coastal regions more comfortable due to cooling sea breezes.
April: The Hottest Month
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 26°C (79°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 20-30 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80%
- Winds: Light sea breezes, providing some relief from the heat
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F) during the day, 26°C (79°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 10-20 mm
- Humidity: High, around 70-75%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 15-25 mm
- Winds: Light, with occasional gusts in the afternoon
Summary: April is the hottest month in Cambodia, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in the central plains. The high humidity makes the heat feel even more intense, particularly in cities like Phnom Penh. Coastal and highland regions are slightly cooler, but the heat can still be oppressive. Travelers should plan outdoor activities in the early mornings or evenings and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces during the hottest part of the day.
May: The Start of the Rainy Season
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
- Rainfall: Increasing, around 100-150 mm
- Humidity: High, around 85%
- Winds: Light, with occasional thunderstorms
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 80-120 mm
- Humidity: High, around 75-80%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Increasing, around 100-140 mm
- Winds: Light, with thunderstorms in the afternoons
Summary: May signals the beginning of the rainy season in Cambodia, with increasing rainfall and humidity levels. Temperatures remain high, particularly in the central plains, but afternoon thunderstorms provide some relief from the heat. The rain showers are usually short and intense, allowing for sunny spells in between. While the heat can still be intense, May is a good time to experience Cambodia’s lush green landscapes as the rains begin to nourish the countryside.
June: Rainy Season Sets In
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 85-90%
- Winds: Moderate, with stronger gusts during thunderstorms
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 150-180 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80-85%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 160-200 mm
- Winds: Moderate, with frequent thunderstorms
Summary: June is the start of the full rainy season in Cambodia. Rainfall becomes more frequent and heavier, especially in the highland and coastal regions. Although rainstorms are common, they are typically short, leaving plenty of dry periods for exploration. The countryside turns lush and green, making it a scenic time for nature lovers, though travelers should expect muddy conditions in rural areas and plan accordingly.
July: Heavy Rains and High Humidity
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 90%
- Winds: Moderate to strong during thunderstorms
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 180-220 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Winds: Stronger during storms, with frequent downpours
Summary: July brings heavy rains across Cambodia, with frequent thunderstorms and high humidity levels. The rains can cause flooding in low-lying areas, and muddy conditions can make travel difficult in rural regions. However, the rain also brings out Cambodia’s stunning natural beauty, with waterfalls, rivers, and lakes reaching their full capacity. Despite the rain, travelers can enjoy exploring Cambodia if they are prepared for wet conditions.
August: Peak of the Rainy Season
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 220-270 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 90-95%
- Winds: Strong during thunderstorms, with frequent gusts
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-240 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 220-260 mm
- Winds: Stronger during frequent thunderstorms
Summary: August is the peak of Cambodia’s rainy season, with frequent and heavy rainfall across the country. The central plains, highlands, and coastal regions all experience substantial downpours, often accompanied by thunderstorms. Travel may be disrupted due to flooding, particularly in rural and low-lying areas. While the heavy rains can limit outdoor activities, the countryside is vibrant and green, providing beautiful scenery for those willing to brave the wet conditions.
September: Continued Heavy Rains
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 90-95%
- Winds: Moderate to strong during storms
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 180-230 mm
- Humidity: Very high, around 85-90%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
- Winds: Strong, with frequent thunderstorms
Summary: September continues the trend of heavy rainfall and high humidity. Coastal regions and highlands are particularly wet, with storms often rolling in during the afternoons. Despite the wet weather, there are still dry periods, and it’s a great time for those interested in Cambodia’s green and flourishing natural landscapes. However, travelers should plan for wet and sometimes challenging conditions, especially in more remote areas.
October: The End of the Rainy Season
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Decreasing, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 85-90%
- Winds: Light, with occasional stronger gusts during storms
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 150-200 mm
- Humidity: High, around 80-85%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 150-200 mm
- Winds: Light to moderate, with occasional storms
Summary: October marks the tail end of the rainy season in Cambodia. Rainfall begins to decrease, but occasional heavy downpours and thunderstorms still occur. The weather starts to become more stable, with increasing dry spells, particularly toward the end of the month. This is a transitional month, and by late October, travel conditions improve, making it a good time to explore Cambodia’s natural and cultural attractions before the cooler and drier months set in.
November: The Dry Season Returns
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 50-100 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 70-75%
- Winds: Light, with occasional coastal breezes
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 50-70 mm
- Humidity: Moderate, around 65-70%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 70-100 mm
- Winds: Light, with cooler mornings and evenings
Summary: November marks the return of the dry season, with decreasing rainfall and cooler temperatures. The central plains, coastal regions, and highlands all experience drier weather, making it a prime time for travel and outdoor activities. The humidity also drops, providing more comfortable conditions for visitors. Cambodia’s lush landscapes remain, thanks to the recent rains, offering beautiful scenery with more predictable weather.
December: Cool and Dry
Coastal Regions
- Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very low, around 20-40 mm
- Humidity: Low to moderate, around 65-70%
- Winds: Light, with gentle coastal breezes
Central Plains
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-30 mm
- Humidity: Low, around 60-65%
Highlands
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Very low, around 30-50 mm
- Winds: Light, with cooler nights and mornings
Summary: December is one of the most pleasant months to visit Cambodia, with cool, dry weather across the country. The rains are virtually gone, and temperatures are comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration. The low humidity and gentle winds make it a perfect time to visit Cambodia’s temples, beaches, and natural parks. The country’s festive atmosphere during this time adds to the appeal, making December a favorite month for tourists.
