Weather in Cambodia

Cambodia Weather and Climate Guide

Cambodia sits squarely within the tropical monsoon belt of Southeast Asia, giving it a warm, humid climate year-round with two sharply defined seasons: a wet season driven by the southwest monsoon and a dry season that draws millions of visitors seeking sunshine and blue skies. Understanding the rhythm of these seasons is the key to planning any trip across this remarkable country.

Two Seasons, One Tropical Climate

The wet season runs roughly from May through October. During these months the southwest monsoon pushes moisture-laden air inland from the Gulf of Thailand, bringing afternoon downpours and occasional all-day rains. Humidity climbs, rivers swell, and the Tonle Sap lake expands dramatically as floodwaters pour in from the Mekong. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm throughout this period. The wettest months are typically September and October, when rainfall peaks across most of the country.

The dry season spans November through April and divides into two distinct phases. From November to February the weather is cooler and pleasantly breezy — this is the most comfortable time of year, with lower humidity and clear skies. By March, temperatures begin climbing sharply, and April often brings the most intense heat of the year before the rains finally return. Phnom Penh and the lowlands feel this heat acutely, making the late dry season the hottest stretch for most of Cambodia.

Regional Variation Across the Country

Cambodia is largely a flat, low-lying country dominated by the Mekong floodplain and the Tonle Sap basin, so dramatic altitude-driven climate differences are limited. The Cardamom Mountains in the southwest and the Elephant Range along the coast receive substantially more rainfall than the interior, as they catch the first wave of monsoon moisture coming off the Gulf of Thailand. Coastal areas around Sihanoukville can be noticeably wetter and slightly cooler than the capital.

In the northwest, Battambang follows the classic two-season pattern but tends to be drier than the coastal southwest. The temple heartland around Siem Reap is slightly drier than the south, with the wet season delivering regular but often brief afternoon storms rather than prolonged grey days. In the capital, Phnom Penh receives most of its annual rainfall between June and October, with the city feeling tropical and vibrant through the wetter months.

Border towns like Paoy Paet in the north experience a more continental edge to their climate, with somewhat hotter dry-season afternoons and cooler nights in December and January compared to coastal areas. Further south, Takeo sits close to the Vietnamese border and shares the deep south's tendency toward slightly higher annual rainfall totals.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia for Weather

For most travellers the sweet spot is November through February. The rains have largely stopped, temperatures are at their most comfortable, and the countryside is lush and green from the monsoon just passed. December and January are peak season for good reason: clear mornings, manageable humidity, and perfect conditions for exploring Angkor Wat or cruising the Mekong. March and April are still dry but increasingly hot — fine for beach-seekers but demanding for temple-hopping in direct sun. The early wet season (May and June) brings dramatic skies and far fewer crowds, with rain usually confined to afternoons. For live day-by-day forecasts across the region, the world weather hub keeps you updated wherever your journey takes you.

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