When is the best time to visit Cambodia? What will the weather in Cambodia be like when I come? These questions are always a top concern for any traveler before visiting Cambodia. To assist prospective visitors in making informed decisions, RT Cambodia Travel & Tour offers detailed information about the climate in Cambodia, enabling you to identify the most suitable time of year for your visit that aligns with your travel plans.
Cambodia Climate
Cambodia, situated in the tropical region of Southeast Asia, experiences a climate influenced by the annual monsoon cycle, which consists of two primary seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The fluctuations in air pressure over central Asia play a crucial role in driving this monsoon cycle. From June to October, the pressure decreases, allowing moist air from the ocean to flow inland, resulting in the southwest monsoon rains that affect Cambodia and much of Southeast Asia. This wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity, driven by strong prevailing winds.
Starting in early November, the southwest monsoon begins to retreat from northern Cambodia and fades away in the central-southern regions by mid to late November. Following this period, until May, Cambodia enjoys a dry season with little to no rain, as rising air pressure over central Asia brings in cool, dry air. During the dry season, the northeast monsoons introduce lighter, drier winds, leading to variable cloud cover, sporadic rainfall, and lower humidity levels.
Cambodia Temperature
Cambodia generally shares similar weather patterns across the country due to its relatively uniform altitude and latitude. Throughout the year, temperatures remain high, regardless of whether it’s the dry or wet season. In March and April, the hottest months, temperatures can soar above 35°C, and sometimes even reach 40°C, especially during the early wet season. The coolest months are November, December, and January, but even then, the temperatures are mild, averaging around 24°C to 26°C.
Rainfall varies significantly across different regions. For instance, the central lowlands typically receive between 1,300 to 1,800 mm (51 to 70 inches) of rain annually. In contrast, the southwest coastal region can see over 2,000 mm (80 inches) of precipitation. The highlands and mountainous areas, such as the Cardamom Mountains, can receive as much as 5,000 mm (197 inches) of rain each year and may even experience some afternoon showers leading up to the monsoon season, which runs from February to April.
While typhoons can occasionally impact Cambodia, they are relatively uncommon. By the time they reach Cambodia, they have usually weakened after passing through Vietnam, where they lose much of their energy. However, these storms can still bring heavy rainfall, potentially flooding Cambodia from late July to September.
Cambodia Seasons
From November to February, Cambodia experiences its cool and dry season. During the day, temperatures typically hover around 20°C, occasionally dipping below that at night. In early November, you might encounter brief morning showers, but as the month goes on, rainfall diminishes significantly and usually ceases by mid-November. December and January bring sunny skies, low humidity, and cooler temperatures, averaging around 26°C throughout the country. By February, the weather remains enjoyable, although you can expect temperatures to start climbing as the month draws to a close.
Cambodia experiences a steady rise in temperatures from March to May, reaching an average of 35°C. During this period, rainfall is quite rare, leading to significantly low water levels in rivers and lakes. This situation complicates river cruising and can extend travel times. April stands out as the hottest month, with midday temperatures often soaring into the mid to upper 40°C, particularly in inland regions like Siem Reap.
The weather is typically hot and dry throughout the country. The landscape tends to be dusty with minimal vegetation due to the prolonged dry spell. Wind is less frequent during these months, and the sun’s intensity increases, causing the air to become hazier as humidity rises. Toward the end of May, there may be brief showers brought on by occasional tropical storms.
The hot season lasts from June to August, but you can expect monsoon rains across the country during this time. While temperatures remain high (averaging around 28°C) and humidity can climb to 70%, the brief showers help reduce the humidity, making the days a bit more pleasant. The great thing is that these monsoon rains are quite predictable, typically occurring in the afternoon or at night and usually lasting just a couple of hours, allowing for easy planning of sightseeing activities.
However, the monsoon rain pattern differs along Cambodia’s southern coast, where the beaches experience the heaviest rainfall. As the season advances, the frequency of rain increases, and by August, it may last for several days.
Late August and September mark the height of the rainy season. These rain showers, though brief and intense, bring a refreshing coolness compared to the warmer months. In September, the average temperature settles at a pleasant 26-27°C, gradually decreasing as the months progress. The heavy, short bursts of rain contribute to a vibrant and lush landscape, while the water levels in Tonle Sap Lake rise dramatically, expanding to over five times its usual size during this period.
However, the intense rainfall in September can complicate travel to rural areas in the northeast, like Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, as some remote paths may become impassable. By October, the rain becomes much less frequent, tapering off completely by the month’s end. The country begins to return to its most picturesque state, showcasing a colorful countryside.
In conclusion
Every type of weather in Cambodia offers unique benefits that might pleasantly surprise you as you discover the country. Your travel plans can be tailored based on your weather preferences, activities you enjoy, and your comfort level with crowds. Reach out to RT Cambodia Travel & Tour today for complimentary assistance with valuable travel advice and the best itineraries for your journey!