Cambodia Seasons

Cambodia Seasons

Cambodia enjoys one of the most straightforward weather systems in Asia. The country experiences two distinct seasons, yet it is possible to travel throughout Cambodia at any time of the year.

The two primary seasons are the dry season, which lasts from October to late April, and the wet season, which extends from May to late September. Each season exhibits variations in temperature, with the final months of the dry season (March and April) and the initial months of the wet season (May and June) typically being the hottest, often exceeding 35°C.

Humidity peaks during March and April, while the coolest months are generally from October to December. However, “cool” in Cambodia is relative, with average temperatures remaining around 24°C to 26°C.

The Dry Season in Cambodia
  • Cool & Dry Season: 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.
  • Hot & Dry Season: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 Wet Season in Cambodia
  • Hot & Wet Season: 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.
  • Cool & Wet Season: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.

Cambodia Guide

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