Looking to uncover the secrets of Phnom Penh’s climate?
Phnom Penh experiences hot and humid weather year-round, with a distinct rainy and dry season.
The hot season, peaking in April, sees temperatures soar to an average high of 95°F and lows around 80°F.
Meanwhile, the cool season starts in September and extends to mid-January, bringing more moderate temperatures below 88°F.
Rain is an essential part of Phnom Penh’s climate, particularly from May to November, during the monsoon season.
The city sees substantial rainfall during these months, perfect for those who appreciate lush, green landscapes.
On the other hand, the dry period from late November to April, offers clear skies and minimal precipitation, ideal for travelers looking to explore without the worry of rain.
For those flying into Phnom Penh International Airport, the city’s tropical monsoon climate will greet them warmly.
Whether coming from Siem Reap or elsewhere in the world, understanding when to visit can make a significant difference for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Average Temperature in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh experiences warm temperatures year-round.
The hottest month is typically April with an average high temperature of 95°F and an average low of 80°F.
March and May also tend to be quite warm, with daily highs often exceeding 94°F.
The coolest month is usually December.
During this month, the average high is around 79.6°F and the average low dips to 70°F.
While it’s still relatively warm, it’s cooler compared to the rest of the year.
Monthly Averages
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 88 | 73 |
| February | 91 | 74 |
| March | 94 | 76 |
| April | 95 | 80 |
| May | 94 | 79 |
| June | 91 | 77 |
| July | 90 | 76 |
| August | 90 | 76 |
| September | 89 | 76 |
| October | 89 | 75 |
| November | 88 | 73 |
| December | 79.6 | 70 |
During the warmest months, high temperatures can make it feel quite hot and humid.
Phnom Penh’s temperature remains relatively stable compared to more temperate climates, with smaller variations between daytime and nighttime temperatures throughout the year.
The city experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
Despite the slight differences in temperatures, humidity levels can greatly impact how the weather feels.
Keep this in mind when planning your visit or daily activities for the most comfortable experience.
Average Precipitation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh experiences significant rainfall, especially during the wet season. Snow is non-existent due to the tropical climate of Cambodia.
Average Rainfall in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh receives a substantial amount of precipitation annually.
The rainiest months typically fall between May and October, coinciding with the monsoon season.
During this period, the city sees heavy and frequent rainfall.
On average, Phnom Penh experiences around 56.4 inches of rainfall each year.
Monthly rainfall varies, with September often being the wettest month.
For instance, significant rainfall can be observed during these months, impacting daily activities and travel.
Monthly Rainfall Breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.7 |
| February | 0.6 |
| March | 2.0 |
| April | 4.9 |
| May | 8.2 |
| June | 9.1 |
| July | 7.7 |
| August | 8.1 |
| September | 9.7 |
| October | 9.3 |
| November | 4.2 |
| December | 1.1 |
These figures highlight the pronounced rainfall in the monsoon months compared to the drier period from December to February.
Average Snow in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Snow is completely absent in Phnom Penh due to its tropical climate. The city lies close to the equator, experiencing warm temperatures year-round. Thus, snowfall is not a concern.
Instead, the focus remains on managing and adapting to the heavy rainfalls.
The consistent warm weather, with average yearly temperatures around 85.6°F, negates any possibility of snow or ice.
Information about handling snowy conditions, such as that found in articles about snow and ice, would not be applicable to Phnom Penh.
The absence of snow makes rain the primary focus concerning weather and outdoor planning.
Average Sun in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh experiences significant sunshine throughout the year. The city’s location near the equator ensures it receives consistent sunlight daily, with some variation in solar energy.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh receives high levels of shortwave solar energy daily. This energy impacts heat and climate patterns.
December through April sees the most sunshine, with clear skies and minimal cloud cover.
March and April are peak months, when the city witnesses extended sunshine hours and the strongest UV index.
During these months, average daily solar energy levels are highest.
Conversely, July and August see reduced sunlight due to the monsoon season bringing clouds and rain.
| Month | Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| January | 5.5 |
| February | 6.3 |
| March | 6.6 |
| April | 6.7 |
| May | 6.1 |
| June | 5.1 |
| July | 4.8 |
| August | 4.9 |
| September | 5.2 |
| October | 5.4 |
| November | 5.6 |
| December | 5.7 |
The hours of daylight remain relatively steady, typically ranging from 11 to 13 hours. This consistency is ideal for agriculture and solar energy use in the region.
Average Humidity in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. The average relative humidity often makes the air feel heavy and can affect comfort levels.
Monthly Average Humidity
| Month | Average Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 73 |
| February | 72 |
| March | 73 |
| April | 74 |
| May | 79 |
| June | 82 |
| July | 82 |
| August | 83 |
| September | 83 |
| October | 82 |
| November | 79 |
| December | 76 |
The months of June through September are particularly humid, with levels exceeding 80%. This can make the weather feel oppressive for many.
Humidity levels tend to be lower in the early months of the year. February sees an average relative humidity of 72%, the lowest of any month.
Dew Point
The dew point is another factor to consider. It indicates how humid the air feels. When the dew point is high, the air feels more humid.
In Phnom Penh, the dew point can reach high levels, especially during the rainy season from May to October.
How Humidity Affects the City
High humidity combined with high temperatures can feel oppressive. The air holds more moisture, making it more uncomfortable for people not used to it.
This is particularly noticeable during the hottest month of April.
Average Wind in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh experiences varying wind patterns throughout the year. The average wind speed generally remains low, providing a calm atmosphere for residents and visitors.
Annual Average Wind Speed
- January: 5.3 mph
- February: 5.7 mph
- March: 6.0 mph
- April: 6.4 mph
- May: 5.8 mph
- June: 5.6 mph
- July: 5.5 mph
- August: 5.5 mph
- September: 5.4 mph
- October: 4.9 mph
- November: 4.8 mph
- December: 4.7 mph
Seasonal Variations
During the hot season from March to May, wind speeds can reach up to 6.4 mph. This can offer slight relief from the intense heat.
Conversely, the cooler months from October to January tend to be calmer with speeds around 5 mph or less.
Wind Direction
Wind direction varies by season. During the monsoon season, winds may shift and bring more moisture, impacting the weather patterns.
Influence on Daily Activities
Winds rarely disrupt daily life in Phnom Penh.
Outdoor activities and travel are generally unaffected by wind conditions.
For more detailed insights, Chakie ChaseDay Articles on Wind provide articles about wind phenomena and patterns around the world.
Understanding the wind conditions in Phnom Penh can enhance travel planning and preparation for the weather throughout the year.
Average Air Quality in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The air quality in Phnom Penh varies throughout the year. On most days, it falls into the “Good” or “Moderate” categories.
Real-time and historical data show fluctuations due to weather conditions, such as cloud cover and atmospheric pressure.
Phnom Penh experiences significant differences in air quality by month.
The table below highlights the average PM2.5 levels for each month:
| Month | PM2.5 (µg/m³) | Air Quality |
|---|---|---|
| January | 29.1 | Moderate |
| February | 30.5 | Moderate |
| March | 32.0 | Moderate |
| April | 33.2 | Moderate |
| May | 31.5 | Moderate |
| June | 28.7 | Moderate |
| July | 27.1 | Moderate |
| August | 10.2 | Good |
| September | 26.3 | Moderate |
| October | 28.9 | Moderate |
| November | 29.7 | Moderate |
| December | 30.0 | Moderate |
Notable improvements in air quality occur in August with an average PM2.5 level of 10.2 µg/m³, categorized as “Good”.
Weather conditions such as cloud cover and atmospheric pressure play a significant role in these fluctuations.
Days with clear skies often have better air quality, while ones with high cloud cover and low pressure can trap pollutants closer to the ground, reducing air quality.
Residents and visitors can check real-time data on sites like IQAir’s Phnom Penh page and AccuWeather’s Phnom Penh page to plan their activities and make healthier lifestyle decisions.
Staying aware of air quality levels is crucial, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Tracking daily changes helps ensure that activities are planned for days with better air quality.
Topography of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is mostly flat with some variations in elevation.
Elevation:
- Average: 36 feet
- Minimum: 3 feet
- Maximum: 440 feet
Coordinates:
- Latitude: 11.5564° N
- Longitude: 104.9282° E
The city is located at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, the Bassac, and the Tonle Sap. This makes its terrain mostly low-lying and prone to flooding during the rainy season.
In the north, Khan Prek Pnov and Sangkat Kouk Roka areas are at lower elevations compared to other parts.
Senmonorom in Mondulkiri has more varied terrain with higher elevations.
Phnom Penh’s location and its low elevation affect its climate, leading to high humidity and substantial rainfall.
The city’s proximity to water bodies like the Tonle Sap and the Mekong River contributes to its predominantly flat terrain. This geographical setting influences both the daily life and the infrastructure of Phnom Penh.
While most of Phnom Penh maintains a relatively low elevation, certain districts may experience slight elevation changes which can impact local weather patterns and drainage systems.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh experiences a tropical monsoon climate, which greatly affects its weather patterns. The year can be divided into two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. These seasons bring different types of extreme weather.
Floods are common during the wet season, which runs from May to November.
Heavy rainfall can lead to the Mekong River overflowing. This can cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure. During this period, Phnom Penh often sees rainfall of over 60 inches.
| Month | Average Rainfall (inches) | Average Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| May | 8.0 | 84 |
| June | 9.8 | 82 |
| July | 9.6 | 82 |
| August | 8.8 | 82 |
| September | 8.7 | 82 |
While the wet season brings excessive rain, the dry season from December to April can pose risks as well.
Droughts are more likely during this period. Lack of rain can lead to water shortages, affecting agriculture and daily life.
The tropical monsoon climate also means that Phnom Penh can face other extreme weather such as occasional typhoons. These storms bring strong winds and heavy rains, adding to the city’s weather challenges.
Heatwaves are another extreme event, especially in the dry season.
Temperatures often rise above 95°F, making daily activities difficult and increasing heat-related illnesses.
These extreme weather events highlight the vulnerability of Phnom Penh to climate changes.
Residents and authorities must prepare for and adapt to these challenges.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh experiences a tropical monsoon climate, making it important to find the optimal travel period. Each season offers a unique experience, varying in temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
What is Phnom Penh, Cambodia Like in Spring
During spring (March, April, May), Phnom Penh starts to warm up. March is pleasant, with temperatures averaging 88°F. By April, temperatures can rise to 95°F, making it one of the hottest months.
The heat can be intense, and humidity levels increase. It is advisable to stay hydrated and wear light clothing.
Rainfall is still minimal in March and April, but by May, the monsoon begins to set in, bringing occasional showers.
Spring is great for indoor activities and temple visits as outdoor activities may be uncomfortable due to the heat.
What is Phnom Penh, Cambodia Like in Summer
Summer (June, July, August) in Phnom Penh is monsoon season. The temperatures drop slightly, ranging from 77°F to 91°F.
Rainfall becomes more frequent, and humidity is at its highest, with July and August seeing heavy downpours.
Despite the rain, this season can be beautiful as the city’s parks and countryside turn lush green.
Travel here can be more budget-friendly as it is off-peak tourist season. Bring rain gear and be prepared for sudden showers.
Beach/pool score remains low due to high humidity and frequent rain, so planning outdoor activities can be challenging.
What is Phnom Penh, Cambodia Like in Fall
Fall (September, October, November) marks the end of the rainy season. September and early October can still be quite wet, but by November, the rains taper off, and the weather becomes more pleasant.
Temperatures range from 77°F to 90°F, making it cooler compared to the summer months.
This period is great for exploring the city as the weather becomes more stable. November is particularly attractive for tourists as the city hosts various cultural events.
This season can be optimal for visiting outdoor attractions and temples as the cooler weather is more comfortable for walking and sightseeing.
What is Phnom Penh, Cambodia Like in Winter
Winter (December, January, February) is the best time to visit Phnom Penh. The weather is warm but not overly hot, with temperatures cozying up from 72°F to 86°F.
It is the driest period of the year, with almost no rain, making it perfect for all types of outdoor activities.
Tourists flock to the city during this season, enjoying clear skies and sunny days. Safety remains high, and the overall experience is enhanced by numerous festivals and events.
For travelers seeking the perfect blend of pleasant weather and exciting activities, winter presents the optimal travel window.
| Month | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 79 | 0.1 |
| February | 84 | 0.2 |
| March | 88 | 0.6 |
| April | 95 | 1.5 |
| May | 96 | 4.1 |
| June | 91 | 5.9 |
| July | 89 | 7.8 |
| August | 89 | 8.3 |
| September | 88 | 9.4 |
| October | 86 | 9.4 |
| November | 84 | 4.3 |
| December | 82 | 1.0 |
Travelers can use this table to choose the best month that fits their preferences.