The Best Time To Visit Phnom Penh For A Wonderful Journey

The best time to visit Phnom Penh is from November to February, when the climate is pleasant, dry, and cooler, with lower humidity, perfect for outdoor activities and brilliant sightseeing. Read Seni World’s guide to understand the weather and tips.

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Where Is Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh is the capital of a nation called Cambodia, geographically located in the southern-central part of this country. Phnom Penh is where three major rivers meet, with two of them being the Mekong River, the Tonle Sap River, and the Bassac River. Therefore, Phnom Penh has historically remained a major cultural, commercial, and transportation center in Cambodia. Furthermore, Phnom Penh’s environment, which is along the banks of these rivers, provides a colorful setting for visitors with pretty coffee shops and markets. Phnom Penh is among the most vibrant capital cities in Southeast Asia.

Phnom Penh is approximately 320 km south of Siem Reap and 230 km west of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. One can easily access this city via road transport, air transport, and transport via rivers. Due to this strategic location, it serves as a prelude for one to access other famous tourist sites in Cambodia, spanning old temples and seashores to country landscapes. Phnom Penh, being the political and economic hub of Cambodia, brings in a historical impression with a rapid development pace, leaving tourists with an interesting mix of old and new.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Phnom Penh?

The ideal time to visit Phnom Penh is during the cool and dry season, which takes place from November to February. During this time, the temperatures fluctuate between 24 and to 30°C. The atmosphere is less humid, with a clear sky. Taking a walk along the riversides, visiting ancient temples, or sitting in picturesque coffee shops will be very appealing. The cool and dry climate makes it perfect for outdoor sightseeing in Phnom Penh, such as visiting the Royal Palace, markets, and a Tonle Sap River cruise. There will be no problem with increased sun exposure or rainfall.

In Phnom Penh, from March to May, temperatures can reach up to 35-38°C, which is very hot. This will make sightseeing in the middle of the day physically exhausting. The rainy season in Phnom Penh, which is from June to October, experiences rain showers, mostly in the afternoon. However, these showers last for a short time; hence, Phnom Penh, during this time, remains lush, clean, and less dusty. Budget tourists will find this time ideal due to low prices and a small number of people.

Phnom Penh Weather Overview By Season

Phnom Penh has three seasons in a year. It includes cool and dry season, hot and dry season, as well as rainy season. Seni World has listed the Phnom Penh weather by month and also the Phnom Penh temperature by month for travelers to refer to. Therefore, you can easily check, follow, and arrange an interesting Phnom Penh itinerary:

Season	Months	Temperature (°C)	Typical Weather Experience
Cool and dry season	November to February	From 24 to 30	The weather is pleasant. It is dry and cool, with low humidity. So this season is good for travelers to explore cultural attractions, riverfront strolls, and outdoor activities.
Hot and dry season	March to May	From 30 to 38	Phnom Penh temperature is very hot and sunny, with especially strong heat during midday. It is good for enjoying indoor attractions, relaxing in coffee shops, and taking evening river cruises. Outdoor sightseeing can feel intense.
Rainy or wet season	June to October	From 25 to 32	There are frequent afternoon showers and high humidity. The city is greener and less dusty, with fewer travelers and generally lower accommodation prices.

The Cool And Dry Season (From November To February)

From November to February, the capital of Cambodia is in the cool and dry season. This is the best time to visit Phnom Penh. It is from 24 to 30°C, with lower humidity and clear blue skies, so the city is refreshing, particularly in the mornings and evenings. With the most pleasant climate of the year, vacationers can walk along the riverside, go to the Royal Palace, explore local markets, or discover ancient temples and museums without discomfort from heat or rain. The city is energetic but peaceful, excellent for leisurely sightseeing.

Being the peak travel season, Phnom Penh is more colorful with celebrations, cultural performances, and riverfront activities. There are various exciting things to do in Phnom Penh this time, like enjoying outdoor dining, taking sunset cruises on the Tonle Sap, and uncovering historic neighborhoods. However, the lodging prices become higher than in other seasons, so you need to book rooms in advance. Even so, the overall pleasure and beauty of the city during the cool and dry season make it the best time to visit Phnom Penh.

The Hot And Dry Season (From March To May)

The hot and dry season from March to May is the warmest month in Phnom Penh, with temperatures regularly rising to 35 or sometimes 38°C through the day. The sun is strong, humidity rises, and you will feel intense in the afternoons, and sightseeing outside will be harder. However, mornings and evenings still have good conditions for exploring old temples, markets, and riverside areas. Travelers often choose to unwind in indoor attractions, such as museums, art galleries, or relax in air-conditioned coffee shops.

Despite the high temperatures, the hot and dry season is typically clean. Therefore, sunset views over the Tonle Sap are especially stunning. There are fewer crowds in comparison to the cool and dry season. Both hotels and hostels in Phnom Penh commonly bring better rates, so it is wonderful for budget travelers. You should drink enough water, apply sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities earlier or later in the day. With suitable preparation, you can enjoy a dynamic and authentic Phnom Penh experience at this time.

The Rainy Or Wet Season (From June To October)

The Phnom Penh rainy season is usually from June to October, also called the wet season, which is marked by common afternoon or evening showers. The temperatures average from 25 to 32°C. The mornings are usually dry, so it is wonderful for outdoor sightseeing. However, rain clouds commonly occur later in the day, bringing short but heavy downpours. Humidity is high, so the city becomes a greener image, with a more refreshed and more pleasant atmosphere. Photographers will prefer these dramatic skies and vibrant colors after the rain.

This season has fewer tourists. The accommodation prices are lower, and crowded sights are fewer. Although occasional flooding in low-lying regions can occur, most rains are brief and predictable, allowing travelers to schedule tourism activities accordingly. This time, some indoor attractions such as museums, coffee shops, local markets, and spa treatments will be a brilliant choice for vacationers.

Tips For Visiting Phnom Penh In Different Seasons

To have a happy, enjoyable, memorable, and safe trip in Phnom Penh, you should not only find out more about this capital of Cambodia’s itinerary, but also need to remember the following essential travel tips. These tips will help you have a pleasant journey to Phnom Penh and protect yourself more effectively:

When traveling in the cool and dry season:

Book lodgings in advance, as this is the peak tourism season, to ensure availability and receive better rates.
Prepare a light jacket for cooler early mornings and evenings for both outdoor and indoor activities. At this time, the temperature is lower than at other times of the day. Besides, you should wear comfortable shoes for long sightseeing days.
Arrange the travel plan early for a happy experience, because this is the peak season, there will be larger crowds at some famous attractions, like the Royal Palace, Koh Pich (Diamond Island), and the riverside area.

visit Royal Palace in the cool season (best time to visit phnom penh)

Apply sunscreen when you go out to visit outdoor attractions, because at this time, the sunlight in Phnom Penh is pleasant but still strong and can affect your skin’s health.

When traveling in the hot and dry season:

Arrange outdoor activities before 10:00 AM or after 04:00 PM to say no to peak heat. You should join indoor activities, such as walking in malls, visiting museums, or relaxing at coffee shops during the hottest hours.
Stay hydrated to ensure your healthcare. Let’s carry a reusable water bottle at all times on this journey.
Use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a level of SPF over 50 for sun protection. Besides, you should wear light and breathable clothes to stay comfortable.
Avoid long strolls in direct sunlight at midday. You need to book a tuk-tuk or a taxi, even for short distances, to protect your skin from the sun.

When traveling in the rainy season:

Carry a small umbrella or light raincoat daily, and choose to wear quick-dry apparel, as well as footwear suitable for wet streets.
Bring some waterproof bags to protect your electronics and passports from the rain.
Sometimes, there is occasional flooding in low-lying areas. So you need to check routes carefully before leaving.
Schedule outdoor sightseeing in the morning, as rain regularly comes in the afternoon. Let’s arrange indoor attractions for this season, consisting of going to museums, unwinding in coffee shops, enjoying at spas, and visiting markets. If you still don’t know how to schedule it, contact Seni World for consulting.

FAQs About The Best Time To Visit Phnom Penh

Seni World also summarized some FAQs to help you find out more about the best time to visit Phnom Penh. Let’s see them more in the section below!

Is flooding typical in Phnom Penh?

In Phnom Penh, occasional flooding may occur in certain low areas during peak rains in the rainy or wet season (from September to October). Therefore, travelers need to be careful when traveling at this time to ensure their safety.

Are mosquitoes a problem in Phnom Penh?

Mosquitoes are more common in Phnom Penh during the rainy or wet season. Don’t miss out on bringing mosquito repellent to protect yourself from them, especially when you and your family journey to the wet streets or the riverside areas.

Is sunrise or sunset better in different seasons in Phnom Penh?

In Phnom Penh, the cool and dry season generally offers clearer sunsets, while the rainy or wet season sunsets are attractive after storms. Let’s schedule a suitable adventure to see sunrise and sunset in Phnom Penh, particularly if you are a photography lover.

What is the season that is good for river cruises in Phnom Penh?

During the dry season, the weather in Phnom Penh is stable, and evenings are wonderful for you to enjoy river cruises. The wet season can still be enjoyable, but rain may affect both visibility and timing.

Final Thoughts: Is Phnom Penh Worth Visiting?

The best time to visit Phnom Penh is from November to February, when the climate is pleasant, temperatures vary from 24 to 30 °C, dry, and cooler, with lower humidity. The city is refreshing, particularly in the mornings and evenings, so you can walk along the riverside, go to the Royal Palace, explore local markets, or discover ancient temples and museums without discomfort from heat or rain. If you want to learn more about this Phnom Penh adventure, like what to do and where to stay in Phnom Penh, and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable travel operator.

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