Best time to visit · Phnom Penh · Cambodia
The best time to visit Phnom Penh
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
The best time to visit Phnom Penh is November to February, when it is dry and the humidity is lowest. March to May is very hot, with April the peak and the city quiet over Khmer New Year. The May–October wet season brings afternoon storms and occasional street flooding but low hotel prices and few visitors.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–February
- Shoulder season
- March and October
- Warmest month
- March (avg high 35°C (95°F))
- Coldest month
- December (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Rainiest month
- September (~19 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Seasons
Phnom Penh is hot and humid all year, with a dry season from about November to April (hottest in April) and a wet season from May to October, when heavy afternoon storms can briefly flood streets.
November–February
Cool dry season
Sunny, dry and relatively comfortable, with the Water Festival in November; the main tourist season.
March–May
Hot season
Temperatures around 35°C and heavy humidity; Khmer New Year in mid-April empties the city as people go home to the provinces.
June–August
Wet season
Short, heavy afternoon storms, green surroundings and low hotel rates; mornings are usually fine for sightseeing.
September–October
Late rains
The wettest weeks with occasional flooding, rivers at their highest and the Pchum Ben festival.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 22°C | 1 | 11.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 33°C | 23°C | 1 | 11.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 35°C | 24°C | 3 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 35°C | 25°C | 6 | 12.4 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 35°C | 25°C | 13 | 12.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 33°C | 25°C | 15 | 12.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 16 | 12.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 17 | 12.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 19 | 12.2 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 17 | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 23°C | 8 | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 30°C | 22°C | 3 | 11.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Chinese New Year — lion dances and family celebrations (late January or February) |
| February | Chinese New Year (some years fall in February) |
| April | Khmer New Year — three-day national holiday (mid-April) |
| May | Royal Ploughing Ceremony — ancient rite predicting the harvest (usually May); Visak Bochea — Buddhist holy day (usually May) |
| September | Pchum Ben — 15-day ancestors' festival; many people travel to home provinces (September or October) |
| October | Pchum Ben (some years fall in October) |
| November | Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) — dragon-boat races on the Tonle Sap in front of the Royal Palace (usually November); Independence Day — ceremony at the Independence Monument (9 November) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in September, and the sights are quietest in September.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Cool dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Wet season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late rains | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Phnom Penh?
The best time to visit Phnom Penh is November to February, when it is dry and the humidity is lowest. March to May is very hot, with April the peak and the city quiet over Khmer New Year. The May–October wet season brings afternoon storms and occasional street flooding but low hotel prices and few visitors.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Phnom Penh?
Usually in September. Among the wettest months, with some street flooding after heavy storms; the quietest time for visitors.
+What is the rainiest month in Phnom Penh?
September, with about 19 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Phnom Penh get?
The warmest month, March, averages highs of 35°C (95°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).