Month guide · Phnom Penh · Cambodia
Phnom Penh in May
What May is really like in Phnom Penh: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
May is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 35°C (95°F), lows of 25°C (77°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 12.7 hours of daylight. Rains arrive, usually as short afternoon storms; still very hot between showers.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 35°C (95°F) / 25°C (77°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 12.7 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in May
May is the 3rd-warmest month in Phnom Penh: days average 35°C (95°F) against a yearly average high of 33°C (91°F), and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with April (35°C (95°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs drop to around 33°C (91°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:37
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 18:16
- Daylight
- About 12.7 hours
Cool dry season (November–February). Sunny, dry and relatively comfortable, with the Water Festival in November; the main tourist season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 2 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in January). That makes May one of the better-value months to book.
Events in May
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony — ancient rite predicting the harvest (usually May)
- Visak Bochea — Buddhist holy day (usually May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
With intense heat, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Religious site · Wat Phnom and Central Market
Wat Phnom
Come in the late afternoon, when the park around the hill fills with families and food vendors.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Outdoors
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Market · Wat Phnom and Central Market
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
Opened in 1937, this bright yellow Art Deco market has a soaring central dome with four wings radiating out.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Shopping
- Food
- Kids
Market · Toul Tom Poung
Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
Go early in the morning before the tin roof traps the heat, and eat breakfast inside before shopping.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
Waterfront · Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
Sisowath Quay riverside
The riverside promenade runs along the Tonle Sap near its confluence with the Mekong.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 35°C, lows near 25°C and 13 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, November–February are better overall. Compare every month.
Phnom Penh in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Rains arrive, usually as short afternoon storms; still very hot between showers.
+How warm is Phnom Penh in May?
Average highs are around 35°C (95°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Phnom Penh in May?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.