Month guide · Phnom Penh · Cambodia
Phnom Penh in October
What October is really like in Phnom Penh: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
October is a good-value shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 17 rainy days and roughly 11.9 hours of daylight. Rain begins to ease late in the month as the rivers peak.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 17
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in October
October is the 10th-warmest month in Phnom Penh: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 33°C (91°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 17 of its 31 days. Compared with September (32°C (90°F)), October is about as warm; by November highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 05:49
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 17:42
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
Wet season (June–August). Short, heavy afternoon storms, green surroundings and low hotel rates; mornings are usually fine for sightseeing.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 2 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in January). That makes October one of the better-value months to book.
Events in October
- Pchum Ben (some years fall in October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Royal Palace and Street 240
National Museum of Cambodia
The terracotta-red museum built in the 1910s–1920s holds the world's leading collection of Khmer sculpture, from pre-Angkorian figures such as the eight-armed Vishnu of Phnom Da to the serene seated statue of Jayavarman VII and a huge bronze reclining Vishnu from the West Mebon.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Museum · Toul Tom Poung
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
Take the audio guide and allow time; many visitors pair it with Choeung Ek on the same day, which is emotionally heavy, so consider separate days.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Iconic
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Palace · Royal Palace and Street 240
Royal Palace
Built from 1866 when King Norodom moved the capital to Phnom Penh, the palace compound faces the river with tiered golden roofs, the Throne Hall used for coronations and manicured gardens.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours with the Silver Pagoda
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
- Photo spot
Religious site · Royal Palace and Street 240
Silver Pagoda
Walk the full mural gallery around the courtyard; it is often skipped but shows the whole Khmer Ramayana.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Art
- History
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 24°C and 17 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 October a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
A good-value shoulder-season month, with a notable event 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 October a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
It is a good-value shoulder-season month. Rain begins to ease late in the month as the rivers peak.
+How warm is Phnom Penh in October?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Phnom Penh in October?
Expect rain on about 17 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.