Cambodia is a tropical country with temperatures ranging from 21 to 35 degrees Celsius (69.8 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) on a regular basis. It is positioned just a smidge above the equator. The temperature here is hot and humid, making it a perfect place for going out at night with a t-shirt. You do not need to wear long sleeves or sweaters anymore. Unlike the rest of the country, Cambodia has no harsh weather or even winter at all.
Cambodia is usually warm, but some people would say hot. In addition, it has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the monsoon season (rainy season). These seasons are punctuated by cooler and warmer spells. Most people believe that Cambodia has three seasons: cold, hot, and rainy. However, this is the common perception.
Geographical Areas At A Glance
Most of the SEA inland countries receive between 1,300 and 1,800 millimeters (51 and 70 inches) of rain each year. Whereas, the rainiest area is in the southwest, along the Gulf of Thailand. There are more than 2,000 millimeters (80 inches) of annual rainfall.
Meanwhile, Cambodia also has two biggest mountain ranges, such as Chuor Phnum Dangrek and Chuor Phnum Kravanh. Chuor Phnum Kravanh is located in the south west of Cambodia and eastern Thailand. The Cambodian weather is quite cold there due to its heights. On top of that, the Chuor Phnum Kravanh has its highest peak at 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) above sea level, which is called Phnum Aural. The area is covered with thick and inaccessible forests that are fully a natural paradise. Aural is considered to be the coldest and rainiest region, collecting up to 5,000 ml of rainfall every year. Plus, this mountainous area also attracts rainfall between February and April even though it is not a rainy season yet.
December - February: Cold Season Is The Best Weather of Cambodia
In November, the temperature begins to simmer down, making December and January even more fairly delightful. It is best to come and visit during these months because it is considered Cambodia's tropical paradise season. Throughout the year, Phnom Penh has temperatures fluctuating from 21 to 32°C (70°F to 90°F). During the cold season, Khmers do not often wear jackets because the weather is very friendly and pleasant.
January is the best month to kick off a new year, while February is also the nicest month. However, by March, the temperature slowly starts to rise, making it warmer day by day. Other than that, Cambodia attracts the most visitors during the cool season due to the nicest environmental condition. For those who love trekking, hiking, or biking, it is ideal for visiting Cambodia or Angkor Wat. However, that means that if you love to stay quiet without crowds, this might not be a good time to visit the country as many tourists are expected to come.
March - June: The Hottest Season
At this time of year, temperatures can reach 40 °C (104 °F), making April the hottest month. The hot reason is considered to be the dry season. The high humidity makes it seem more like a heatwave. In addition, agricultural practices such as slash-and-burn cause haze in certain regions of the country. As travelers, you should avoid the hot season if you plan on living in Cambodia on a short-term basis.
Despite the hot weather that might not be friendly for agriculture as previously mentioned, the weather temperature will be perfect for those who wish to have their skin tanned. During the hot season, the whole country receives full sunlight from the early morning until the evening, making it perfect for Vitamin D. Furthermore, whether or not you are on the beaches, cities, or mountains, there will always be the sun warming you up. Although it might not be friendly for people who like cold weather, visiting Cambodia in this summer time is just exceptional. There are a variety of outdoor activities in which you can do it all day long because there will be less rain.
June - November: Rainy Season
In Khmer, Vosan Rodov or Rodov Vosa is a rainy season that lasts for 4 months, starting from the 1st Roch day of Ah-Sart (Khmer month) until the 15th Kert day of Kak-Deuk (Khmer month). During the rainy season, you are supposed to see rain falling every single day. Sometimes it might take up to a whole month. Moreover, there will also be a shorter rain or drizzle that is so predictable in the afternoon time.
If you have never visited Cambodia, you should buy a raincoat or a plastic raincoat. Having one of two of them with you is highly recommended. Also, it is extremely affordable and is sold anywhere, as umbrellas are not the best option due to strong winds during the monsoon season. Furthermore, flip-flops or Crocs are also the most practical rainwear because certain areas will be covered by a drainage blockage or a small flood.
It looks as though the Cambodian rainy season is not a choice for traveling, right?
These are a few good things that tourists might overlook in the rainy season. First, the rains usually cool down the hot weather from July to September. In October and November, it still rains, but the temperatures drop to roughly 30°C (86°F) and 23°C (73°F). Next one, it is a perfect time for nature lovers to visit mountains at the end of the rainy season because there will be less rain and wind. Also, the beautiful flowers, trees, and leaves will start glowing. As most tourists do not come to visit, it is a great time to live in peace with all that beautiful mother nature.
What Should I Bring?
You can bring light natural fiber clothes (like T-shirts), comfortable shoes (like Crocs, flip-flops), and a scarf for the coastal areas. For the cold Cambodian weather, you may wear hoodies or sweatshirts in the evening, while T-shirts can be worn during the daytime. In addition, you can simply wear short clothes in the rainy season as it is convenient to add the plastic raincoat as a cover. The weather of Cambodia will be much more friendly after the rainy season passes. Last but not least, regardless of any Cambodian weather, you are permitted to wear any short dresses, jeans, or any clothes with a little body coverage when visiting temples, pagodas, or any other cultural reserves.
References:
- Cambodia's Climate And Weather. (2022, February 15). Move to Cambodia. Retrieved February 25, from https://www.movetocambodia.com/about-cambodia/climate-and-weather/
- Cambodia Weather, Climate, and Geography. (2019, August 20). World Travel Guide. Retrieved February 25, from https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/asia/cambodia/weather-climate-geography/
