The short answer
When to go to Phnom Penh
The best window is November to February, when the rain has eased and highs sit around 31 to 33 C, with December and January the most comfortable. March to May is very hot, and April is the peak. The wet season runs from roughly May to October, and September and October are the wettest months, with street flooding possible. For older travellers, December and January are easiest: do the palace and museums in the morning, rest at midday and go out again after about 4 pm.
Month by month
Phnom Penh weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 22°C | 12 mm | Dry and the coolest stretch of the year | |
| February | 33°C | 23°C | 7 mm | Dry and warming up | |
| March | 35°C | 24°C | 35 mm | Hot; start sightseeing early | |
| April | 35°C | 26°C | 79 mm | The hottest month; hard on older visitors | |
| May | 35°C | 26°C | 118 mm | Rains begin; hot and humid between showers | |
| June | 34°C | 25°C | 145 mm | Wet season; showers are frequent | |
| July | 33°C | 25°C | 162 mm | Wet; plan around afternoon rain | |
| August | 33°C | 25°C | 183 mm | Wet and humid | |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 271 mm | One of the wettest months | |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 248 mm | Very wet; street flooding possible | |
| November | 31°C | 23°C | 121 mm | Rain easing; pleasant by month end | |
| December | 31°C | 22°C | 32 mm | Dry and comfortable; busiest tourist month |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Phnom Penh seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and December
- January: Dry and the coolest stretch of the year
- December: Dry and comfortable; busiest tourist month
Good, with small trade-offs: February and November
- February: Dry and warming up
- November: Rain easing; pleasant by month end
Possible, with planning: March, May, June, July and August
- March: Hot; start sightseeing early
- May: Rains begin; hot and humid between showers
- June: Wet season; showers are frequent
- July: Wet; plan around afternoon rain
- August: Wet and humid
Best avoided with parents or children: April, September and October
- April: The hottest month; hard on older visitors
- September: One of the wettest months
- October: Very wet; street flooding possible
Useful answers
Best time to visit Phnom Penh: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Phnom Penh?
January and December are the best months to visit Phnom Penh, with February and November also good. The best window is November to February, when the rain has eased and highs sit around 31 to 33 C, with December and January the most comfortable. March to May is very hot, and April is the peak. The wet season runs from roughly May to October, and September and October are the wettest months, with street flooding possible. For older travellers, December and January are easiest: do the palace and museums in the morning, rest at midday and go out again after about 4 pm.
Which months should I avoid in Phnom Penh with elderly parents?
April, September and October are the months to avoid with older travellers. The hottest month; hard on older visitors One of the wettest months
When does it rain most in Phnom Penh?
September is the wettest month, with about 271 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 35°C.