Plan around the monsoon
Is it monsoon in Cambodia?
Cambodia runs on a single, well-defined monsoon calendar: a rainy season from May to mid-November, driven by the southwest monsoon, and a dry season the rest of the year. December is historically the coolest month everywhere in the country, before the heat builds fast from mid-February through May, the hottest stretch of the year in the inland plains. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, both follow this shape closely, with October or September historically the wettest month and the greatest flood risk, especially along the Mekong. Siem Reap's monsoon, lying further north, tends to retreat a little earlier than the capital's.
The coast tells a different story. Kampot and Koh Kong don't heat up as sharply in the months before the monsoon, thanks to the sea's moderating effect, but they see far heavier total rainfall once the rains arrive. Koh Kong in particular, facing directly into the monsoon flow off the Gulf of Thailand, receives more than 4,000mm of rain a year and sees rain falling almost daily from June through September, among the wettest conditions anywhere in the country. Stung Treng, in the remote northeast on the Mekong, runs hotter than anywhere else in this dataset come April, but otherwise shares the same broad dry-season, wet-season rhythm as the rest of Cambodia.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cambodia have one monsoon season?›
Largely yes. Cambodia has a single rainy season from May to mid-November, driven by the southwest monsoon, and a dry season the rest of the year, a more unified pattern than some of its neighbors. The main regional differences are in intensity: the coast and highlands see far more total rainfall than the inland plains.
What is the best time to visit Cambodia overall?›
December to mid-February is historically the coolest, driest, and sunniest stretch across the whole country, and the best time to visit. It's worth noting that a typhoon has occasionally still affected Cambodia in the first half of December.
Why is the coast rainier than Phnom Penh?›
Kampot and Koh Kong sit directly in the path of moisture-laden monsoon winds coming off the Gulf of Thailand, while Phnom Penh, further inland, receives comparatively less. Koh Kong in particular, facing the monsoon head-on, sees some of the heaviest rainfall in the country.
Does Cambodia get typhoons?›
Cambodia can be hit by typhoons, though they are quite rare, since most pass to the north and strike northern Vietnam and Laos instead. When typhoons do reach Cambodia, they are generally weakened, having released much of their energy over southern Vietnam first, but can still bring heavy rain and flooding. This most often occurs from mid-October to mid-November, with a peak in early November.
Is flooding a concern in Cambodia?›
It can be, especially in September and October, the wettest part of the year, particularly in areas along the Mekong like Phnom Penh. Keeping travel plans flexible during the wettest weeks is worth considering.
Is the Cambodian coast good for a beach holiday?›
Yes, and the best time for one is historically December through February. Even in the warmer months from March to May, the coast doesn't heat up as sharply as the interior, thanks to the moderating effect of the sea.
What should I pack for Cambodia?›
Lightweight, natural-fiber clothing and comfortable shoes year-round, with a light sweatshirt for cooler evenings from December to March, and a light raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season. In the highlands, pack a sweater and jacket for cooler evenings, especially from December to March.