The weather in Cambodia is an
important consideration when planning the timing of your travel. Cambodia is
just 13 degree north of the equator with a tropical climate ideal for those
seeking a change from the temperate European or North American climate. The
seasons are strongly influenced by the wet and dry monsoon cycles of Southeast
Asia as explained below.
Considerations
for travel planning:
Travel outside of the peak tourist
season for crowd avoidance in Siem Reap and at the major temple sites, better
prices and wider choice of hotels and guides.
Consider your personal tolerance
of temperatures and humidity - high by Western standards.
Best photographic conditions:
lighting, vibrant countryside and weather conditions often more interesting
during the wet SW Monsoon.
Climate and
Monsoon Cycle
Dry season -
NE Monsoon
The dry Southeast Asia monsoon
determines the weather from around end October until mid May with only
occasional rain, perhaps 3 times a month. The countryside dries out under the
cloudless skies and the level of Tonle Sap Lake drops to its minimum. Although
dry throughout, the temperature and humidity both rise from October through to
a maximum for the year in May.
Wet season -
SW Monsoon
The wetter Southeast Asia monsoon
brings greenery back to the Cambodian countryside with rain from the Indian
Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand. The usual pattern is for clear, sunny mornings
and showers in the mid to late afternoon two days out of three. The humidity
and temperatures drop to a low around October when the weather can feel almost
Mediterranean.
Cambodian Rainfalls & Temperature Chart