Climate & Weather Guide in Cambodia

Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times

Cambodia has a hot, humid tropical monsoon climate shaped by the southwest and northeast monsoons, with a long wet season and a shorter dry season. National climate data show annual mean temperatures around 27.5 to 28.6 C, and most of the country experiences consistently warm conditions year-round. Rainfall is strongly seasonal: the wet months bring heavy downpours, while the dry season can feel very hot and dusty. For residents and expats, the climate is generally manageable if you prefer warmth, but it can be challenging because of heat, humidity, and flooding in lowland areas during peak rains.

Summer Average

30-35°C

Winter Average

24-29°C

Climate Types

Tropical monsoon and Tropical wet and dry

Annual Rainfall

1200-2200 mm

Sunshine Hours

2,400-3,000 hrs/yr

Average Humidity

70-85%

Regional Climate Variations

Central Plains and Phnom Penh Basin

This lowland heartland, including Phnom Penh and surrounding rice-growing plains, is hot throughout the year and feels especially intense before the rains arrive. The climate is typically tropical monsoon, with a pronounced dry season from roughly November to April and a long wet season from May to October. Humidity rises sharply in the rainy months, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. For expats, this region offers the most urban services, but also the strongest combination of heat, humidity, and flood exposure in the wet season.

Summer:31-35°C

Winter:24-28°C

High rainfall

Hot, humid, and seasonally stormy, with a long wet season and a very warm dry season that can still feel oppressive.

Coastal Belt and Gulf of Thailand Shore

Cambodia's southwest coast, including Sihanoukville, is moderated slightly by the sea but remains hot and humid year-round. Rainfall is high, with the wet season bringing frequent heavy showers and short bursts of intense tropical rain. Sea breezes can make temperatures feel a little less harsh than inland lowlands, although humidity remains high. This is the most attractive zone for people who want beach access and a more maritime feel, but it still has a distinctly tropical climate rather than a cooler coastal one.

Summer:30-33°C

Winter:25-29°C

Very high rainfall

Warm coastal air, frequent rain in the monsoon months, and a heavy humid feel that softens only slightly near the sea.

North and Northeastern Highlands

The upland areas in northern and northeastern Cambodia are still tropical, but they are usually a bit cooler at night and less uniformly hot than the central plains. Rainfall is abundant, especially during the monsoon, but elevations and broken terrain create some local variation in temperature and rainfall. This region generally feels greener and less stagnant than the lowlands, though the dry season can still be hot. For residents, it offers a more rural and less humid experience than Phnom Penh or the coast, but services may be thinner.

Summer:28-32°C

Winter:20-25°C

High rainfall

Still tropical, but slightly milder and greener than the lowlands, with cooler nights and strong monsoon rains.

Cambodia's climate is broadly tropical monsoon, with heat and humidity dominating most of the year and rainfall concentrated in the wet season. It is attractive for residents who like warm weather and lush landscapes, but expats should expect persistent humidity, seasonal flooding risks, and very hot months before the rains begin.

More Insights for your Move to Cambodia

Comprehensive guides and data-driven analysis.

View all Cambodia Guides & Categories14 in-depth guides for expats & digital nomads