Cambodia’s Climate and Weather: A Simple Guide

Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia, surrounded by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Its location affects the weather, which is really important for how people live and farm here. Knowing about the weather is also helpful if you’re planning a trip to Cambodia.

Let’s take a closer look at Cambodia’s weather, the seasons, and how climate change is affecting the country.

Climate Characteristics

General Climate Type

Cambodia has a tropical climate, which means it’s hot most of the year. The weather is mostly controlled by the monsoons, which are winds that bring heavy rains or dry air. The tropical weather keeps Cambodia’s forests green, but it also causes flooding during certain times of the year.

Seasons

Wet Season (May to October)

From May to October, Cambodia has a wet season, with lots of rain and high humidity. This is because of the southwest monsoon. On average, the country gets between 1,400 mm and 2,000 mm of rain each year. The rain is great for growing rice, Cambodia’s main crop, but it can also cause floods. If you plan to visit during this time, be prepared for some rainy days! For more information on how this affects travel, you can check out Intrepid Travel’s guide.

Dry Season (November to April)

From November to April, Cambodia experiences its dry season, which is cooler and less humid. This is when the northeast monsoon brings drier air. During these months, temperatures are much more comfortable, making it the best time for tourists to visit famous sites like Angkor Wat. Farmers also use this season to harvest their crops.

For more details on Cambodia’s overall climate, you can visit Canby Publications.

Monthly Weather Patterns

Temperature Ranges

Throughout the year, temperatures in Cambodia stay pretty high. The coolest month is January, when it averages around 28°C. The hottest months are April and May, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C or more. Phnom Penh, the capital, gets very hot in these months, especially since it’s not near the coast.

Rainfall Distribution

The amount of rain Cambodia gets changes from month to month and depends on the region. From July to September, coastal areas like Sihanoukville get more rain than places farther inland, like Siem Reap. If you want to see more details on the rainfall by region, check out this page on Climates to Travel.

Regional Climate Variations

Coastal Areas

The areas near the Gulf of Thailand, like Kampot and Sihanoukville, are cooler than inland places. This is because they get breezes from the ocean, and they also have more rain. Kampot, for instance, is known for its pepper plantations, which thrive in the moist climate.

Inland Regions

Inland regions, such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, are usually hotter and drier during the dry season. However, places in the highlands, like Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, are cooler due to their higher elevation. The cool air and green forests make these highland areas popular for eco-tourism.

Climate Change Impacts

Historical Trends

Cambodia is already feeling the effects of climate change. Since the 1960s, the average temperature has gone up by about 0.18°C every decade. Rainfall has also become less predictable, often influenced by global climate events like El Niño and La Niña. This change can be hard on farmers, who rely on regular rainfall to grow their crops. You can learn more about these changes on the World Bank’s Climate Knowledge Portal.

Future Projections

In the future, Cambodia is expected to get even hotter, and the weather will become even more unpredictable. This means the country could face more droughts and worse floods. These changes will affect agriculture, water supplies, and even wildlife. If temperatures keep rising, it might also make it harder for tourists to enjoy certain times of the year.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s tropical climate, shaped by the monsoons, is essential to the country’s culture, agriculture, and tourism. Whether you’re visiting or living in Cambodia, knowing the weather patterns helps you plan better. And as climate change continues to impact the country, it’s important for everyone to be aware of the challenges ahead. For a more detailed overview, you can explore Cambodia’s climate at Britannica.

By understanding Cambodia’s climate, we can be better prepared for both the sunny and rainy days ahead!