Seasonal Weather in Phnom Penh: What to Expect Throughout the Year (and why you’ll probably sweat)
okay, so like, Phnom Penh. it’s… a thing. i’ve been here six weeks, fueled by questionable street food and a desperate need to not die of heatstroke. seriously, the humidity hits you like a brick wall. i’m pretty sure my internal thermostat is permanently stuck on ‘tropical sauna’.
right, the weather. it’s basically a rollercoaster, but a really, really sweaty rollercoaster. let’s break it down, because i’m already losing my mind trying to remember if i packed enough deodorant.
*March - May: The Monsoon’s Warm-Up - this is when things get… intense. think 35-40°C (95-104°F) and 80-95% humidity. it’s not a gentle rain, it’s a biblical downpour. you’ll see people wading through streets, tuk-tuks splashing through puddles, and me desperately trying to find a shaded corner. i heard from a guy at the noodle stall near Wat Phnom (check out Yelp for some decent places - seriously, don’t eat the mystery meat) that if you’re here during this time, you need a good umbrella and waterproof shoes. like, really waterproof. it’s not a rumor, it’s a survival tip.
June - August: The Dry Season (Sort Of) - this is the “tourist season,” which means it’s hot, hot, hot. The temperature usually hovers around 30-35°C (86-95°F), but the humidity is still brutal. It’s like stepping into a giant, damp towel. You’ll find yourself constantly wiping your brow and wishing you’d invested in a personal air conditioner. It’s a good time to explore the temples - they’re less crowded, but bring water. Lots of water. TripAdvisor has some decent temple guides.
September - November: The ‘Almost’ Cool Season - this is my favorite time to be here, honestly. The temperature drops to around 25-30°C (77-86°F), and the humidity starts to ease up. You’ll get occasional showers, but they’re usually short and sweet. It’s perfect for wandering around the markets, exploring the riverside, and generally not melting. I’ve been seeing a lot of expats heading up to Sihanoukville - about a 3-hour drive - for the beaches. Apparently, it’s a whole different vibe there, all sunshine and cocktails.
December - February: The Coolest Time (Relative) - this is when Phnom Penh actually feels… pleasant. Temperatures average around 20-25°C (68-77°F), and the humidity is manageable. It’s still warm enough to wear shorts and a t-shirt, but you might actually enjoy being outside. It’s a good time to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Just… don’t expect it to be cold. It’s still Cambodia, you know?
Cost of Living (Rough Estimate - as told by a friend at a bar):Category Monthly Cost (USD) Rent (Studio) $300 - $600 Food (Street) $150 - $300 Transportation $50 - $100 Utilities $50 - $100 Entertainment $100 - $200 Total $650 - $1300
(Seriously, that rent range is wild. I’m paying $450 in a tiny room with a questionable shower. Don’t judge.)
Quick Note: I’m still figuring this place out, and honestly, the weather feels like a personal vendetta. But hey, at least it’s interesting, right? Check out the r/PhnomPenh subreddit for more local insights: Reddit Link. And if you see me sweating profusely, just offer me a cold Angkor beer. It’s the only thing keeping me going.
Overheard Gossip: “I heard the traffic’s getting way worse on Sisowath Quay. Seriously, avoid it after 6 pm unless you enjoy being stuck in a metal box.” - A taxi driver, clearly exhausted.
Overheard Gossip: “My friend tried to haggle for a tuk-tuk ride, and the driver just laughed. Apparently, they’re running a protection racket. Don’t be a tourist, be smart.” - A backpacker, looking slightly panicked.
Overheard Gossip:* “The new rooftop bar near the Central Market is amazing, but the cocktails are insane. Like, seriously expensive. Just order water.” - A local, sipping a suspiciously cheap beer.
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