Just about 13 degrees from the equator, Cambodia has a tropical climate like some of the regions in Southeast Asia. The temperature ranges from hot to warm all throughout the year. The tourist season in Cambodia is at its peak between November to April, happening at the same time when the winter vacations are in America or Europe. Northeast monsoon hits Cambodia during this time, bringing with it warm, sunny days with less humidity. With the sun shining bright in the mornings, warm tropical rains hitting in the afternoons occasionally, and lush greenery all around, Cambodia looks more beautiful this season.

The climate is governed by the south-west monsoon, which brings more than 80% of the country’s rain in May to October. Exposed slopes of the southwest highlands have about 500 centimeters or 200 inches of rain a year and in the central plain, rainfall is around 130 centimeters (51 inches). Temperatures on the plain range from more that 32 °C, which is almost 90 °F before the monsoon season to about 27 °C or 80 °F in December and January.

Nearly 50% of the country is still covered by tropical rain forest or monsoon forest. The weather in Cambodia is an important aspect to consider prior to your travel to this country. Its tropical climate is perfect for those seeking a change from the North American or European climate patterns. Cambodia has two seasons, the wet and dry monsoon cycles of Southeast Asia.

January to March have dry and mild weather with the odd northeast monsoon rain. The northeast monsoon is at its peak during February and water levels are high in the lake making it difficult to travel by boat.

April onwards are filled with sunshine with sunny mornings and the odd week or two of rains, nicknamed as the “mango rains,” occurring towards the middle of the month which cools the normally hot and humid weather. In a way, this is a good time to visit as there are virtually no crowds, and it is a bit warm and dry – but in all cases, the midday heat should be avoided. Another interesting part of April is that it is the Asian mango season and the markets are filled with many varieties of this delicious fruit.

May is the beginning of the southwest monsoon with a lot of rain and thunderstorms. There is still an average of 10 to 12 hours of sunshine and is very hot and humid, ranging between 25 °C and 35 °C, which is equivalent to about 77 °F to 95°F. Days may be sometimes hot and sometimes cool due to the rains. Rains don’t last for long, though and the temperature in the Angkor Wat complex is a lot less than the average temperature due to the large forest area around it.

By June, the southwest monsoon has settled and is becoming established. Although there is still an average of 10 to 12 hours of sunshine, it is cooler than May with the temperature ranging between 24 °C and 33 °C (between 75 °F to 91 °F), but very humid during nighttime, making it hotter than it really is. The rains are short, intermittent, and not heavy. By end of June the temperatures have dropped.

By July, the southwest monsoon has established itself. Although the average amount of sunshine is still the same, the rains are a regular feature. Temperature is similar to June, but it is very humid during the night and day.

The southwest monsoon is at its peak in August. However, the temperature is still a bit warm but is cooling steadily. By September, the southwest monsoon gives way to the dry northeast monsoon rain with the odd afternoon showers, which causes the humidity to further drop along with low temperatures and blowing winds. September conditions are close to ideal for a comfortable travel.

By October, there is an average of 7 hours of sunshine a day with sunny mornings and odd showers in the afternoons. The climate is dry and there is very little humidity with temperatures ranging from 24 °C to 31 °C or about 75 °F and 88 °F.

By November, there is an average of 8 hours of sunshine daily with sunny mornings and the odd shower at least twice a week. The temperatures range from 22 °C to 30 °C, roughly about 71 °F to 86 °F and dry weather has replaced the warm rains of the southwest monsoon.

December is dry and sunny. There is an average of 9 hours day sunshine with virtually no rains. The temperatures range from 21 °C to 30 °C (69 °F to 86 °F) and there is dry and sunny weather. The northeast monsoon is established and the humidity levels are at its lowest.

The best time to visit Cambodia is between September and December. The days generally are sunny with the odd cooling showers or the occasional thunderstorms in the late afternoons. It is advisable to have a clear idea as to which region or city in Cambodia you plan to travel, so that you can be prepared for the climate in that particular area. This will give you an idea on what to pack and what activities you can enjoy during your travel to Cambodia.