Weather in Cambodia in March, April and May

Looking for the best time to visit Cambodia? Here’s a detailed guide to the weather in Cambodia in March, April, and May. In these months, Cambodia’s climate is at the peak of the dry season. The temperatures in this tropical country are much warmer during these months.

You can expect to receive a thorough beat down from the tropical sun. Towards the middle of March and April, the temperatures start to hit 38°C (100°F). Nevertheless, with our guide on the weather, places to visit and packing tips, you’re sure to make the most of it.

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Plan on unwinding by the beaches of Cambodia during your spring break? You picked the perfect time!

Weather in Cambodia in March, April, and May

March, April, and May are the summer months of Cambodia. The average daytime temperature will be nestled in the mid to high 30s throughout summer. The weather gets increasingly hot as the weeks pass by. Eventually, at the end of May, a few sporadic showers will bring about the end of summer and the onset of the wet season.

Don’t let the temperature put you off as you can visit Cambodia during these months and have a great time albeit a little exhausting. The hot temperatures can be avoided by planning your excursions to the Angkor temples or any other outdoorsy locations in the early morning hours during sunrise. You can also go exploring around the cities in the evening before or just after sunset. The middle hours of the day can be spent relaxing in the pool or in the comfort of your room.

Getting around Cambodia is very easy!

Visiting the Angkor temples in the summer heat of April & May might be exhausting. To avoid the mid-day overhead sun, restrict your outings early morning or late afternoon

Summer for the Cambodians

For the Cambodians, summer means the end of the harvest season. The people reap the cumulative benefits of the previous year’s tropical rains and their beloved Mekong river that brings fertility to the lands. Almost all of the rice is harvested during the summer months and as rice is the staple of the people, this event is celebrated with worship and traditional games.

For an agrarian country like Cambodia, the end of the harvest season is akin to the end of the year. It is no surprise then that the people celebrate the Lunar New Year in the middle of April to bring finality to the harvest season. It is definitely the best time to visit Cambodia if you’re looking to experience these celebrations.

Towards the end of summer, the agricultural season starts as the fields are once again plowed and seeds sown in anticipation of rain. And the cycle begins once again, as it has done for centuries.

Cambodia is an extremely affordable holiday destination!

The harvest ends in March but the agricultural cycle restarts end of May. In between, the locals take a break!

What to pack?

Looking to pack for Cambodia’s climate in March, April or May? Well, given the weather in Cambodia during summer, pack plenty of light, airy, summer outfits, preferably cotton. Additionally, to keep yourself protected from the sun, always carry a hat and sunglasses wherever you go. Do not forget to carry sunscreen with you. You will need every last drop of it! Towards the end of May, there is a slight chance of experiencing light showers. So, if you are visiting at this time then pack a light rain jacket with you. Remember to keep these travel tips in mind for a hassle-free Cambodian holiday.

Travelling with Children, Cambodia is a great destination!

Travelling to Cambodia in March, April or May? don’t forget to bring that swim suit along. The ideal way to beat the heat given Cambodia’s climate at this time.

Places to visit

The summer heat will be harsh, however, there are still a few places that you can experience during these months inspite of Cambodia’s climate. The island of Koh Rong is one that you can visit ideally at any time of the year. The beautiful beaches and the idyllic island will keep you for the duration of your stay.

The Angkor Temples are a must-visit on any trip to Cambodia. The entire complex is a magnificent sight if you can brave the heat. Additionally, given the weather in Cambodia in March, April and May, the summer heat will urge you to visit the temples when they are at their prettiest – during sunrise.

You can read our extended list of places to visit in Cambodia here!

Relaxing by the beaches of Cambodia is definitely a good idea if you’re travelling to Cambodia in March, April or May.

Festivals

Besides assessing Cambodia’s climate and whether the weather in Cambodia in March, April, May are suitable to travel to Cambodia, Festivals are another important factor. Travelling to Cambodia during a festival changes the entire experience. It is the ideal way for those seeking an insight into Cambodia’s diverse culture and rich history.

Khmer New Year – 14th April to 17th April 2020

Over 90 percent of Cambodia’s population follows Theravada Buddhism. As per traditions, the people of Cambodia celebrate their New Year on either the 13th or 14th of April every year. Locals celebrate the end of the year and the start of a new one with great merriment on the streets of Cambodia. You will find people celebrating by partaking in traditional games like ‘Chol Chhoung’. The people are at their playful best and you’ll often spot them dancing and singing on the streets to mark the beginning of a new year. This is the best time to visit Cambodia for an authentic cultural experience.

Birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni – 13th May to 15th May

This holiday marks the birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. The King makes offerings to monks and temples around the capital city of Phnom Penh.

Visak Bocheak Day – 6th May 2020

Visak Bochea day celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. This day is a public holiday for the people. Buddhism is an important part of the fabric of Cambodian society. As such, this day is of great importance to the people. They visit shrines to make their offerings to monks, usually in the form of candles and flowers.

National Day of Remembrance – 20th May

The 20th of May every year is celebrated as National Day of Remembrance in memory of the innocent lives that were snuffed out by the Khmer Rouge during the genocide. The Khmer Rouge genocide occurred almost 40 years ago between 1977 and 1979, but the scar that it has left Cambodia and its people will persist forever. The fortunate survivors and the lucky who didn’t have to face it mourn the unfortunate millions who lost their lives. The festival is most noticeably celebrated in Phnom Penh as the people visit the Choeung Fields which is a mass grave of the victims.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony – 10th May 2020

The Royal plowing ceremony marks the start of the agricultural season in Cambodia. Locals plow the fields and sow the seeds with the hopes of another bountiful harvest in the coming year. You can observe the Ploughing ceremony near the Royal Palace. The King or his guest plant the first seeds of the rice planting season, as a mark of initiation. With the summer season coming to an end it also marks a change in the weather in Cambodia. It is the transitional period from the dry season to the wet season.

The Cambodian New Year in April is the largest celebration in the country and definitely a sight worth witnessing.

There is a lot to see and experience in Cambodia during March, April, and May if you can bear the blistering heat. However, if you want to experience the country at its best, you should visit Cambodia during the winter months. You can plan your perfect Cambodian vacation by clicking on the Plan My Trip button. Or, you could simply get in touch with us for all the help you need.