YOU dream of discovering Cambodiabut you are wondering which season to choose? The dry season seems ideal, but the wet season is less touristy and can be also a good option… Are you looking for information about the rainy season in Cambodia ? What months should you avoid? Those where a trip is entirely possible? I answer all these questions in this article.
What climate in Cambodia?
Cambodia is a small country in Southeast Asia, located between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. It has a tropical climate that is, warm throughout the year and relatively humid. Unlike Europe, the climate in Cambodia is marked by two seasons only:
- A dry season, from mid-November to April.
- A rainy seasoninfluenced by the southwest monsoon of May to mid-November.
The first part of the dry season is the period the freshest of the year. Finally, everything is relative, because the average temperature remains approximately 22°C. Swimming is possible and the sun is widely available. However, the evenings are cooler than during the rest of the year. You must therefore bring clothing to cover yourself when you go out after dark.
Furthermore, the second part, from February to April, is the hottest time of the year. In fact, from February onwards, the heat increases suddenly, it gets around 25°C to 30°C on average. The air is therefore particularly hot and heavy until the arrival of the wet season. The first rains are therefore often experienced as a blessing.
Showers only during the rainy season in Cambodia?
Also, as Cambodia is a countries with a tropical climate, precipitation is present all year round. Rainfall varies between 1300 mm per year in the central lands, more than 2000 mm in the southwest of the country, bordered by the Gulf of Thailand.
There will be relatively dry months in January and February. However, temporary showers are present from the month of March and in December also. If you are traveling during the dry season, it is not uncommon for a downpour to occur. However, the sun returns immediately, less than an hour later.
Furthermore, with a very pleasant outside temperature, these small showers come more to refresh travelers than to limit them in their exploration. The dry period is therefore particularly appreciated by tourists, because the sun is also very present between December and April.
But you may have chose to travel during the rainy season in Cambodia, so here is more explanation about this period.
Should the rainy season in Cambodia be avoided completely?
At first glance, we advises travelers not to leave during the rainy season in Cambodia. Its name does not necessarily make you dream, for a first trip to Southeast Asia. Through our European gaze, it can be difficult to project oneself. Will it rain every day? Is there a risk to our security? Will we be stuck in our hotel all day? It's time for you tolearn more about the reality of this period…
Is the monsoon in Cambodia a period to avoid at all costs? The answer is no.
Indeed, when we look more closely at the climate in Cambodia, during the wet season, we realize that the rains are quite intense, but often occur at the end of the day. This, particularly during the months of May to August. These showers therefore do not prevent you from moving around and enjoying your stay. Traveling during the rainy season in Cambodia, between May and August, is therefore entirely possible. If you're not afraid of getting wet from time to time, Of course…
Why should this period be avoided?
The rainy season in Cambodia also coincides with the hot period. We often find humid and heavy air, which is difficult to bear, because it is very different from the atmosphere in Europe. It is likely that this feature will complicate your stay somewhat beyond the rains themselves.
On the other hand, the question of mosquitoes also arises during the wet season in Cambodia. There are mosquitoes all year round in Southeast Asia. However, they are more present in the wet season. As Cambodia is affected by malaria in certain regions, you will need to take this information into account during your trip.
The best protection against mosquitoes remains wear long clothes and regularly apply a mosquito repellent (purchased on site). Pay attention to having a mosquito net on the doors and windows of your hotel rooms or guesthouses. Finally, you can be prescribed a anti-malaria treatment before your departure if you plan to stay in the areas most at risk (often far from tourist areas).
Finally, you will have to think about your choice if you plan to ride a scooter a lot during your trip. This is often done in Asia, but will be more complicated during the rainy season in Cambodia. Unsealed roads, large puddles and flooding may somewhat complicate your travels. You will therefore have to slow down and be particularly careful.
What are the worst months during the rainy season in Cambodia?
The monsoon in Cambodia reaches its peak during the months of August to October. At this time, very heavy rains fall on the country and can really disrupt a trip. It can rain for a whole day quantities so large, that you may find yourself walking down the street with water up to your knees.
However, this quickly stops. You really shouldn't have any luck to come across this kind of torrential rain during your entire stay. In addition, the climate changes a lot depending on the region. Often, if the southwest is more marked by rain, the center of the land is somewhat protected from it.
In general, it is considered thatOctober is the month with the most flooding (especially in the city) due to torrential rains which last for several hours. If there is one month to avoid among the twelve, it would certainly be this one. Of course, this is not a sure bet. He can there will be relatively dry months of October on the contrary, when the wet season is less intense.
Traveling during the rainy season in Cambodia: any advantages?
The period of June to September corresponds to the wet season but also to the low season. This will allow you to benefit from advantageous rates and discover places (like the temples of Angkor) as if you were alone in the world. On the other hand, it is not not the period when the sun is at its highest, if you were planning to enjoy the beaches.
In terms of landscapes, you will be able to see very green panoramas during this period and particularly abundant waterfalls. So, traveling during the rainy season will obviously have its share of advantages.
Are there typhoons during the rainy season in Cambodia?
Typhoons are the name for tropical cyclones which occur in Asia. In Southeast Asia, they regularly strike Vietnam and Laos. However, they are quite rare in Cambodia. When they arrive, typhoons are usually weakened because they previously touch the coast of Vietnam. But they bring with them strong winds, torrential rain and can cause spectacular flooding.
The cyclone season in Cambodia is between June and December. But most such events took place between mid-October and mid-November in the past, particularly in beginning of November.
What to take in your suitcase during the monsoon in Cambodia?
For your trip to Cambodia in the wet season, you will need bring light clothing, in fairly thin materials that dry easily. For example, we will avoid denim. You can add an umbrella (often provided by hotels) or a lightweight raincoat, so you can slip it into your bag during the day, if needed. You can bring closed shoes and flip-flops depending on the time of day.
It will also be necessary traveling with a sweater, especially because of the sometimes very strong air conditioning in public places (transport, stores).
You now know a lot about the rainy season in Cambodia. Do not hesitate to share in the comments your feedback on your stay during the wet season as well as your questions before your trip.
