Cambodia Weather: Wet Season and Dry Season
Posted on 14/03/2014 3:00:49
Located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with only two distinct seasons: wet ( May to October ) and dry ( November to April ). Due to its location just 10-13 degrees north of the equator, Cambodia is so hot and humid with an average temperature of 27 centigrade degrees around a year.
1. When is best time to go ?
Cambodia can be visited at any time of year. The ideal month are December and January, when humidity levels are relatively low, there is little rainfall and a cooling breeze whips across the land, but this is also peak season when the majority of visitors descend on the country.
Other things you may want to know is when the major festivals take place so that you could catch up with the fun. In April, the Khmer New Year lasts three days and is celebrated throughout the country. In October or early November, the Water Festival celebrates the beginning of the dry season together with exciting boat races and Buddhist ceremonies. On 9th, November, the Independence Day is celebrated, which marks the independence from France and is also known as Khmer National Day.
2. The Wet Season: from May to October
The wet season comes due to effect of courtesy of the southwest monsoon, which blows from May to October and bring with it some 75% of Cambodia’s annual rainfall. However, the rainy days are usually just a few hours of heavy down pouring and not all-day raining, although the latter do occur.
If you come to Cambodia in the rain season, you will find that monsoonal Cambodia is also a beautiful country. The roads are not dusty and the lush greenery of the country returns. Angkor Wat in particular is stunning: the bas-relief carving have a unique appearance and feeling. See a lightning storm as a backdrop; you will get an electrifying experience to view Angkor Wat.
Wet season is the off-season for tourism, so there are fewer tourists going about in Cambodia. Maybe wet season is a good time to visit for you.
Tips: In the rainy season, you should bring a raincoat or an umbrella, wherever you go in Cambodia. Windcheater and antiskid shoes are also the necessaries.
3. The Dry Season: from November to April
Cambodia’s dry period runs from October to April, when the dusty northeast monsoon arrives. From early February, temperatures keep rising until the killer month, April, when the mercury often exceeds 40 centigrade degrees. While November and January are quite cool ( highest at 20 centigrade degrees ), and the weather can be scorching and very dry. Look up exact live weather broadcast for packing before you start the trip.
This season coincides with Cambodia’s peak tourist season. They come here to enjoy the sun and the relatively cooler months. Special in Cambodia’s beaches, such as Kep, Sihanoukville and Ko Kong. The opulent sunshine and clear calm waters have enough attractions for you.
Tip: In the hot and dry season, you should wear light clothing which still protects you from the sun. The sunshine is poison. Therefore, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are advised to bring. In addition, a pair of sturdy walking shoes is essential.