Cambodia Phnom Penh Weather in November — Climate Guide
November in Phnom Penh is very-high
November is very-high for Phnom Penh.
November is Phnom Penh's biggest cultural month — Bon Om Touk / Water Festival (November 18-21) is Cambodia's biggest annual celebration. Three days centered on the Tonlé Sap River's seasonal reversal — boat racing teams from all 25 provinces gather on the Mekong River in front of the Royal Palace with 200+ longboats + 50+ rowers each, three days of races. Evening city-wide illumination, Mekong fireworks (typically 19:00-21:00 November 19-20), and floating lantern releases (the bonsang). The single most photogenic Cambodian cultural week of the year. Independence Day (November 9, 1953 independence from France) adds parades + fireworks at the Royal Palace. Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 9 rainy days, 100mm rainfall, sunshine 8 hours, clear skies. Pricing: Water Festival week sees hotels +30-50% above shoulder pricing (boutique $80-160/night during festival vs $60-130 outside). Book 4-6 months ahead for Water Festival dates. November is the best month overall for Phnom Penh — clear skies + festival cultural depth.
Travel score
Bon Om Touk Water Festival + dry season returns + best month
November Weather at a Glance
November averages 86°F / 30°C highs and 72°F / 22°C lows with 9 rainy days and 100mm of rain. Humidity 70%. UV 9. Sunshine 8 hours. First half still some monsoon residue; second half feels fully dry-season. Water Festival week (Nov 18-21) drives the year's largest cultural event.
November Travel Advice
Bon Om Touk Water Festival (Nov 18-21) — book hotels 4-6 months ahead, expect +30-50% premium. Sisowath Quay closes to cars during boat races. Mekong fireworks 19:00-21:00 Nov 19-20. Independence Day (Nov 9) parade. Stay near Royal Palace + Sisowath for festival access. Non-festival weeks in November are the year's best value-for-quality.
Flying In from Overseas
International tourism recovery month — bookings ramp toward December peak. Direct via Bangkok $400-800. European pre-Christmas escape begins late November. Australian-summer-vacation departure window opens.
November Pricing Trends
Water Festival week: boutique $80-160/night, Raffles $450-750, Rosewood $400-650, Sofitel $300-500. Non-festival November weeks: boutique $60-130, Raffles $300-550. Flights $400-800 via Bangkok.
Phnom Penh November Weather Stats
Avg High
30°C
Avg Low
22°C
Rainy Days
9
100mm total
Sunshine
8h
Daily avg
Humidity
70%
comfortable
UV Index
9
Very high
Wind
6 km/h
Gusts 16
Sea Temp
28°C
Mekong River clear + calm
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
November Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
32 μg/m³
PM10
55 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
32°C
Nighttime
22°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
6 km/h
Max gust 16 km/h
Activities Recommended for November
November Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dry season returns — clear blue skies
- Bon Om Touk Water Festival — year's biggest Cambodian cultural event
- Independence Day fireworks
- Best month overall for cultural travelers
Cons
- Water Festival week +30-50% pricing
- Sisowath Quay closes to cars during boat races
- Nights drop to 22°C — light layer needed
- December Christmas peak imminent
November Events & Festivals
- Cambodian Independence Day (Nov 9) — national holiday + parades + fireworks at Royal Palace
- Bon Om Touk / Water Festival (Nov 18-21) — Cambodia's biggest annual festival, Mekong boat races + 3 days of citywide celebration
- Dry season officially returns
- December Christmas peak imminent — last shoulder window
Phnom Penh in November — Full Picture
November is Phnom Penh's biggest cultural month — Bon Om Touk / Water Festival (November 18-21) is Cambodia's biggest annual celebration. Three days centered on the Tonlé Sap River's seasonal reversal — boat racing teams from all 25 provinces gather on the Mekong River in front of the Royal Palace with 200+ longboats + 50+ rowers each, three days of races. Evening city-wide illumination, Mekong fireworks (typically 19:00-21:00 November 19-20), and floating lantern releases (the bonsang). The single most photogenic Cambodian cultural week of the year. Independence Day (November 9, 1953 independence from France) adds parades + fireworks at the Royal Palace. Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 9 rainy days, 100mm rainfall, sunshine 8 hours, clear skies. Pricing: Water Festival week sees hotels +30-50% above shoulder pricing (boutique $80-160/night during festival vs $60-130 outside). Book 4-6 months ahead for Water Festival dates. November is the best month overall for Phnom Penh — clear skies + festival cultural depth.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Dry season returns + Water Festival peak + best month overall. Days 30°C / 86°F + nights 22°C / 72°F — diurnal range 8°C. Short sleeve days + light layer evenings. Temperate-spring/autumn packing. SPF 30-50 sunscreen returns to daily essential.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
35°C
25°C
7.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
32.3°C
25°C
17.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
Current31°C
23.7°C
15/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
31.3°C
22°C
1.7/mo
Phnom Penh Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 31° | 22° | 1d·10mm | 9h | 65% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 33° | 23° | 1d·10mm | 9.5h | 60% | 10 | Very busy | Peak |
| 35° | 24° | 3d·35mm | 9h | 65% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 36° | 26° | 6d·75mm | 8.5h | 70% | 12 | Busy | Peak | |
| 34° | 25° | 13d·145mm | 7.5h | 75% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 33° | 25° | 16d·200mm | 6.5h | 80% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 32° | 25° | 18d·220mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 19d·220mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 19d·250mm | 6h | 82% | 9 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 17d·240mm | 7h | 80% | 9 | Moderate | Low season | |
| November (Best) | 30° | 22° | 9d·100mm | 8h | 70% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
| December (Best) | 30° | 21° | 3d·25mm | 9h | 65% | 9 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Phnom Penh November Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh in November is very-high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Phnom Penh in November?
Phnom Penh November averages a high of 30°C and a low of 22°C.
Does it rain much in Phnom Penh in November?
Phnom Penh November averages 100mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in Phnom Penh in November?
Dry season returns + Water Festival peak + best month overall. Days 30°C / 86°F + nights 22°C / 72°F — diurnal range 8°C. Short sleeve days + light layer evenings. Temperate-spring/autumn packing. SPF 30-50 sunscreen returns to daily essential.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Phnom Penh in November?
Phnom Penh November sunrise is 06:05 and sunset is 17:25, with 11h 20min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Phnom Penh in November?
Phnom Penh November air quality (AQI) averages 65, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 32μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Phnom Penh in November?
In November, Phnom Penh is great for Bon Om Touk Water Festival (Nov 18-21), Independence Day parades + fireworks (Nov 9), Royal Palace + Silver Pagoda.
Is November peak season in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh November crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Phnom Penh
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.