Phnom Penh Weather

January is one of the best months to visit Phnom Penh. Daytime 31°C / 88°F + nighttime 22°C / 72°F + 10mm rainfall + 65% humidity + clear blue skies. Royal Palace visibility is at peak, the Mekong sunset cruise has the calmest water of the year, and the colonial downtown walking is comfortable in the dry-season cool. The trade-off is pricing and crowds. New Year tail (Jan 1-5) keeps boutique hotels at peak rates ($80-160/night vs $60-130 shoulder); 5-star luxury (Raffles, Rosewood, Sofitel) at $400-700/night. Mid-January after the holiday tail is the value sweet spot — same weather, 60-70% of holiday pricing. January signatures: Royal Palace morning + sunset photography at peak, Mekong sunset cruise visibility maxed, Killing Fields + S-21 outdoor visits comfortable in cool air. Book 3-4 months ahead for first half of month.

February is statistically Phnom Penh's driest month alongside January — 1 rainy day, 10mm rainfall, consistent 33°C / 91°F highs. Same Royal Palace + Mekong + colonial conditions as January but slightly warmer days. Chinese New Year week brings a regional inbound surge from China + Singapore + Hong Kong + Vietnam spiking hotel rates +20-30%. Valentine's Day (Feb 14) brings honeymoon traffic — Raffles Le Royal + Rosewood + Sofitel book 4-6 weeks ahead at honeymoon-package rates. Raffles Restaurant Le Royal Valentine's tasting menu + Elephant Bar cocktails is the canonical setup. Early February (Feb 1-10) is the smart-money window — same weather, 25% lower hotel rates than Chinese New Year week.

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.