Modern Cambodia is still hounded by its gory past. People around the world easily associate the capital city of Phnom Penh with the Khmer Rouge, whose mere mention of the name could send shrills to one’s spine, especially to those who personally experienced their violence. But the past is past. Today, Phnom Penh is bustling with tourism and modern industries. It is a very inviting and warm city, literally. Weather in Phnom Penh is generally warm and humid, experiencing tropical climate all year round. It is hot the entire year, but November to January is slightly cooler.
As in all other tropical countries, Phnom Penh doesn’t experience seasons, except for the dry and rainy days. A common joke goes, “There are two seasons in Cambodia; the hot and the hotter.” For real, though, the country experiences extreme weather from very dry to very wet.
The hottest month is April, but tourism is not affect by temperatures during this month, even with temperatures rising to as hot as 40° Celsius. Foreign travelers come to Phnom Penh when the sun is scorching, probably wanting to experience that tropical sun that never shows itself in the West. The average yearly temperature is 18° to 38° Celsius. The driest months are from January and February. The capital city and the entire country turn wet during the monsoon season from June to October. There is high humidity, strong winds and heavy rains, making it difficult for tourism to thrive. Cambodia also experiences cyclone and tropical storms around these months.
Meanwhile, November through February is the best time to visit the capital city. These months are neither very hot and humid nor extra wet and flooding from a tropical cyclone. Also, winds and humidity are lower at this time. The monsoon months are also a good time to visit since plants are green and the flowers are abloom. Yet in general, practically speaking, tourists should first check international weather to see what kind of weather condition Phnom Penh has at the moment. Foreign visitors may come for different reasons, and with different preferences. In fact, there are those who want to come when it is raining, when fare and hotel rates are not as expensive. People come for different reasons, and Phnom Penh is always delighted to entertain guests.
Cambodia is doing its best to erase from the minds of people the decades of war and turmoil n the country that has been sensationalized in international news. The goal is to regain its old title as “Paris of the East”, and so far its tourism is doing quite well. More and more international travelers are seen to be traveling to Cambodia particularly for its beautiful white-sand beaches and the enigmatic Angkor Wat Temple, which is hands down the top tourism draw in Cambodia. Located about 6 kilometers from the important city of Siem Reap, the mysticism and architecture of Angkor Wat never cease to amaze its visitors and sightseers. There are a few bus lines regularly transporting passengers from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and back. Upon closer look, there are many more reasons to visit the capital city regardless of the prevailing weather in Phnom Penh.
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