Phnom Penh
Capital of Cambodia
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and home to over 2.1 million residents as of 2019. Travelers visit to explore the city's significant historical sites and cultural landmarks.
What to see
The city features several important historical and religious sites. The Royal Palace of Cambodia and Wat Phnom are central landmarks. Visitors also travel to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek to learn about the country's history. Other notable locations include the National Museum of Cambodia, the Olympic Stadium, Sisowath Quay, Wat Botum, and Wat Ounalom.
When to go
Phnom Penh remains warm throughout the year, with daily highs ranging from 30 °C to 35 °C. December and January are the driest months, with low rainfall and temperatures between 22 °C and 32 °C. February is also relatively dry. Rainfall increases significantly starting in May and peaks in September and October, when rainy days occur more than 20 times per month. Travelers preferring drier weather may find the period from December through February most suitable.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Techo International Airport, located 23 kilometers from Phnom Penh in Boeng Khyang.
Top sights in Phnom Penh
Weather by month
The warmest month is April, with an average high of 35 °C. The wettest is September, with about 253 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 |
| Average low, °C | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
| Rainfall, mm | 10 | 4 | 35 | 74 | 119 | 148 | 162 | 196 | 253 | 248 | 112 | 21 |
| Rainy days | 4 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 15 | 6 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Phnom Penh (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- National Museum of Cambodia
- Olympic Stadium
- Sisowath Quay
- Wat Botum
- Wat Ounalom