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Backpacking Potential

65/100

Suboptimal

Based on optimal climate

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Seasonality

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Best Time

December

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Avoid

Avoid (Extreme Weather)

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Weather

27°C – 30°C

Avg Temp Range

Precipitation

Seasonal (check heatmap)

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Good For

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Compare Phnom Penh with similar backpacking destinations.

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🎒 Planning a backpacking trip to Phnom Penh?

The best time to visit Phnom Penh for backpacking is December, January, February, when you’ll get the best balance between weather, crowds, and costs. If you're planning your trip around this period, it can be helpful to explore where to stay and what to do in advance.

→ Explore backpacker-friendly places to stay in Phnom Penh
→ Discover things to do in Phnom Penh

Climate Heatmap

See at a glance which months offer the best backpacking conditions — based on temperature, rainfall and climate scores.

These months are especially popular among backpackers in Phnom Penh due to better weather and lower costs.

→ See where to stay in Phnom Penh

Backpacking conditions breakdown

Monthly weather & climate data for Phnom Penh

MonthClimate ScorePredictabilityAvg TempRain (mm)
January
55Suboptimal
Warm temperatures. Mostly dry conditions.
Predictability 100Weather conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year.
27°12
February
55Suboptimal
Warm temperatures. Mostly dry conditions.
Predictability 100Weather conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year.
28°15
March
45Poor
Warm temperatures. Some rain conditions.
Predictability 100Weather conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year.
29°51
April
45Poor
Warm temperatures. Some rain conditions.
Predictability 100Weather conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year.
30°86
May
45Poor
Warm temperatures. High rain conditions.
Predictability 85Weather conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year.
29°138
June
39Poor
Warm temperatures. High rain conditions.
Predictability 38Weather conditions can vary significantly.
29°205
July
40Poor
Warm temperatures. High rain conditions.
Predictability 38Weather conditions can vary significantly.
28°202
August
39Poor
Warm temperatures. High rain conditions.
Predictability 38Weather conditions can vary significantly.
28°235
September
42Poor
Warm temperatures. High rain conditions.
Predictability 30Weather conditions can vary significantly.
28°272
October
47Poor
Warm temperatures. High rain conditions.
Predictability 38Weather conditions can vary significantly.
28°255
November
55Suboptimal
Warm temperatures. High rain conditions.
Predictability 100Weather conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year.
27°111
December
65Suboptimal
Warm temperatures. Mostly dry conditions.
Predictability 100Weather conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year.
27°34

Source: Historical climate averages (30-year observation).

Quick summary: visiting Phnom Penh

When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh for backpacking?

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The best time to visit Phnom Penh for backpacking is typically in December, January, February, when the weather is most favorable.

When is the rainy season in Phnom Penh?

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Rainy season typically: June–October. It is generally better to avoid these months for backpacking.

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🌍 Plan your backpacking trip to Phnom Penh

Now you know the best time to visit Phnom Penh — here are a few useful next steps to help plan your trip.

🏨 Where to stay

Find budget-friendly stays, hostels, and good areas for backpackers.

→ Best places to stay in Phnom Penh

🌊 Things to do

Discover affordable activities and unique local experiences.

→ Best things to do in Phnom Penh

💡 Travel tips

Learn how to save money and plan your trip efficiently.

→ Backpacking tips for Phnom Penh