Phnom Penh’s riverfront skyline and boats at sunset.

Cambodia · Destination guide

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Best seasonLate November to February is generally cooler and drier; May to October is wetter.

CurrencyCambodian riel (KHR)

Plug typesA, B, C, F, G · 230 VCheck adapter →

Time zoneAsia/Phnom_Penh (UTC+7)

Emergency number117 (police); 118 (fire); 119 (ambulance)

Destination guide

A first look at Phnom Penh

Start with the Royal Palace and the National Museum, then leave time for a meal and a riverfront walk. On another day, pair the Central Market’s domed hall with Wat Phnom and the old-city streets. For Cambodia’s recent history, Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek are separate sites with substantial travel and reflective exhibits; check each official visitor page and leave room between them.

Explore our Phnom Penh guides

Phnom Penh’s illuminated skyline and riverfront at twilight.

A first weekend in Phnom Penh: palace courtyards, markets and the river

A riverside market stall displaying Cambodian art and crafts in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh market morning: Central Market, craft stalls and the river

The illuminated Independence Monument in Phnom Penh at night.

Independence Monument after dark: a short central Phnom Penh walk

Weather guide

Weather in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh stays hot year-round. November to February is generally less rainy; the wet season builds from May and is strongest around September and October.

24–31°C

Frequent showers continue, easing later in the month.

October · representative month, not a forecast

Evenings: 22–26°C
Rain: Frequent rain and showers
Daylight: Daylight varies little through the year. Check the local forecast before exposed walks and keep a shaded or indoor stop available during the midday heat.

See weather details →

What this means for packing

October in Phnom Penh is hot, with typical daytime temperatures around 24–31°C. Frequent showers continue, easing later in the month. Dress lightly, plan shade and water, and treat this example as a starting point rather than a forecast. Download Packtricia for a personal list based on your actual dates, trip length, luggage, preferences and plans.

Choosing a season

The best-season badge suggests months for general sightseeing, using the typical daytime temperatures and rainfall in our monthly guides. Beach holidays, festivals, winter sports and northern lights trips may suit different dates.

Climate methodology

Temperature ranges round the World Weather Information Service table for Phnom Penh, based on Cambodia Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology monthly averages for 1982–2024. Its mean daily minimum and maximum describe long-term climate, not a trip forecast; its rain-day definition is at least 4 mm and rainfall totals are kept out of this summary. Check a current forecast and venue notices before travel.

Reviewed 2026-10-24

World Weather Information Service / Cambodia Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology — Phnom Penh normals, 1982–2024 · Tourism Cambodia — Phnom Penh visitor overview and seasonal context

About the climate in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh stays hot year-round. November to February is generally less rainy; the wet season builds from May and is strongest around September and October.

Packing guide

What to wear in Phnom Penh in December.

An example packing list for Phnom Penh in December

Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.

Clothing

Breathable tops for warm city walks
Lightweight trousers, shorts or a skirt for town
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Comfortable walking outfit for the Palace, museum and market
Thin layer for early starts and air-conditioned rooms
Light sun-covering layer for an exposed walk

Toiletries

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Personal hygiene products (if used)
Insect repellent (if needed)

Essentials

Passport and entry documents
Wallet and payment cards
Cambodian riel for small purchases
Phone
Charging cable
Power adapter (if needed)
Power bank
Prescription medication (if needed)
Reusable water bottle
Sun hat and sunglasses
Compact umbrella (optional)

Monthly weather and packing notes

December in Phnom Penh is hot, with typical daytime temperatures around 21–30°C. Warm, mostly dry days with cooler-feeling early mornings. Dress lightly, plan shade and water, and treat this example as a starting point rather than a forecast. Download Packtricia for a personal list based on your actual dates, trip length, luggage, preferences and plans.

Daytime: 21–30°C
Evenings: 19–23°C
Rain: Mostly dry; a shower is possible
Daylight: Daylight varies little through the year. Check the local forecast before exposed walks and keep a shaded or indoor stop available during the midday heat.
Packing style: Pack light clothes for daytime and a thin layer for early riverfront walks or air conditioning.

Outfit ideas for your outings

Palace, pagoda and museum visits

Clothes covering shoulders and knees for active sacred places
Comfortable shoes for courtyards and city pavements
A thin layer for cool indoor air-conditioning

Market and riverfront walks

Breathable outfit for warm, busy streets
Sun hat and sunscreen for exposed sections
Comfortable footwear for uneven or occasionally wet pavement

Seasonal rain plan

Compact rain cover for a passing shower
Quick-drying clothes for humidity
Optional waterproof pouch for phone or documents

What to leave behind

A heavy coat for ordinary Phnom Penh sightseeing.
An inflexible outdoor schedule that leaves no room for heat or a sudden downpour.

Reviewed 2026-10-24

World Weather Information Service / Cambodia Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology — Phnom Penh normals, 1982–2024 · Tourism Cambodia — Phnom Penh visitor overview and seasonal context

Transport guide

Getting around Phnom Penh

The Phnom Penh City Bus Authority’s official app provides live bus locations, route search and stop information; its official mobile website also has route search. Pay the published 1,500 KHR per trip onboard in cash or with ACLEDA QR, then press the stop button before your stop. The app plans and tracks routes but does not buy or activate a ticket; live tracking needs a data connection. Check the current map and service notices before relying on a line. Short central clusters can be walked, but heat, rain and the distance between sites often make a local tuk-tuk or ride-hail more practical.

Phnom Penh City Bus Authority — official route search and service notices
Route search, maps and current service information; check the route operates for your trip.
City Bus Official App — Android
Authority app for live bus locations, route search and stops; not a ticket wallet or intercity booking app.
City Bus Authority — fares and boarding guide
Current published fare, onboard cash or ACLEDA QR payment, and stop-request instructions.

Check the operator’s current service notices and ticket instructions before travelling.

Entry guide

Entry information for Cambodia

Phnom Penh’s principal cultural sites have different entry and access rules. The Royal Palace remains a working royal residence, so only visitor areas are open and event closures can affect access. The National Museum sells timed-day admission and offers guides at its entrance. Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek are separate memorials; check their official pages for current hours, entry and visitor guidance before travelling.

Royal Palace — Ministry of Tourism visitor overview
Explains the ceremonial visitor area and the palace’s continuing royal-residence role.
National Museum of Cambodia — official tours and entry information
Current daily hours, last ticket time, entry rates, guided-tour languages and gallery photography rules.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum — official visitor information
Current museum access, visitor guidance and admission information.
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center — official FAQ
Current opening and entry information for the separate memorial site.

Entry information reviewed 24 October 2026. Confirm requirements for your own passport and itinerary before travelling.

Language: Khmer
Calling code: +855

Useful essentials for Phnom Penh

Cover shoulders and knees at active pagodas and follow signs at the Royal Palace and other cultural sites.
Use shade, water and an early start for open-air walks; heat and sudden heavy rain can change the route.
Keep a little Cambodian riel for small payments. City buses accept onboard cash or ACLEDA QR; the live bus app is for routes and locations, not ticket activation.
Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek are separate memorial sites with emotionally difficult material; decide whether both suit your visit and allow travel time between them.
Emergency contacts in Cambodia: police 117, fire 118 and ambulance 119.

Do you need a visa?

Check travel-document and visa requirements for your passport, destination and transit stops.

Check your requirements on TravelDoc

Use the checker as a starting point, then confirm requirements with the relevant government or embassy before travelling.

Stay connected

Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.

Photo: SAE SENGHONG SENGHAI / Pexels

A first look at Phnom Penh