Last updated: January 18, 2025
Preah Vihear, Cambodia, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate (Koppen-Geiger class Aw), marked by distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) in January, while average temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F) throughout the year. The peak of heat occurs in May, with maximum temperatures soaring to 40°C (104°F). This climate profile highlights the stark temperature fluctuations and sets the stage for understanding the unique ecological and agricultural dynamics of Preah Vihear.
The temperature patterns in Preah Vihear, Cambodia, reveal a clear seasonal progression, characterized by warming trends as the year transitions toward the peak of heat in May. January begins with cooler temperatures, featuring minimums around 13°C (55°F) and average highs reaching 37°C (99°F). As the months progress into February and March, minimum temperatures gradually increase, peaking in May at a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 40°C (104°F). Following this peak, June through September sees a slight decrease in maximum temperatures, with midsummer averages stabilizing around 28°C (82°F). As the year closes towards the end of the dry season, temperatures dip again, aligning closer with the patterns seen in January and December, thus creating a cyclical rhythm marked by a notable contrast between the cooler and hotter months.
Sangkom Thmei experiences temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in May, making it one of the warmer locations in the region. Similarly, Kuleaen has a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) in January and peaks at 39°C (103°F) in May, while Pal Hal has the same January minimum but reaches a high of 40°C (103°F) in May. For more detailed information, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Sangkom Thmei here, Kuleaen here, and Pal Hal here.
Preah Vihear, Cambodia, experiences a distinct rainfall pattern characterized by the marked transition from a dry season to a pronounced wet season. January and February feature minimal rainfall, with January receiving only 6 mm (0.2 in) and February slightly less at 5 mm (0.2 in). However, as March approaches, precipitation begins to increase significantly, culminating in 41 mm (1.6 in) for that month. This trend accelerates rapidly into April and May, where April records 94 mm (3.7 in) and May surges to 187 mm (7.3 in), signaling the onset of the monsoon season.
From June to September, the region faces its peak rainfall, with July and August receiving 234 mm (9.2 in) and 267 mm (10.5 in) respectively. September marks the highest precipitation level at 310 mm (12.2 in), sustaining nearly 27 days of rainfall, thereby creating a moist environment crucial for the local ecosystem. The wet season gradually tapers off in October with 200 mm (7.9 in), followed by a sharp decline through November and December, where rainfall drops to 78 mm (3.1 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in), respectively, eventually leading back to the drier months ahead.
In Preah Vihear, Cambodia, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, reflecting a significant rise in sunlight hours as the year progresses from winter to summer. January begins the year with 261 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 298 hours in February and peaking in March at 326 hours. This upward momentum showcases a distinct transition into the warmer months, where April and May maintain high levels of sunshine with 311 hours and 316 hours, respectively. These months are critical for both agricultural activities and outdoor tourism, given the abundance of sunlight enhancing the region's natural beauty.
As the monsoon season approaches, sunshine hours decrease slightly but remain relatively consistent, with June recording 296 hours and July seeing a slight drop to 289 hours. By August, the sunshine hours taper to 281 hours, and in September, further decline is observed at 268 hours. However, as the rainy season recedes, sunshine duration begins to recover; October enjoys around 272 hours, while November returns to higher levels at 297 hours. By December, the year wraps up with a solid 312 hours of sunshine, solidifying its position as a month with ample sunlight, leading back into the drier season. Overall, the data illustrates how Preah Vihear experiences vibrant sunshine during the dry months, with slight reductions amidst the wetter periods, crucial for understanding the region's climate dynamics and agricultural planning.
The UV Index in Preah Vihear, Cambodia, presents a compelling picture of seasonal variations in ultraviolet radiation. January starts the year with a UV Index of 10, categorized as "very high," indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As February arrives, the UV levels escalate sharply to a UV Index of 13, entering the "extreme" exposure category, and this trend continues into the peak months of March through May, where the UV Index reaches a maximum of 15 in May, necessitating vigilant sun protection with a burn time of only 10 minutes.
As the summer months unfold, the UV Index remains elevated, with consistent readings between 12 and 14, signifying extreme exposure risks. Even as the rainy season commences in June through September, the UV Index remains high, fluctuating between 13 and 14 but consistently maintaining the recommendation of only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Towards the end of the year, the UV Index gradually decreases, returning to 10 in December, yet still indicative of "very high" levels. These data underline the importance of sun protection throughout the year, particularly during the hotter months, to safeguard against the potential harmful effects of UV radiation in this tropical region.
UV Risk Categories
In Preah Vihear, Cambodia, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, reflecting the region’s geographic proximity to the equator. Both January and February experience approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a consistent amount of sunlight during the cooler months. As the equinox approaches in March, daylight increases to 12 hours, a duration that remains steady through most of the year, extending from March all the way through September. This prolonged sunlight supports various activities, including agriculture and tourism, as the region benefits from warmer temperatures and ample daylight during these months.
As the year progresses into October, November, and December, daylight gradually reverts to 11 hours, marking a return to shorter days similar to the beginning of the year. This cyclical rhythm of daylight duration highlights the tropical climate's consistent solar exposure, with minimal variation across seasons. The stable daylight hours throughout the year underscore the importance of sunlight in supporting local ecosystems and influencing cultural activities, making Preah Vihear an interesting study in resilience and adaptation to natural cycles.
Kuleaen, Cambodia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season from May to September. Average monthly temperatures range from a comfortable 25°C (78°F) in December to a peak of 29°C (84°F) during several months. Rainfall is most intense in September, averaging 325 mm (12.8 in), while the dry months of January and February see minimal precipitation of just 6 mm (0.2 in). Despite the rainfall, Kuleaen enjoys ample sunshine, with March witnessing the highest exposure at 326 hours. For more details, visit Kuleaen climate.
Pal Hal, Cambodia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly from May to September. The average temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (103°F) in May, with average monthly temperatures hovering around 27-29°C (81-84°F). Precipitation peaks in September, with 303 mm (11.9 in) of rain, contributing to the region's wet season. Despite this, Pal Hal also enjoys ample sunshine, with over 260 hours of sunlight during the drier months. For more details, visit Pal Hal climate.
Sangkom Thmei, Cambodia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in May, with an average of around 28°C (82°F) throughout the year. The wet season, particularly from May to September, brings significant rainfall, peaking in September with 308 mm (12.1 in), while December sees the least at 15 mm (0.6 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, varying from 261 hours in January to 326 hours in March. For more detailed information, visit Sangkom Thmei climate.
The climate in Tbeng Meanchey, Cambodia, features a tropical pattern with a marked wet and dry season. Temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in May. The wet season from May to October sees significant rainfall, peaking in September with 303 mm (11.9 in), while the dry months of January and February receive minimal precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in March with 326 hours, contributing to the area's hot and humid conditions. For more details, visit Tbeng Meanchey climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Preah Vihear, Cambodia, is defined by its tropical savanna characteristics, featuring distinct temperature fluctuations and a pronounced wet season that influences precipitation patterns. The region experiences a rich array of sunlight throughout the year, with consistent daylight duration and elevated UV Index levels, particularly during the hotter months. These climatic conditions not only shape the local ecosystem but also have significant implications for agricultural practices, tourism, and community health. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective planning and sustainable development, ensuring that the vibrant natural resources of Preah Vihear can be preserved and utilized effectively for future generations.