Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is characterized by sweltering temperatures that can reach a maximum of 40°C (104°F), with a comfortable average around 30°C (86°F) and a minimum of 24°C (76°F). This month sees substantial rainfall, totaling approximately 155 mm (6.1 in) spread over 23 days, contributing to a muggy atmosphere marked by around 78% humidity. As the city transitions deeper into the wet season, visitors and residents can expect a mix of sun-soaked days and refreshing showers, making May a vibrant yet challenging time to experience the capital's rich culture and bustling life.
In May, Phnom Penh experiences rising temperatures, marking the transition into the sweltering summer months. With a minimum temperature of 24°C (76°F) and a soaring maximum of 40°C (104°F), the city feels the heat more intensely than in previous months. The average temperature stabilizes at a warm 30°C (86°F), maintaining the trend of elevated warmth seen since March. This month is particularly notable as it records the highest maximum temperature of the year thus far, emphasizing the increasing intensity of the tropical climate. As the rains begin to approach in June, May stands out as a month of persistent heat, urging visitors to stay hydrated and seek shade during the sunniest parts of the day.
In May, Phnom Penh experiences a significant surge in rainfall, with 155 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation spread across an impressive 23 days. This marks a notable increase from the preceding months; April's rainfall of 78 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days barely hints at the deluge to come. As the city transitions into the heart of the wet season, May’s consistent showers nurture the vibrant landscapes and rejuvenate the atmosphere, setting the stage for the even heavier monsoon rainfall that follows in June and July. This pattern not only highlights a substantial leap in precipitation but also showcases the transition from the dry spell, making May a pivotal month in Phnom Penh's climatic calendar.
As the calendar turns to May in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, residents experience a marked increase in humidity, soaring to 78%. This sharp rise from the preceding months marks the beginning of a more oppressively humid season, which peaks in July and August with levels reaching 86% and 88%, respectively. The transition from April's 67% to May's 78% signals a shift towards the wet season, as the air becomes increasingly heavy and saturated. Following this peak in summer, humidity levels remain consistently high through September, gradually tapering off in the final months of the year. The journey through these humid months illustrates how Phnom Penh's tropical climate shapes daily life, with each passing month promising a more intense embrace of humidity.
As May unfolds in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the UV Index remains a striking 14, categorizing exposure as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following a trend established in previous months, May continues to showcase the region's consistently high UV levels, mirroring the intensity noted in April and March. With such extreme ratings persisting, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to harness protective measures against potential harm from the sun. Understanding these patterns can help individuals plan outdoor activities safely. For more insights into UV exposure throughout the year, check out the detailed Phnom Penh UV Index.
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In May, Phnom Penh enjoys a delightful embrace of sunshine, contributing 312 hours of brilliant daylight. This consistent figure mirrors the previous month, reflecting a peak in warmth that transitions gracefully from the spring months of March and April. With March witnessing the highest sunshine hours at 329, the slight dip in April and a stable May indicates a gentle settling into the early summer. As the year progresses, the sunshine hours begin to wane slightly, with June and July offering 283 and 287 hours respectively, marking a soft balance in the weather patterns. Overall, the trend suggests that while May maintains the sun-drenched vibrance of early summer, it also signals the beginning of a gradual retreat into mid-year fluctuations.
In Phnom Penh, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a notable dip in May, with only a 25% chance of sunshine, making it one of the key months for overcast skies. As the dry season transitions towards the rainy season, this trend reflects a gradual decline from the sunnier months of January through April, where the chances of sun range notably higher. While February stands out with a remarkable 60% likelihood, the mellow March and April still retain decent chances at 55% and 32% respectively. Following May, the clouds continue to gather, with June bringing an even lower 22% chance, signaling that the vibrant sun-soaked days will soon be less frequent. Thus, those planning a visit in May should prepare for the likelihood of cooler, cloudier weather.
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the pattern of daylight duration showcases a gentle rhythm throughout the year. January and February embrace about 11 hours of daylight, heralding the gradual approach of brighter months. As March arrives, daylight stretches to 12 hours, and this trend continues through April and May. Each of these months benefits from an unwavering 12-hour cycle, creating an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities and cultural festivals. The daylight consistency persists through the sizzling summer months of June, July, and August, before subtly transitioning back down to 11 hours in October, culminating in the year with the same shorter days seen at the beginning. This symmetrical pattern not only reflects the region's tropical climate but also lends itself to a vibrant lifestyle enriched by ample sunlight.
In May, Phnom Penh experiences a gentle shift in its wind patterns, with an average speed of 1.9 m/s (4 mph). This slight dip from April's 1.8 m/s sets the stage for a calm yet breathable atmosphere as the city transitions towards the rainy season. Characterized by warm air currents, May’s winds are relatively mellow, but signal an upcoming change, with the average speeds increasing notably in June and July, peaking at 2.9 m/s (7 mph). This gradual escalation hints at the dynamic weather patterns that define Cambodia's climate, inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in the tranquil breezes before the monsoon brings a more vigorous airflow.
Weather in Phnom Penh varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Phnom Penh, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present striking contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 24°C (76°F), averaging 30°C (86°F), and peaking at a sweltering 40°C (104°F), accompanied by high humidity at 78%. Additionally, May experiences significant precipitation, totaling 155 mm (6.1 in) over 23 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. In comparison, January is much milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 36°C (96°F) and an average of 27°C (82°F). January is notably drier, recording only 19 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over just three days, alongside lower humidity at 62%. For a detailed look at January's climate, you can refer to this link: Phnom Penh weather in January.
In comparing the weather between May and February, it's evident that May is significantly warmer and wetter. May boasts temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average temperature of 30°C (86°F). Additionally, it experiences higher humidity at 78% and sees considerable rainfall, with 155 mm (6.1 in) over 23 days. In contrast, February offers milder temperatures, with a range from 20°C (68°F) to 36°C (98°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F). February is also much drier, with only 10 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation occurring over just 2 days and lower humidity at 61%. For more detailed information, you can check Phnom Penh weather in February.
In March, the weather in Phnom Penh is slightly cooler, with minimum temperatures around 23°C (74°F) and maximums reaching 39°C (102°F), while May sees higher extremes with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F). Both months share a similar average temperature of 30°C (86°F); however, May experiences significantly more rain, receiving 155 mm (6.1 in) over 23 days compared to March's mere 30 mm (1.2 in) over just 5 days. Additionally, the humidity in May is higher at 78%, compared to March's 61%, making May feel more oppressive. For a closer look at March weather patterns, visit Phnom Penh weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, we can observe some notable differences. May tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures reaching around 30°C (86°F) and maximums soaring up to 40°C (104°F), compared to April's average of 30°C (87°F) and maximum of 39°C (103°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more rainfall, recording 155 mm (6.1 in) over 23 days, while April sees only 78 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days. The humidity also rises in May, averaging at 78% compared to April's 67%. For more detailed information on April's conditions, you can visit Phnom Penh weather in April.
In May, temperatures frequently rise with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 30°C (86°F), peaking at a sweltering 40°C (104°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 155 mm (6.1 in) over 23 days, along with a humidity level of 78%. Conversely, June sees slightly higher minimum temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and a drop in the average to 29°C (85°F), with a maximum temperature of 37°C (99°F). Interestingly, June also brings a similar amount of precipitation of 155 mm (6.1 in), but over 24 days, with humidity rising to 84%. For more detailed information, you can check the Phnom Penh weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, both months exhibit high temperatures, but with some notable differences. May experiences a minimum temperature of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 30°C (86°F), while July has slightly warmer conditions, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 29°C (84°F). Although May has a higher maximum temperature of 40°C (104°F) compared to July's 38°C (100°F), it also sees slightly less precipitation at 155 mm (6.1 in) over 23 days, while July typically receives 154 mm (6.1 in) across 25 days. Furthermore, humidity remains higher in July at 86%, compared to May’s 78%. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, you can refer to Phnom Penh weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we see that both months are characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity levels. May experiences a minimum temperature of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 30°C (86°F), peaking at a high of 40°C (104°F). In contrast, August starts slightly warmer with a minimum temperature of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 29°C (84°F), but the maximum does not exceed 36°C (98°F). Additionally, August receives more rainfall, with 197 mm (7.7 in) over 26 days, compared to May's 155 mm (6.1 in) across 23 days. The humidity is also higher in August at 88%, compared to May's 78%. For more details on the weather during August, you can visit Phnom Penh weather in August.
May and September in Phnom Penh showcase distinct weather characteristics, highlighting the transition from the hot season to the rainy season. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 24°C (76°F), an average of 30°C (86°F), and a maximum reaching 40°C (104°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 155 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation spread over 23 days and humidity levels around 78%. In contrast, September sees slightly cooler temperatures, where the minimum remains at 24°C (76°F), the average drops to 28°C (83°F), and the maximum peaks at 36°C (97°F). However, September also witnesses an increase in rainfall, totaling 246 mm (9.7 in) over 26 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 87%. For more detailed information on September's weather, you can check Phnom Penh weather in September.
May and October exhibit distinct weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average of 30°C (86°F). The month experiences around 155 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation over 23 days, coupled with a humidity level of 78%. Conversely, October is slightly cooler with temperatures varying from 23°C (73°F) to 35°C (95°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). It has a higher precipitation level, totaling 246 mm (9.7 in) over 24 days, and humidity rises to 84%. For more detailed information, you can visit Phnom Penh weather in October.
In comparing the weather between May and November, May experiences higher overall temperatures, with averages around 30°C (86°F) and a maximum of 40°C (104°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, accumulating 155 mm (6.1 in) over an average of 23 days, leading to a humid environment with 78% humidity. In contrast, November has milder conditions, featuring a lower average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F). Rainfall also decreases to 121 mm (4.8 in) over just 15 rainy days, while humidity rises slightly to 84%. For more detailed information, you can visit Phnom Penh weather in November.
In May, the weather is characterized by higher temperatures, with minimums around 24°C (76°F) and maximums soaring to 40°C (104°F), making it one of the hotter months of the year. This heat is often accompanied by significant rainfall, averaging 155 mm (6.1 in) over about 23 days, resulting in a humid climate with levels around 78%. In contrast, December offers a much milder experience, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and a lower average temperature of 27°C (81°F). Additionally, December sees much less precipitation, only about 40 mm (1.6 in) over 5 days, and humidity remains relatively stable at 76%. For more details, check out Phnom Penh weather in December.
As May unfolds in Phnom Penh, the city experiences a striking transition toward the wet season. The average temperature hovers around a warm 30°C, making it one of the warmer months, with peak days reaching a sweltering 40°C. Unlike the preceding dry season, May is marked by a significant uptick in rainfall, with about 155 mm falling over 23 days, contributing to the high humidity levels of around 78%. This blend of heat and increased humidity can make the air feel particularly oppressive, setting this month apart from the preceding drier spells. For more insights into how May's weather fits into the broader climate patterns of the region, explore Phnom Penh Climate.