Phnom Penh, Cambodia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Phnom Penh, Cambodia? If you're planning to go to Phnom Penh, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Phnom Penh
- Important essentials for Phnom Penh
- Activities for Phnom Penh
- Phnom Penh in January: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in February: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in March: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in April: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in May: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in June: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in July: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in August: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in September: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in October: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in November: weather and what to pack
- Phnom Penh in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Based on the climate and weather in Phnom Penh, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Phnom Penh, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Phnom Penh. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
-
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and G. This one works in most locations, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Phnom Penh, Cambodia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Phnom Penh in January, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
February
February in this region is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
March
If you visit Phnom Penh during March, you are likely to find that it is scorchingly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring extra, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Sunglasses
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to cool you:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
April
If you are traveling to Phnom Penh in April, you will notice that it is unbearably hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
Bug bite relief
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to help you stay cool:
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Skirts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to help you stay cool and can provide UV protection.
-
Bug repellent
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure bring additional, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
May
May in Phnom Penh is sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed for cooling and offer UV protection.
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Waterproof sandals
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug bite relief
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
June
If you are traveling to Phnom Penh in June, you will notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
July
If you visit Phnom Penh during July, you will probably find that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
August
If you visit Phnom Penh during August, you are likely to see that it is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
September
Traveling to Phnom Penh in September, you will notice that it can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
October
October in Phnom Penh is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
November
If you visit Phnom Penh during November, you will probably find that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
December
If you vacation in Phnom Penh during December, you are likely to notice that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you visit a temple, such as Wat Phnom, wear:
If you visit the National Museum of Cambodia, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Activities for Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Phnom Penh.
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