Phnom Penh Weather in October

October: wet-season days

October is hot, sticky and often cloudy. Rain falls on many days, though it may come in heavy showers rather than lasting all day. The city gets less rain than in September, but more than in November. You'll have some dry spells for the National Museum or the Royal Palace, but muddy paths and sudden downpours can interrupt longer walks.

The riverside can feel damp and grey, and the humidity makes a long afternoon outdoors tiring. Keep indoor stops like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in mind for rainy spells. Don't count on a full day at Koh Dach, the island known for silk weaving, if the forecast looks unsettled.

Festivals and local life

Pchum Ben, a major Buddhist holiday honouring ancestors, can fall in September or October. Its dates change each year, so temple visits and family travel may affect local opening hours and traffic. You may see families bringing food to pagodas, including Wat Ounalom near the river.

Travelling with kids? A short visit to the Central Market is easier to manage than a long walk through the heat and rain.

Crowds and useful tips

October is generally quieter and less expensive than the drier high season, which builds from November. You'll find fewer visitors than in the cooler months, though weather can limit outdoor plans. For a practical rainy-day meal, try kuy teav, a noodle soup often served for breakfast; it's an easy stop around Central Market.

On wet days, ask a tuk-tuk driver to drop you close to the Royal Palace entrance rather than walking along the exposed riverside. Puddles can make even a short stretch uncomfortable, and traffic may slow after a shower.