Cambodia weather in April

Cambodia weather in April – dry heat before the rains

April is one of Cambodia’s hottest months: dry, intensely sunny and edging toward the first pre-monsoon showers late in the month (the wet season typically begins in May). Expect very warm afternoons on the plains, clearer mornings for temples, and calm, bath-warm seas along the south coast. With the heat, crowds thin out at major sites — early starts and long lunch breaks become your best friends.

April Quick Facts — Cambodia
• Siem Reap: ~26–36 °C; brief late-month showers possible.
• Phnom Penh: ~27–36 °C; hot, humid afternoons.
• South coast & islands (Sihanoukville/Koh Rong): sea ~29–30 °C, generally calm; humidity rising.
Based on multi-year climate normals for April.

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1. April Weather Overview (What to Expect)

Following March’s rising temperatures, April brings peak heat before the rains. Sunshine dominates most days; isolated thunderclouds can build late afternoon toward month’s end. On hotter spells, thermometers can touch 38–40 °C in lowland areas.

Rainfall: generally low; short, localized showers or thunderstorms possible late month.
Temperatures: afternoons commonly 34–36 °C in Siem Reap/Phnom Penh; nights ~26–27 °C. Highlands run a few degrees cooler.
Humidity: building; heat and UV peak around noon–15:00.
Beach & Sea: calm to light winds; water ~29–30 °C — perfect for swimming/snorkeling.
Comfort level: best at dawn and late afternoon; plan shaded or indoor time at midday.

April Climate Snapshot by Region

Region / Base	Average High (°C)	Average Low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)	Rain Days	Humidity (%)	Sea Temp (°C)
Siem Reap (Angkor)	36	26	~30–50	2–4	65–70	—
Phnom Penh (Capital)	36	27	~40–60	2–4	65–70	—
Sihanoukville / Kep / Kampot	33	27	~60–90	3–6	70–75	29–30
Mondulkiri / Ratanakiri (Highlands)	33–34	22–24	~40–60	2–5	60–65	—

2. Where to Go in April (Best-Fit by Traveller Type)

April suits early-bird temple plans and lazy coastal days. Use this quick selector to match your style to the right region:

Traveller Profile	Go Here	Why in April	Top Experiences
First-timers & culture lovers	Siem Reap (Angkor)	Fewer crowds in the heat; crystal-clear dawn light	Angkor sunrise, Ta Prohm shade, Bayon bas-reliefs
City & food	Phnom Penh	Dry evenings on Sisowath Quay; museums for peak heat	Royal Palace, National Museum, craft coffee & street-food
Beach & snorkeling	Kep, Kampot & islands off Sihanoukville	Warm, calm water ~29–30 °C; sunny afternoons	Kep crab market, Kampot pepper farms, Koh Rong/Koh Rong Samloem
Cooler mornings & soft adventure	Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri	Highlands are a touch cooler; dry trails	Observe-and-walk elephant programs, hill-tribe villages

Siem Reap & Angkor

Start pre-sunrise for reflections at Angkor Wat, then rotate shaded interiors (Bayon/Angkor Thom) into the late morning. Take a swim/siesta at noon and return for golden-hour circuits. Heat thins the crowds at headline temples.

Phnom Penh

Plan air-conditioned museum time around midday. Riversides are breezier after 16:00. For Tuol Sleng or Choeung Ek, go early; cafés are great buffers during the hottest hours.

Kep, Kampot & the Islands

Seas are warm and generally gentle (~29–30 °C). Mix lazy beach hours with a Kampot pepper farm visit and boat time to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem for snorkeling.

Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri

Highlands feel a touch cooler in the morning (low-20s °C). Trails remain dry, foliage thinner — good for short hikes and wildlife spotting. Always choose ethical, no-riding elephant experiences.

Slash & Burn

Traveling in April–May, you may notice “slash & burn” agricultural practices in rural areas. Fires used to clear fields can create a light haze, especially outside major cities. It usually doesn’t disrupt travel, but visibility can soften and afternoons may feel stuffier.

3. Events & Festive Notes in April

Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) — typically mid-April (three-day public holiday). Expect busy domestic travel, some closures and festive water/sand-pagoda activities, especially around Siem Reap.
Pre-monsoon build-up — hot, humid afternoons with a chance of late-day thunderclouds toward month’s end.
Coast & islands — sunset boats and beach barbecues continue; book popular stays ahead of the holiday period.

4. Practical Tips for April Travellers

Heat strategy: outdoors 06:00–10:00 & 16:00–18:30; keep midday for museums/lunch/pool.
Temple etiquette: shoulders and knees covered; carry a light cover-up.
Packing list: breathable fabrics, sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, electrolytes; a light scarf for sun/temples.
Air quality: if sensitive, consider a light mask for hazy days in rural zones.
Peak dates: Khmer New Year drives demand — pre-book hotels, drivers and guides.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (April, Cambodia)

Is April a good month to visit Cambodia?

Yes — if you can handle heat. You’ll get long sunny days, thinner crowds at the big temples and warm seas. Plan early starts and a long midday break.

How hot is Siem Reap in April?

Typically around 26–36 °C across the day, with occasional spikes to 38–40 °C during heatwaves.

Does the rainy season start in April?

Not usually. The wet season generally starts in May, though short late-day showers or thunderstorms can appear in late April.

What is the sea temperature in April?

Around 29–30 °C along the south coast and around the islands — ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Where should I go in April?

For culture, Siem Reap (Angkor) with early starts. For beaches, Kep, Kampot and the islands off Sihanoukville. For slightly cooler mornings, head to Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri.