Phnompenh in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Phnompenh

35°C (95°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

79 mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season - tourist crowds drop by 40% after Khmer New Year rush ends mid-April, making temple visits peaceful and restaurant bookings easier
Optimal weather window before monsoon intensity - mornings are dry and pleasant (25-28°C/77-82°F) ideal for outdoor exploration until 11am
Mango season peak brings incredible street food variety - ripe Cambodian mangoes cost only $0.25 each and appear in everything from amok to fresh salads
Hotel rates drop 30-50% compared to peak season while maintaining full service - luxury properties offer April-specific promotions for extended stays

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive unpredictably between 2-5pm, lasting 30-45 minutes with intense downpours that flood streets temporarily
Rising humidity makes midday outdoor activities (11am-4pm) uncomfortable - feels like 38-40°C (100-104°F) during peak heat
Some floating village tours on Tonle Sap may be cancelled on stormy days, requiring flexible scheduling for water-based activities

Best Activities in April

Angkor Wat Dawn Tours

April mornings offer crystal-clear skies and comfortable 25°C (77°F) temperatures at 5:30am sunrise. Post-New Year crowds thin out dramatically - you'll share the iconic reflection pool with 50-60 people instead of 300+. The dry morning air creates perfect photography conditions before heat haze develops.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Prices range $45-75 including transport from Cambodia. Look for operators offering early pickup (3:30am) to maximize cool weather time. Reference booking widget below for current departure times.

Mekong Sunset River Cruises

April's variable weather creates dramatic cloud formations perfect for sunset photography. River levels are stable post-dry season, ensuring smooth sailing. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 28°C (82°F) with cooling river breezes. Avoid midday heat while experiencing floating markets and riverside temples.

Booking Tip: Half-day cruises typically cost $35-55 per person. Book 5-7 days ahead, choosing 2pm-7pm slots to avoid morning heat and afternoon storms. Operators provide rain covers for brief showers. See current cruise options in booking section below.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Tours

Indoor air-conditioned museum sections provide perfect storm shelter while outdoor courtyards are manageable in early morning. April's shoulder season means guided tours aren't rushed, allowing detailed exploration of Khmer architecture. Morning golden light (7-9am) illuminates the pagoda's 5,000 silver tiles beautifully.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $10 plus guide fees ($15-25 for 2 hours). Book morning slots (8am-10am) before heat intensifies. Skip weekends when local school groups visit. Private guides offer more shelter flexibility during sudden showers.

Central Market and Russian Market Food Tours

April mango season transforms market food scenes - vendors serve 15+ mango-based dishes unavailable other months. Covered market halls provide natural storm shelter. Early morning shopping (6-8am) avoids midday heat while accessing freshest ingredients and smallest crowds.

Booking Tip: Street food tours range $25-40 for 3-4 hours including tastings. Book through operators providing market umbrellas and flexible timing for weather. Look for tours starting 7am to beat heat and crowds. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Killing Fields and S-21 Historical Tours

Serious historical sites benefit from April's reduced crowds, allowing respectful contemplation. Indoor museum sections at S-21 provide climate control during heat peaks. Morning visits (8-11am) offer optimal temperatures for outdoor memorial areas before afternoon storms arrive.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets cost $8 entry plus transport ($10-15). Half-day tours typically $30-45 with guide. Book early morning starts to complete outdoor portions before weather intensifies. Audio guides available in 15+ languages.

Silk Island Cycling Adventures

April's shoulder season means peaceful village roads with minimal tourist traffic. Morning cycling (6:30-10:30am) captures perfect temperatures before heat becomes intense. Traditional silk weaving demonstrations continue despite weather, and village homestays provide authentic shelter during afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Full-day cycling tours cost $35-50 including bike, ferry, and lunch. Book 3-5 days ahead for quality bikes and English-speaking guides. Choose tours with indoor cultural activities as storm backup. Ferry schedules run every 30 minutes rain or shine.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Khmer New Year Celebrations

Cambodia's most important festival typically falls April 13-15, transforming Cambodia into a massive street party. Expect temple ceremonies, traditional dance performances, and elaborate food markets. Many businesses close for 3-4 days, but cultural experiences are unparalleled.

Late April

Water Festival Preparations

April marks the beginning of boat racing preparations along the Mekong, with practice sessions visible from riverside restaurants. Local teams train in early mornings, offering authentic glimpses of competitive Khmer traditions without tourist crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain poncho (not umbrella) - April storms bring heavy winds making umbrellas useless, ponchos protect camera gear too

Breathable cotton or bamboo fiber shirts - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 70% humidity, natural fibers dry faster

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 8 and local pharmacies charge 300% markup for quality brands

Lightweight merino wool socks - prevent fungal issues in wet conditions while staying odor-free through multiple wears

Waterproof phone case with lanyard - sudden downpours flood streets, phones get dropped/damaged during shelter-seeking

Electrolyte powder packets - humid heat causes rapid dehydration, local sports drinks are sugar-heavy and expensive

Compact LED headlamp - evening storms cause power outages in older districts, essential for navigating dark streets

Antifungal foot powder - wet shoes and humidity create perfect fungal conditions, prevention beats treatment

Dry bag for documents - passport, tickets, and cash need protection during temple visits and market tours

Cooling towel - soak in cold water for instant neck relief during midday heat peaks when shade isn't available

Insider Knowledge

Local workers take shelter breaks 2-4pm during storms - follow their lead by planning indoor activities (museums, malls, cafes) during peak heat and rain windows

Street food vendors often close during heavy rain but reopen immediately after - wait 10 minutes after storms pass for freshest grilled items as coals reheat

Tuk-tuk drivers charge 20-30% extra during rain and 3-6pm heat peaks - negotiate fixed rates including weather delays when booking morning tours

Khmer speakers get better market prices during mango season - learn 'ponman' (how much) and 'tlay nah' (too expensive) for 30-40% savings on fresh fruit

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor temple visits after 11am - heat becomes dangerous and afternoon storms ruin photography, always start by 8am

Wearing leather shoes or sandals - wet season requires closed-toe shoes with good grip, flooded streets hide deep puddles and debris

Booking inflexible day tours - April weather demands schedule flexibility, choose operators allowing itinerary modifications for storm delays