Phnompenh in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Phnompenh

32°C (91°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

163mm (6.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Excellent air quality from monsoon cleansing - July rains wash away dry season dust and pollution, creating crystal-clear visibility for photography and sightseeing at temples like Wat Phnom
River levels are perfect for Mekong sunset cruises - the rainy season brings the Tonlé Sap and Mekong to optimal levels without dangerous flooding, ideal for boat trips from Sisowath Quay
Lush green landscapes transform the city - Royal Palace gardens and Wat Botum Park are at their most photogenic with busy vegetation that's brown and sparse in dry season
Authentic local experience - fewer Western tourists means more interaction with Khmer culture, better prices at markets like this destination, and restaurant staff have more time to explain dishes

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt outdoor plans 60% of days - sudden downpours between 2-5pm can strand you at attractions like S-21 or Royal Palace with limited covered areas
High humidity makes walking exhausting - 70% humidity combined with 32°C (91°F) temperatures means you'll need frequent breaks and air-conditioned refuges every 30-45 minutes
Flooded streets in heavy downpours - areas around Russian Market and Boeung Keng Kang can become impassable for 1-2 hours after intense rainfall

Best Activities in July

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Cultural Tours

July's cleaner air and lush palace gardens make this the perfect time for in-depth cultural exploration. Morning visits (8-11am) avoid afternoon storms and intense heat. The silver pagoda's 5,000 silver tiles gleam in July's filtered sunlight, and fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities and more personal interactions with monks.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators. Expect to pay $15-25 USD for half-day cultural tours including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom. Look for guides certified by Cambodia Tourism Ministry. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Mekong River Sunset Cruises

July's optimal river levels and dramatic storm clouds create spectacular sunset photography opportunities. The monsoon-fed Mekong is at perfect cruising depth, and evening departures (5:30-7:30pm) time perfectly with cooling temperatures. Storm-cleared skies produce busy orange and purple sunsets impossible in dry season haze.

Booking Tip: Book sunset cruises same-day or one day ahead. Traditional wooden boats cost $8-15 USD per person, luxury boats $25-40 USD. Departures from Sisowath Quay every 30 minutes from 5pm. Check current river cruise options in the booking section below.

Covered Market Food Walking Tours

July's frequent afternoon rains make covered markets like this destination and Russian Market perfect for authentic food experiences. Vendors are less busy with fewer tourists, meaning better prices and more willingness to explain dishes. Try seasonal fruits like mangosteen and rambutan at peak ripeness.

Booking Tip: Book food tours 2-3 days ahead, typically $20-35 USD for 3-4 hour experiences including 6-8 food stops. Tours usually run 9am-12pm or 2-5pm to work around rain patterns. Look for tours that include both Central and Russian markets. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek Historical Site Visits

July's cooler, cloudier weather makes these emotionally intense historical sites more bearable. Morning visits (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon storms while maintaining respectful atmosphere. The rainy season's somber weather actually enhances the reflective experience at these important Khmer Rouge memorial sites.

Booking Tip: Book historical tours 1-2 days ahead, typically $25-40 USD for combined S-21 and Killing Fields visits with transportation. Tours include audio guides in multiple languages and respectful local guides. Morning departures recommended. See current historical tour options in the booking section below.

Bassac Lane Nightlife and Bar Hopping

July evenings are perfect for Phnom Penh's emerging craft cocktail scene. Post-rain cooling (temperatures drop to 26°C/79°F) makes outdoor seating comfortable at rooftop bars. Bassac Lane's covered venues provide shelter during unexpected showers while maintaining the busy atmosphere.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for Montenegro hopping. Budget $4-8 USD for local beers, $6-12 USD for cocktails at upscale venues. Start around 7pm when temperatures cool. Many venues offer happy hour 5-7pm. Grab current nightlife recommendations through local booking platforms in the section below.

Wat Phnom Hill and Surrounding Temple Circuit

July's lush vegetation makes the temple circuit absolutely impressive for photography and spiritual reflection. The 27m (89ft) hill provides excellent city views on clear mornings, and surrounding temples like Wat Ounalom are less crowded. Rain-washed stone carvings appear more detailed and busy.

Booking Tip: Self-guided temple visits cost $1-3 USD entry per temple. Guided temple tours typically $18-30 USD for half-day circuit including transportation between sites. Start early (7am) to complete circuit before afternoon rains. See current temple tour options in the booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July

Pchum Ben Preparation Season

July marks the beginning of preparations for Cambodia's most important festival. Visit temples to see monks receiving early offerings and families beginning 15-day merit-making practices. Excellent cultural insight opportunity with sticky rice offerings and traditional ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts and pants - cotton stays wet for hours in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics dry in 30-45 minutes

Compact umbrella with wind resistance - afternoon storms bring 40-50km/h (25-31mph) gusts that destroy cheap umbrellas

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - sudden downpours can destroy electronics in seconds, essential for Mekong boat trips

Breathable closed-toe shoes with good grip - temple visits require covered feet, and wet marble becomes extremely slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index 8 means sunburn in 15 minutes despite cloudy conditions

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - much more practical than umbrella when walking between attractions

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - regular cotton becomes uncomfortable in high humidity within 2-3 hours

Electrolyte powder or tablets - sweating in 70% humidity depletes salt faster than dry climates

Small towel for frequent drying - hands, face, and phone screens need constant wiping in humid conditions

Antifungal foot powder - essential for preventing athlete's foot in wet shoes and humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

Download offline maps before arrival - cell towers often fail during heavy storms, and GPS becomes unreliable in flooded streets around this destination and riverside areas

Carry small denomination riels (500-1000 notes) - tuk-tuk drivers raise prices 50-100% during sudden rainstorms when you're desperate for shelter

Duck into air-conditioned malls like Aeon or Sorya for free cooling breaks - locals use this strategy to escape midday heat and afternoon storms

Book accommodations with backup power - frequent afternoon thunderstorms cause 1-2 hour power outages, especially in budget guesthouses around Boeung Keng Kang

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor attractions after 2pm - 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms means you'll get caught at Royal Palace or Wat Phnom with limited shelter

Wearing flip-flops everywhere - temple dress codes require closed shoes, and wet streets become dangerously slippery with rubber soles

Not carrying cash for weather emergencies - tuk-tuk prices double during storms, and you'll need $2-5 USD for shelter in cafes during downpours