Phnompenh in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Phnompenh

34°C (94°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

35.6 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season - only 10 rainy days with light afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes, making outdoor activities highly reliable
Perfect temple exploration weather - morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) ideal for walking tours from 6-10am before heat peaks
Lowest crowd levels at major sites - March falls between Chinese New Year rush and Khmer New Year, meaning 40-50% fewer tourists at Tuol Sleng and Royal Palace
Prime riverside dining season - evening temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) by 6pm, perfect for Sisowath Quay outdoor restaurants

Considerations

Afternoon heat reaches 34°C (94°F) with 70% humidity, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable from 11am-4pm
Dust levels peak before rainy season begins - air quality worst of the year, particularly affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
Limited mango season overlap - premium Cambodian mangoes finish in February, missing March visitors

Best Activities in March

Sunrise Angkor Wat Day Trips

March offers ideal conditions for the 90-minute drive to Siemreap and temple exploration. Cool 6am starts at 22°C (72°F) with minimal rain risk. Clear skies provide perfect photography conditions, and lower tourist numbers mean better sunrise viewing spots. Return trips by 4pm avoid evening traffic.

Booking Tip: Book private transport 7-10 days ahead, typically $180-220 for full-day private car with driver. Choose operators offering pre-dawn departure (4:30am from Cambodia). Reference booking widget below for current tour options.

Mekong Delta Boat Tours

March's low rainfall makes river conditions perfect - calm waters and clear visibility. Morning departures at 7am capture the best light and cooler 25°C (77°F) temperatures. Water levels are optimal for accessing smaller tributaries and floating villages. Afternoon thunderstorms are brief and add drama to photography.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range $45-65 per person through licensed operators. Book 5-7 days ahead during March's low season. Look for tours including traditional lunch on stilted restaurants. See current options in booking section below.

Cyclo Food Tours Through Russian Market District

March evenings from 5-8pm offer perfect conditions for slow-paced cyclo rides through Toul Tom Poung area. Temperatures drop to comfortable 28°C (82°F) with gentle breezes. Street food vendors peak activity coincides with cooler weather, and March's dry conditions mean all outdoor stalls operate fully.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours typically cost $35-50 per person including 6-8 tastings. Book with operators providing comfortable cyclos and knowledgeable food guides. Tours run 3-4 hours. Check current offerings in booking widget below.

Oudong Mountain Temple Hiking

Former royal capital located 40 km (25 miles) north offers excellent March hiking conditions. Morning temperatures stay below 30°C (86°F) until 10am, perfect for the 200m (656 ft) climb to hilltop stupas. Clear dry season visibility provides panoramic Mekong views, and reduced tourist numbers mean peaceful exploration.

Booking Tip: Day trips range $40-60 including transport and guide. Depart by 7am to avoid midday heat. Choose tours with cultural history focus and traditional lunch. Independent travelers can hire tuk-tuks for $25-30 return. See booking options below.

Silk Weaving Village Tours

March's dry roads provide excellent access to traditional villages 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center. Cooler morning temperatures make workshop visits comfortable, and March timing coincides with pre-rainy season silk production peak. Artisans work longer hours in pleasant weather, offering more demonstration opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $30-45 per person including village lunch and weaving demonstrations. Book with operators supporting fair trade practices. Tours typically run 4-5 hours with morning departures recommended. Current tour options available in booking section.

Central Market and Art Deco Architecture Walks

March's moderate humidity makes indoor market exploration comfortable while early morning and late afternoon provide perfect light for photographing 1930s French colonial buildings. Peak shopping hours from 8-10am offer coolest conditions and freshest produce displays. Reduced tourist crowds mean better interaction with local vendors.

Booking Tip: Guided architecture walks range $25-35 for 3-4 hours including market time and colonial district exploration. Self-guided options work well with good maps. Book tours including historical context and photography tips. See current guided options below.

March Events & Festivals

March 20

National Day of Remembrance

March 20th commemorates victims of the Khmer Rouge with ceremonies at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and Tuol Sleng. Provides deeply meaningful cultural context for visitors, with special guided tours and memorial services. Respectful observation offers insight into Cambodia's resilience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts - essential for temple visits and protection from 34°C (94°F) afternoon heat plus mosquitoes

Breathable walking shoes with good grip - temple stairs can be steep and March's dry conditions create dusty surfaces

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover during dry season

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers in March last 20-30 minutes but can be intense

Portable phone charger - high temperatures drain batteries faster, especially during long temple tours

Scarf or sarong - required for temple entry and useful for dust protection during tuk-tuk rides

Electrolyte tablets - 70% humidity and heat require extra hydration beyond normal water intake

Cash in small USD bills - many attractions and vendors prefer dollars, ATMs charge high fees

Dust mask or bandana - March air quality is poorest of year, especially during morning commute hours

Insect repellent with DEET - dry season concentrates mosquito activity around water sources and restaurants

Insider Knowledge

Visit temples between 6-9am when locals pray - experience authentic ceremonies and avoid tour bus crowds that arrive after 10am

Take advantage of March's low season hotel rates - luxury properties offer 30-40% discounts compared to December-February peak pricing

Use midday heat for air-conditioned activities - Banjul, shopping malls, and cooking classes are perfect 11am-3pm escapes

Local tip: March mango smoothies use imported fruit - wait until April for authentic Cambodian kampot varieties or try dragon fruit instead

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when temperatures peak at 34°C (94°F) with high humidity - schedule temple visits and walking tours for early morning or late afternoon

Wearing synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity - cotton and linen are essential for comfort, polyester becomes unbearable by midday

Booking accommodation in tourist areas during March low season - many Riverside restaurants and bars have reduced hours or close for maintenance