Phnompenh in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Phnompenh
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-monsoon clarity with dramatically improved air quality - pollution levels drop 40% from September highs, making temple visits and outdoor photography much more pleasant
- Cool-season festivals begin - Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) typically occurs in mid-November when the Tonle Sap reverses flow, featuring dragon boat races and the city's biggest celebration
- Perfect temple-hopping weather with morning temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and manageable midday heat of 31°C (87°F) - ideal for Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace exploration
- Mekong River at optimal levels for boat trips - neither too high from monsoon floods nor too low from dry season, offering the best river cruise conditions of the year
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms on 60% of days between 2-4pm can disrupt outdoor plans - these intense 30-45 minute downpours flood streets temporarily
- High humidity at 70% makes the temperature feel 3-5°C warmer than actual - 31°C feels like 35°C (87°F feels like 95°F) during midday
- Water Festival weekend causes massive accommodation price spikes (300-400% increases) and full bookings if you don't reserve 6+ weeks ahead
Best Activities in November
Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Tours
November offers optimal water levels after monsoon season - villages are fully accessible but not dangerously high. Post-rains clarity improves photography, and cooler morning temperatures (23°C/73°F) make the 2-3 hour boat rides comfortable. Locals return to traditional fishing after monsoon disruptions, showing authentic village life.
Angkor Archaeological Park Day Trips
November's post-monsoon conditions create lush green backdrops and filled temple moats - perfect for photography. Morning starts at 23°C (73°F) allow comfortable 5-6km (3.1-mile) temple circuits before midday heat. Reduced dust levels from recent rains make sunrise viewing at Angkor Wat spectacular.
Mekong Delta Multi-Day River Cruises
Post-monsoon Mekong runs clean and deep, perfect for overnight boat trips. November's moderate temperatures make deck time enjoyable, and reduced flooding allows access to remote communities. Traditional fishing and rice harvest activities are visible along the banks.
Phnom Penh Food Market Walking Tours
November brings seasonal ingredients - fresh water spinach, monsoon mushrooms, and river fish varieties. Morning market visits (6-9am) at 23°C (73°F) are comfortable, and afternoon cooking classes can be done indoors during storm periods. Post-harvest rice means fresh noodle preparations.
Kep Province Coastal Day Trips
November marks crab season peak in Cambodia - famous pepper crab is at its freshest. Coastal temperatures are 2-3°C cooler than Cambodia, and post-monsoon seas are calmer for boat trips to Rabbit Island. French colonial ruins are surrounded by lush, rain-refreshed vegetation.
Silk Island Traditional Craft Experiences
November's cooler mornings make bicycle tours comfortable across the 30km² (11.6 sq mile) island. Post-monsoon mulberry trees are lush, perfect for silk production demonstrations. River crossings by local ferry are reliable, and traditional weaving reaches peak activity after harvest season.
November Events & Festivals
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
Cambodia's largest festival celebrating the reversal of Tonle Sap River flow. Features dragon boat races, illuminated boat parades, and over 2 million visitors to Cambodia. Streets become pedestrian zones with food stalls, traditional performances, and fireworks over the Mekong confluence.
That Luang Festival
Cross-border celebration affecting Cambodia's Vietnamese Buddhist communities. Traditional moon-shaped rice cakes, temple offerings, and cultural performances occur at major wats throughout the city, particularly Wat Langka and Wat Botum.