Phnompenh in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Phnompenh

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

249 mm (9.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect transition weather - post-rainy season means clean air, lush green parks, and comfortable evenings around 24°C (75°F) ideal for riverside dining and night markets
Mekong River at optimal levels for boat trips to Silk Island - water clarity is excellent and floating villages are easily accessible with 2-3 hour tours running consistently
Peak season for local fruit markets - October brings the best dragonfruit, rambutan, and longan harvests, with Orussey Market offering varieties unavailable other months
Festival season energy with Pchum Ben aftermath - temples are beautifully decorated, locals are in celebratory spirits, and traditional food stalls remain active through mid-October

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours - 60% chance of 20-30 minute heavy rains between 2-5pm that can flood streets temporarily and disrupt tuk-tuk transport
High humidity makes temple climbing exhausting - Wat Phnom's 27m (89ft) climb feels much harder in 70% humidity, requiring frequent water breaks
River tours may cancel on short notice due to sudden storms - operators typically don't know until morning of tour, affecting tight itineraries

Best Activities in October

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Complex Tours

October's post-rainy season timing means pristine palace grounds with busy gardens and clean reflecting pools. Morning visits (8-10am) avoid both crowds and afternoon heat. The 70% humidity makes afternoon visits uncomfortable, but early morning provides perfect lighting for the 5,000 silver floor tiles. Expect 2-3 hours for full complex exploration.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets bought at gate (no advance booking needed). Audio guides available in 8 languages for additional cost. Dress code strictly enforced - shoulders and knees covered mandatory. Best visited Tuesday-Thursday to avoid weekend crowds. Typical costs ฿10,000-15,000 including guide services.

Mekong River Sunset Cruises

October offers optimal river conditions with clear post-monsoon waters and spectacular sunset visibility. The 31°C (88°F) day temperatures cool to comfortable 26°C (79°F) on water. Traditional wooden boats provide 1.5-2 hour experiences with views of Chroy Changvar Peninsula. River levels perfect for accessing floating restaurants and silk-weaving communities.

Booking Tip: Book through riverside operators at Sisowath Quay 24-48 hours ahead. Evening cruises (4:30-6:30pm) most popular. Prices typically ฿20,000-35,000 per person including drinks. Choose boats with life jackets and covered seating for sudden rain. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cycling Tours Through Ancient Temple Circuits

Cool mornings and lush post-rain scenery make October ideal for bicycle exploration of Oudong Mountain temples and Tonle Bati sites. Early departure (6:30am) essential before heat peaks. Routes cover 15-25 km (9-16 miles) through rice paddies and traditional villages. Wat Phnom area perfect for short urban cycling routes avoiding traffic.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically ฿25,000-40,000 including bike, helmet, and guide. Full-day adventures ฿50,000-75,000 with lunch. Book 3-5 days ahead during October's favorable weather window. Look for operators providing rain gear and backup vehicle support. Electric bike options available for humidity comfort.

Traditional Market and Street Food Walking Tours

October's fruit harvest season transforms markets into sensory experiences unavailable other months. Central Market's art deco architecture provides covered exploration during afternoon rains. Russian Market offers authentic local atmosphere with seasonal specialties. Evening food tours capitalize on comfortable 24°C (75°F) temperatures and active street vendor scene.

Booking Tip: Morning market tours (7-10am) offer freshest produce and active vendor interactions. Evening food walks (6-9pm) feature 8-12 stops with seasonal specialties. Costs typically ฿15,000-25,000 per person. Book 2-3 days ahead for English-speaking guides. Tours include bottled water and wet wipes essential in humidity.

Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek Historical Site Visits

October's clearer post-rain atmosphere provides better air quality for emotionally intensive historical education. Cooler morning temperatures make the 1.5-2 hour walking tour through Tuol Sleng Museum more comfortable. Combined half-day experiences include 17 km (11 mile) drive to Choeung Ek memorial site through countryside recovering from rainy season.

Booking Tip: Start early (8am) to complete both sites before afternoon heat and potential rain. Audio guides essential for historical context. Combined site tickets plus transport typically ฿25,000-35,000. Book certified guides 24-48 hours ahead. Allow 4-5 hours total including travel time between locations.

Silk Island Traditional Craft Workshops

Post-rainy season provides perfect conditions for 45-minute boat crossing to Koh Dach (Silk Island). October timing coincides with active weaving season as humidity levels support silk thread work. Traditional villages demonstrate centuries-old techniques. Day trips include cycling through 8 km (5 mile) island circuit visiting multiple family workshops.

Booking Tip: Full-day experiences typically ฿35,000-55,000 including boat transport, island cycling, lunch, and craft demonstrations. Book 3-4 days ahead as boat operators limit groups to 12-15 people. Morning departures (8:30am) recommended to complete activities before afternoon weather changes. Rain backup plans include covered workshop visits.

October Events & Festivals

Throughout October

Water Festival Preparation Markets

Throughout October, markets gear up for November's Bon Om Touk with traditional boat decorations, special foods, and festival crafts. Local artisans work on dragon boat preparations visible at riverside workshops. Night markets extend hours and feature festival-related foods and decorative items.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - cotton becomes soggy in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry

Compact umbrella AND light rain jacket - afternoon showers are intense but brief, umbrella better for walking, jacket for motorcycle taxis

SPF 50+ sunscreen in small bottles - UV index 8 requires reapplication every 2 hours, large bottles melt in 31°C (88°F) heat

Quick-dry pants or convertible hiking pants - temple dress codes require covered legs, regular jeans stay damp all day

Sandals with good grip and closed-toe shoes - wet temple steps are slippery, but you'll want breathable footwear for walking

Electrolyte powder packets - sweating in humidity depletes sodium faster than water alone can replace

Small microfiber towel - hotels provide bath towels but you'll need something portable for unexpected rain and constant perspiration

Waterproof phone case or zip-lock bags - sudden downpours can destroy electronics in seconds

Cash in small denominations (USD and Cambodian Riel) - street vendors can't break large bills and ATMs may be unreliable during storms

Antacid tablets - rich street food combined with heat stress often causes stomach sensitivity for first-time visitors

Insider Knowledge

locals avoid outdoor activities 2-5pm during October's peak heat and storm window - schedule indoor attractions (museums, shopping centers) for these hours

Use PassApp or Grab motorbike taxis instead of tuk-tuks during rainy periods - they navigate flooded streets better and cost 30-40% less

Central Market's second floor has clean, air-conditioned bathrooms with toilet paper - crucial information for day-long walking tours in humidity

River taxi services between Sisowath Quay and Chroy Changvar run every 20 minutes in October and offer scenic alternative to road transport for ฿2,000 per crossing

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor temple visits after 11am - humidity and UV exposure become dangerous, most locals visit temples before 9am during October

Wearing white or light-colored clothing to markets - October's mud from rain and food stains from crowded vendor areas make dark colors essential

Booking same-day river tours - October weather changes quickly and operators cancel frequently, always book 24-48 hours ahead with flexible cancellation policies