Phnompenh in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Phnompenh

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

272 mm (10.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Lower tourist crowds at major attractions like Royal Palace and S21 - 40% fewer visitors than December peak season, meaning shorter queues and better photo opportunities
Afternoon rain patterns are predictable (typically 2-4pm) allowing you to plan indoor activities during storms and enjoy cooler evenings for street food exploration
Mango season produces exceptional fruit quality and variety at local markets - try the prized keo romeat variety available only August-October
Hotel rates drop 25-35% compared to high season, with luxury properties like those along Sisowath Quay offering significant value without compromising service

Considerations

High humidity levels (70%) make midday walking tours extremely uncomfortable - you'll need frequent breaks and will sweat through clothing quickly
Afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans 60% of days, requiring flexible scheduling and indoor backup options
Some remote temple sites become difficult to access due to muddy unpaved roads - stick to main archaeological sites like Wat Phnom and Silver Pagoda

Best Activities in September

Mekong Delta Day Trips

September's rainfall rejuvenates the delta ecosystem, creating lush scenery and better wildlife viewing. River levels are optimal for boat navigation, and the cooler post-rain temperatures make floating market visits more comfortable. Local fruit harvests are at peak quality.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Full-day trips typically cost $35-55 per person including transport and meals. Choose tours departing early (6-7am) to maximize dry weather time. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cyclo Tours Through Old Quarter

Lower September crowds mean easier navigation through narrow streets, and the frequent afternoon rains wash away dust, improving air quality for the rides. Early morning departures (7-9am) avoid both crowds and heat while capturing golden light photography.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range $15-25 per person. Book with operators providing rain covers and flexible timing. Morning slots fill quickly during shoulder season. Reference booking widget for current availability.

Central Market and Russian Market Food Tours

September brings seasonal specialties like fresh dragon fruit and rambutan. Rain-covered market halls provide natural air conditioning, and vendor crowds are manageable. This is prime season for sampling num ansom (sticky rice cakes) and fresh coconut varieties.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours cost $20-35 per person for 3-4 hours. Book morning tours (8-11am) to avoid afternoon storms and ensure freshest ingredients. Choose operators with covered market focus for weather flexibility.

Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek Historical Tours

Indoor museum components provide natural shelter during afternoon rains, and lower visitor numbers create a more reflective, less crowded experience. September's cooler mornings are ideal for the emotional weight of these sites without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets cost $6-8. Audio guides available for $3-5. Allow 4-5 hours total. Book morning slots to complete outdoor portions before afternoon weather. Private guides range $40-60 for full context.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Complex

September's variable weather provides dramatic cloud backdrops for palace photography, and reduced crowds allow better access to detailed architectural elements. Morning visits coincide with monk ceremonies, adding cultural authenticity to the experience.

Booking Tip: Entry fees $6.50 for foreigners. Guided tours $25-40 per person provide essential historical context. Visit 8-10am for best lighting and weather conditions. Dress codes strictly enforced - covered shoulders and knees required.

Sunset Mekong Riverfront Walks

Post-rain September evenings offer clearer air and more dramatic sunset colors over the Mekong. Street food vendors emerge after 5pm when temperatures cool, creating perfect timing for combining sightseeing with local cuisine sampling.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity - budget $10-15 for street food sampling. Join locals at Sisowath Quay around 5:30pm when the promenade comes alive. Avoid rainy afternoons by checking weather apps for storm timing.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September (exact dates vary by lunar calendar - typically September 15-17, 2025)

Pchum Ben Festival

Cambodia's most important Buddhist festival honoring ancestors, featuring elaborate temple ceremonies, traditional food offerings, and family gatherings. Temples stay open 24 hours with continuous chanting and locals wearing traditional white clothing.

September 24

Constitution Day

National holiday celebrating Cambodia's 1993 constitution with government ceremonies at Bujumbura and cultural performances in public parks. Expect some government buildings and banks to close.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays wet for hours in 70% humidity and becomes uncomfortable

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms produce heavy downpours for 20-45 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to reflection off wet surfaces

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for sudden downpours and high humidity protection

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - temple grounds and sidewalks become slippery when wet

Flip-flops or sandals - for quick temple entry/exit and post-rain walking when streets flood briefly

Small umbrella - compact enough for day bags but sturdy enough for tropical storms

Moisture-wicking socks - prevent blisters and fungal issues in humid conditions

Portable fan or cooling towel - for relief during humid morning temple visits

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - sweating increases significantly in September humidity

Insider Knowledge

Local ATMs often run out of cash during Pchum Ben festival weekend - withdraw money 2-3 days before mid-September dates to avoid complications

Street food quality peaks in September due to seasonal ingredient availability, but avoid vendors without covered stalls during rainy periods as hygiene standards drop

Tuk-tuk drivers increase prices by 20-30% during sudden downpours - negotiate fixed rates beforehand or use ride-sharing apps like Grab for consistent pricing

Many locals take afternoon naps (1-3pm) during September's hottest hours - shops and small restaurants may close, so plan around this cultural timing

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 1-4pm when afternoon storms are most likely and humidity peaks at uncomfortable levels

Wearing light colors that become transparent when wet - choose darker clothing or pack extra layers for sudden downpours

Booking ground transportation for long distances during rainy season without confirming road conditions - some rural routes become impassable