Weather Comparison
Ho Chi Minh City vs Phnom Penh
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Ho Chi Minh City vs Phnom Penh
| Metric | Ho Chi Minh City | Phnom Penh | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 33°C (91°F) | 34°C (93°F)▲ | Phnom Penh |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 26°C (79°F) | 26°C (79°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 25 days | 23 days▲ | Phnom Penh |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 199 mm | 156 mm▲ | Phnom Penh |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 82% | 82% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 8 | 8 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 13 km/h | 13 km/h | Tie |
Which City is Better in May?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Phnom Penh edges ahead as the better destination in May. Phnom Penh offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 23 rain days, while Ho Chi Minh City sees 10 sunshine hours and 25 rain days.
Ho Chi Minh City can feel quite hot at 33°C, so plan for heat. Phnom Penh runs hot at 34°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Phnom Penh is the stronger choice in May.
Temperature Comparison in May
Ho Chi Minh City reaches an average high of 33°C (91°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Phnom Penh averages 34°C (93°F) for the high and 26°C (79°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.
Rainfall Comparison in May
Ho Chi Minh City receives approximately 199 mm of rainfall across 25 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Phnom Penh sees 156 mm over 23 rain days. That makes Phnom Penh the drier option by 2 rain days and 43 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.
What to Pack: Ho Chi Minh City vs Phnom Penh
Packing for Ho Chi Minh City in May
Highs of 33°C, lows of 26°C, 25 rain days
- ✓lightweight breathable clothing
- ✓sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓sunglasses
- ✓a wide-brimmed hat
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓moisture-wicking fabrics
Packing for Phnom Penh in May
Highs of 34°C, lows of 26°C, 23 rain days
- ✓lightweight breathable clothing
- ✓sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓sunglasses
- ✓a wide-brimmed hat
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓moisture-wicking fabrics
Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during May.
Year-Round Comparison: Ho Chi Minh City vs Phnom Penh
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Ho Chi Minh City | Phnom Penh | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 31°C | 4d | 32°C | 3d |
| Feb | 33°C | 2d | 33°C | 2d |
| Mar | 34°C | 5d | 35°C | 6d |
| Apr | 34°C | 12d | 35°C | 14d |
| May | 33°C | 25d | 34°C | 23d |
| Jun | 31°C | 27d | 32°C | 24d |
| Jul | 31°C | 29d | 32°C | 25d |
| Aug | 31°C | 29d | 32°C | 25d |
| Sep | 30°C | 29d | 31°C | 27d |
| Oct | 30°C | 27d | 30°C | 25d |
| Nov | 30°C | 17d | 30°C | 11d |
| Dec | 30°C | 9d | 31°C | 5d |
Ho Chi Minh City Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Phnom Penh Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities