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Weather Comparison

Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City

Side-by-side weather comparison for March

Phnom Penh: 35°CHo Chi Minh City: 34°C206 km apart

March Weather: Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City

MetricPhnom PenhHo Chi Minh CityBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer35°C (95°F)34°C (93°F)Phnom Penh
Average LowHigher is milder25°C (77°F)24°C (75°F)Phnom Penh
Rain DaysFewer is drier6 days5 daysHo Chi Minh City
PrecipitationLess is drier39 mm24 mmHo Chi Minh City
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day11h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable82%82%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer66Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better13 km/h16 km/hPhnom Penh

Which City is Better in March?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Ho Chi Minh City edges ahead as the better destination in March. Ho Chi Minh City offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 5 rain days, while Phnom Penh sees 11 sunshine hours and 6 rain days.

Phnom Penh can feel quite hot at 35°C, so plan for heat. Ho Chi Minh City runs hot at 34°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Ho Chi Minh City is the stronger choice in March.

Temperature Comparison in March

Phnom Penh reaches an average high of 35°C (95°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during March. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Ho Chi Minh City averages 34°C (93°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 10°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 March.

Rainfall Comparison in March

Phnom Penh receives approximately 39 mm of rainfall across 6 rain days during March. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Ho Chi Minh City sees 24 mm over 5 rain days. That makes Ho Chi Minh City the drier option by 1 rain day and 15 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.

What to Pack: Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City

Packing for Phnom Penh in March

Highs of 35°C, lows of 25°C, 6 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Ho Chi Minh City in March

Highs of 34°C, lows of 24°C, 5 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during March.

Year-Round Comparison: Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City

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.March is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthPhnom PenhHo Chi Minh City
HighRainHighRain
Jan32°C3d31°C4d
Feb33°C2d33°C2d
Mar35°C6d34°C5d
Apr35°C14d34°C12d
May34°C23d33°C25d
Jun32°C24d31°C27d
Jul32°C25d31°C29d
Aug32°C25d31°C29d
Sep31°C27d30°C29d
Oct30°C25d30°C27d
Nov30°C11d30°C17d
Dec31°C5d30°C9d
35°

Phnom Penh Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

34°

Ho Chi Minh City Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phnom Penh warmer than Ho Chi Minh City in March?
Yes. In March, Phnom Penh is warmer with an average high of 35°C (95°F) compared to Ho Chi Minh City at 34°C (93°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in March, Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City?
Phnom Penh gets more rain in March with 6 rain days and 39 mm of precipitation. Ho Chi Minh City is the drier option with 5 rain days.
Is it better to visit Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City in March?
It depends on your preferences. Phnom Penh averages 35°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 6 rain days. Ho Chi Minh City averages 34°C with 11 sunshine hours and 5 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Phnom Penh. For fewer rain days, Ho Chi Minh City is the better pick.
How far apart are Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City?
Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City are approximately 206 km (128 miles) apart. Phnom Penh is located in Cambodia (Asia) while Ho Chi Minh City is in Vietnam (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City?
For Phnom Penh, February tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 33°C. For Ho Chi Minh City, February is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 33°C highs.

Compare Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Phnom Penh coordinates: 11.54°N, 104.89°E | Ho Chi Minh City coordinates: 10.82°N, 106.63°E