Things to Do in Cambodia in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Cambodia

33°C (91°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

160 mm (6.3 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season with street vendors selling 15+ varieties at ฿30-80 per kilogram - locals consider May the best month for fruit
Tourist crowds drop by 40% after Khmer New Year in April, meaning shorter queues at Angkor Wat and better prices on accommodation
Countryside is lush and green from early rains, creating spectacular photography conditions especially around Battambang rice fields
Water levels in Tonle Sap Lake begin rising, making floating village tours more accessible and authentic than dry season visits

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit around 2-4pm on 60% of days, forcing indoor shelter for 1-2 hours during peak touring time
Heat index regularly exceeds 38°C (100°F) making temple climbing at Angkor exhausting - many visitors underestimate the intensity
High humidity makes air-con essential but increases accommodation costs by 20-30% compared to cool season rates

Best Activities in May

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Tours

May's early morning conditions (6-9am) offer perfect temple exploration before heat becomes unbearable. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is spectacular with dramatic pre-storm clouds. Afternoon rains create cooling effect and fewer crowds. The lush vegetation around Ta Prohm looks incredible after recent showers.

Booking Tip: Book private guides 1-2 weeks ahead for ฿40-60 per day. Start at 5am to maximize cool morning hours. Look for guides with air-conditioned vehicles and flexible scheduling around afternoon storms. See current temple tour options in the booking section below.

Mekong River Village Tours

Rising water levels in May make boat access to authentic floating villages much easier than dry season. Morning river breezes provide natural cooling, and afternoon storms create dramatic photography opportunities. This is when locals harvest early wet season crops, offering genuine cultural experiences.

Booking Tip: Half-day morning tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,500 including boat transport. Book through licensed operators with covered boats for sudden rain protection. Tours run 7am-12pm to avoid afternoon storms. Check current river tour options in the booking widget below.

Battambang Countryside Cycling

May transforms Battambang's landscape into a green paradise perfect for cycling between rice paddies and traditional villages. Early morning rides (6-10am) avoid the heat while showcasing farming activities unique to wet season preparation. The famous bamboo train operates in optimal conditions.

Booking Tip: Rent quality bikes for ฿15-25 per day from established shops near Psar Nat market. Join guided village tours for ฿35-50 per person including lunch. Essential to finish rides by 11am before heat peaks. See current cycling tour options in the booking section below.

Phnom Penh Food Market Adventures

May brings incredible seasonal fruits and vegetables to Phnom Penh's markets. Central Market and Russian Market are most comfortable in early morning with peak variety. Street food vendors offer refreshing treats like num ansom chrouk and fresh coconut water perfect for hot weather.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically run ฿1,200-2,000 for 4-5 hours including 8-10 tastings. Book morning tours (7-11am) to avoid midday heat and ensure freshest ingredients. Look for tours that include air-conditioned transport between markets. Current food tour options available in booking widget below.

Kep Crab Market and Beach Relaxation

May marks the beginning of mud crab season in Kep, with prices dropping 30% from peak tourist season. Beach breezes provide natural cooling, and afternoon storms create dramatic coastal scenery. The famous crab shacks offer covered dining perfect for sudden downpours.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Phnom Penh cost ฿2,000-3,500 including transport and crab lunch. Independent travelers can take buses for ฿15-20 each way. Best to visit Wednesday-Friday when crab prices are lowest. Check current coastal tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Khmer Cooking Classes

Indoor cooking classes provide perfect respite from May's heat while utilizing peak-season ingredients like young coconut, fresh herbs, and seasonal vegetables. Many classes include market tours timed for cooler morning hours when ingredients are freshest.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes typically cost ฿1,800-2,800 including market tour and meal. Book classes that start early morning (8am) to include market visits before heat. Look for air-conditioned cooking spaces and classes focusing on seasonal May ingredients. Current cooking class options in booking widget below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Chat Preah Nengkal)

Ancient Khmer ceremony marking the official start of rice planting season, held at the Royal Palace grounds in Phnom Penh. Features sacred oxen predicting the coming harvest and traditional blessing rituals dating back to Angkor period.

Mid May

Buddha Day (Visak Bochea)

Most important Buddhist holiday celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Temples across Cambodia host special ceremonies, processions, and offerings. Particularly spectacular at Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh and major temples in Siem Reap.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho or umbrella - afternoon storms dump 20-40mm (0.8-1.6 inches) in 30-45 minutes

Quick-dry synthetic or merino wool clothing - cotton stays wet too long in 78% humidity

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index hits dangerous level 12

Electrolyte powder or tablets - you'll lose significant salt through sweating in this heat

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - temple stones become slippery when wet from morning dew and rain

Portable fan or cooling towel - essential for outdoor activities when temperature feels like 38°C (100°F)

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - sudden downpours can damage electronics quickly

Light cotton scarf - protects neck from sun and provides temple-appropriate coverage

Insect repellent with DEET - increased rainfall creates more mosquito breeding areas

Power bank - air conditioning and fans drain phone batteries faster in extreme heat

Insider Knowledge

Locals take mandatory afternoon naps from 1-3pm during May heat - shops close and streets empty, plan accordingly

Book accommodations with backup generators - afternoon storms cause frequent 30-60 minute power outages

Temple dress codes are strictly enforced in May as tourist police increase presence - carry extra covering for sudden checks

Fruit prices drop dramatically in May but choose vendors with proper refrigeration - heat spoils fruit within hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when heat index reaches dangerous levels - locals avoid being outside during these hours

Underestimating dehydration risk - visitors often need 4-5 liters (1.1-1.3 gallons) of water daily in May conditions

Not having indoor backup plans for afternoon storms - many tourists waste 2-3 hours waiting in inadequate shelter