Cambodia - weather & travel conditions in May

Weather

Cambodia now enters the wet season with rain is under way across the country especially from mid towards the end of the month. Rains come help to break down the top heat and humidity that were built up during the previous month.
Through the temperature still relatively high, the short refreshing showers make the heat more manageable.
Temperatures in Phnom Penh, Siam Reap and Battambang during this month stay at 34oC with the rainfall around 150mm, in and the northeastern part including Banlung (Ratanakiri), Kratie, Stungtreng is 32oC with precipitation around 250mm. In the south coast, though rains is more common in comparison to other parts of the country, is still expected with lots of dry day and bright sunshine since rain normally fall in the early morning and evening. The temperature here during May ranges around 32oC.

Events

Labor’s day
Celebrated on 1st of May, this is a public holiday in Cambodia. During this time people, especially government workers have a day off from work so, all the offices are closed.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony ( Bon Chrat Preah Nongkol )
Organized in Phnom Penh, the Royal Ploughing ceremony marks the beginning of the rainy season and the planting season. On this day, the King's representatives plough the sacred field next to Royal Palace with sacred cows then divine the coming season based on what foodstuffs the cows eat afterwards.

King's Birthday
This national holiday was established to celebrate the birthday of HM King Norodom Sihamoni's on May 14, 1953. There is a firework display on the riverbanks in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

How to do and what to expect if travel to Cambodia in May

The picture of climate in Cambodia changes its color when rains come and bring a relief to the hot weather making travel here easier and more enjoyable. Apart from showers that normally pour in the morning and evening you will find that this is a good time to travel to Cambodia.  The low number of visitors at sites is also an advantage for those who want to escape from the crowd.
Adventure activities such as biking or trekking are not recommended but easy pace, classic style of travel is still a good choice during this time. Beaches in the south coast with breeze from the ocean are quite promising.
Just dress loose fitting and drink enough water. Sun glasses, sun hat are needed and a noon break between your visits is highly advisable.