Phnom Penh announces the arrival of
February with a slight increase in average temperatures, complemented by a tendency towards slightly reduced humidity than the preceding month. The city presents a charm with sunlight caressing the landscape for an average of 8.1 hours per day. Though it is essentially a dry month, rainfall is recorded at 12mm (0.47") over just about 2 days. The UV index inches upwards to 12, making sun protection essential for anyone out and about the city. The weather tends to lean towards a more arid profile, providing a backdrop for the myriad of cultural events that mark the Cambodian calendar.
Temperature
February reports an average high-temperature of a still tropical 32.8°C (91°F), slightly varied from
January's 31.5°C (88.7°F). During February nights, Phnom Penh witnesses a consistent average temperature of 23°C (73.4°F).
Heat index
During February, the heat index is evaluated at an extremely hot 43°C (109.4°F).
Attention: Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are quite likely. Heatstroke becomes a risk with continued exertion.
One should consider that heat index numbers are for shaded settings and light wind. The direct sun can potentially cause the heat index to increase by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'feels like', is a single figure representing how weather conditions feel when combining temperature and humidity. The experience of temperature can be subjective, varying based on the individual's activity and heat perception, influenced by factors like wind, attire, and metabolic variations. Realize that direct exposure to sunlight can augment the felt heat, leading to a potential increase in the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are especially crucial for babies and toddlers. Children typically face more danger than adults as their sweat production is usually lower. Additionally, the bigger skin surface compared to their small size and the increased heat due to their activeness exacerbate the risk.
The human body has a built-in cooling mechanism through perspiration; evaporating sweat dissipates the excess heat. When there is an excess of moisture in the atmosphere, the efficiency of the evaporation process is lessened, leading to less efficient body cooling and a sensation of overheating. Potential thermal conditions emerge as the body's heat gain outpaces its cooling mechanisms.
Humidity
The months with the lowest humidity are February and
March, with an average relative humidity of 71%.
Rainfall
The month with the least rainfall in Phnom Penh is February, when the rain falls for 2.4 days and typically collects 12mm (0.47") of precipitation.
Daylight
In Phnom Penh, the average length of the day in February is 11h and 46min.
On the first day of February in Phnom Penh, sunrise is at 06:24 and sunset at 18:02. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:15 and sunset at 18:10 +07.
Sunshine
In February, the average sunshine in Phnom Penh,
Cambodia, is 8.1h.
UV index
The months with the highest UV index in Phnom Penh are February through
October, with an average maximum UV index of 12. A UV Index of 11, and more, symbolizes an excessive health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: In February, the average maximum UV index of 12 translates into the following recommendations:
Practice every essential safety step. People with fair skin could receive burns in fewer than 5 minutes. The Sun's UV radiation is most powerful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To the extent possible, limit exposure to the direct sun during these hours. Wearing sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection effectively reduces sun-induced eye damage. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor of no less than 30 should be used liberally and reapplied frequently on overcast days, including after every swim or outdoor activity.