Cambodia’s Rainy Season to End in October as El Niño Persists Into 2027

Cambodia’s Rainy Season to End in October as El Niño Persists Into 2027

Cambodia’s 2026 rainy season is expected to end during the third week of October, while the El Niño climate phenomenon is forecast to remain at a significant level through February 2027, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology.

In a notice issued on October 19, 2026, the ministry urged authorities, farmers and the public to conserve available water supplies and prepare for the coming dry season.

The advisory highlights the importance of managing water resources carefully as seasonal rainfall declines and water demand continues for household use, dry-season rice cultivation and other agricultural activities.

Rainy Season Expected to End in the Third Week of October

According to the ministry, its assessment of global, regional and domestic weather conditions indicates that Cambodia’s rainy season will end during the third week of October.

As the influence of the southwest monsoon weakens and the northeast monsoon becomes more prominent, rainfall is expected to decrease in many areas.

However, the transition between seasonal weather patterns may still bring isolated thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds and other localised weather disturbances.

Residents should continue to monitor official weather announcements, particularly when travelling or working outdoors during unstable weather conditions.

El Niño Forecast to Continue Until February 2027

The ministry’s notice states that El Niño is forecast to remain at a 100% level through February 2027.

El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with changes in ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. It can influence rainfall and temperature patterns in different parts of the world, although its effects vary by region and season.

For Cambodia, the ministry’s warning reinforces the need to prepare for potentially challenging water conditions as the country moves into the dry season.

The reported forecast does not mean that every province will experience the same weather. Local rainfall, water availability and agricultural conditions may differ across the country.

Authorities Urged to Protect Water Resources

To prepare for the months ahead, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has called on provincial and municipal departments to pay close attention to water sources, reservoirs, lakes and other water-storage areas.

Officials have also been asked to assess available water supplies and determine how much water can be used sustainably.

Careful assessment is important because stored water must support several needs, including household consumption, farming and other local activities throughout the dry season.

Authorities are encouraged to plan water distribution according to local conditions and give priority to essential needs where supplies are limited.

Household Water and Agriculture Are Key Priorities

The ministry recommends dividing water-use planning into two main priorities.

First, water for daily household needs. Ensuring access to water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and other essential activities should remain a priority for communities.

Second, water for dry-season agriculture. Available supplies should also be managed to support dry-season rice production and other crops, depending on local water availability.

Farmers may need to consider water availability when planning planting schedules, choosing crops and organising irrigation. Where possible, efficient irrigation methods and coordination with local agricultural and water-management authorities can help reduce unnecessary water use.

Rural communities located far from reliable water sources may require particular attention during periods of limited rainfall.

Public Cooperation Is Essential

The ministry has called on relevant government institutions, local authorities and members of the public to work together to protect water resources and use water responsibly.

Practical steps include repairing leaking taps and pipes, avoiding unnecessary water use, storing water safely where appropriate and following local guidance on irrigation and water distribution.

Communities can also help by protecting local water sources from pollution and reporting problems affecting reservoirs, canals and other shared facilities.

These measures can support better water management as Cambodia approaches the dry season, although the effectiveness of individual actions will depend on local conditions and the scale of available supplies.

What Cambodia’s Dry-Season Outlook Means

The expected end of the rainy season marks an important transition for Cambodia’s agriculture and water management. Farmers, households and local authorities may all need to adjust their plans as rainfall becomes less frequent.

The continued El Niño outlook adds to the importance of preparation, but the actual impact will depend on how weather conditions develop over the coming months.

Residents should follow updates from Cambodia’s Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology for the latest forecasts and local recommendations rather than relying on long-range projections alone.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s rainy season is expected to end during the third week of October 2026, while the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology reports that El Niño is forecast to persist through February 2027.

With rainfall expected to weaken as the country enters the dry season, authorities are urging communities to protect reservoirs and other water sources, prioritise household water needs and plan carefully for dry-season rice cultivation and other crops.

Responsible water use and early preparation will be important in helping communities manage available supplies in the months ahead.

Source: Cambodia’s Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, as reported in a notice dated October 19, 2026. This article is an informational report and does not replace official weather or water-management advice.