When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

Cambodia fascinates its visitors with impressive temples, rural lifestyles, and mysteries. 

So when is the best time to visit Cambodia?

Knowing the ideal time to visit Cambodia will help you plan your trip better and enjoy the best of it. Here is our suggestion on the weather and the best travel time for Cambodia.

Siem Reap Cambodia

Weather in Cambodia

Cambodia is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: rainy and dry.

The country is warm all year round; however, there are noticeable changes between seasons. 

The dry season in Cambodia

The dry season starts from November to May. During this time, there is little rain, so the weather is dry and suitable for traveling.

The dry season includes two distinct stages: cool and hot seasons.

Cool season

The cool season is from November to February and is usually the peak season for tourism in Cambodia.

The weather is warm and comfortable to sunbathe on the coast or go out and explore the temples.

Hot season

The hot season is from March to May.

Although it’s still in the dry season with little rainfall, the weather has become much more uncomfortable as temperatures rise, peaking up to 35 degrees Celsius.

This time is best to relax on the islands as Angkor Wat is boiling.

Rainy season in Cambodia

The rainy season is from June to October, accounting for 80% of the annual rainfall.

Rain usually lasts at least a few days to a week and mainly falls in the afternoon. The peak of the rainy season is in September and October.

In general, it’s quite challenging to travel during this period, especially to get around the country. Dirt roads turn to mud, and you find flooding quite common here. Therefore, we recommend avoiding traveling during September and October. 

Best time to visit Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to February next year. At this time, the weather is mild, not too hot, and has less rain, suitable for outdoor activities and exploring the islands.

The remaining months are ideal for budget travelers, thanks to the decrease in service prices.

Ta Prohm Temple Cambodia
November to February is the best time to visit Cambodia.

What to pack for Cambodia?

  • Prepare sandals or sports shoes.
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and suncream.
  • Wear polite, discreet clothes when visiting temples, pagodas, or sacred places

Weather by month in Cambodia

January

January is the driest month in Cambodia, and the temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius.

It’s the perfect time to explore the temples in Siem Reap or relax on the south coast beaches.

February

February has less rain, pleasant weather for a long walk around the temples. 

March

March sees the start of the hot season in Cambodia, with the temperature rising to 34 degrees Celcius.

April

The weather in April is hot, with temperatures up to 35 degrees Celcius. If you choose to travel this month, it is best to wake up early in the morning to visit the outdoor architecture.

Visiting Cambodia in April, you have the opportunity to participate in the traditional New Year in Cambodia with the exciting Bom Chaul Chnam Water Splashing Festival, held on the 13th to the 15th of the fourth month of the Gregorian calendar every year.

May

With the rainy season approaching, this time is ideal for budget travelers to receive more incentives when traveling this season.

Due to the rain, the weather is chill and less touristy with discounts and price reductions.

June

Rain continues in June, but you still have dry mornings with little rain and glimmering sunlight. 

At this time, temples and other tourist spots are quieter, and you can take advantage of promotions.

July

The continuous rain will cause floods in some areas in Cambodia when the temperature starts to decrease by an average of 32 degrees Celcius.

August

The drop in temperature makes the weather more comfortable, although the rain usually lasts only a few hours and often occurs in northern Cambodia.

It’s the best time for you to see Tonle Sap with vibrant and lush flora and fauna, suitable for those who love exploring nature.

September

September sees the heaviest rain in Cambodia. Therefore, you should be careful when traveling and avoid slippery and dangerous roads.

October

The rain began to drop at the end of October and the average temperature.

If you follow Buddhism, the most important Pchum Ben Buddhist festival in Cambodia will take place this month for 15 days.

November

It is the peak tourist season when people flock to visit. This is the perfect time to visit Tonle Sap lake and join the Bon Om Touk Water and Moon Festival. As the peak season, the hotel price will be higher than usual.

December

The last month of the year expects an increase in visitors coming here for holidays and celebrating Christmas, preparing for an exciting new year.

December is also the peak month, so you should book the hotel before arrival.

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