The best time to Visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and March. It’s the country’s dry season, and you won’t have to worry about rainstorms ruining any outdoor activities. However, it’s peak tourist season in the country. There will be large crowds at top sites like Angkor Wat and hotels typically raise their rates.
If you’re on a budget, plan your trip to Cambodia between and May and October. While there will be daily rainstorms, they are usually short-lived and tend to happen in the late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Here are the best times to travel to Cambodia
Visiting Cambodia in January - February
January is the driest month of the year in Cambodia and has a comfortable average temperature of 26°C, making this the perfect time to explore the temples in Siem Reap or relax on the southern coast’s beaches.
February sees little rain and temperatures are still cool enough to enjoy long walks around the temples. Conditions are still perfect for river travel during this time, and the great Tonle Sap still holds the bulk of its volume.
Visiting Cambodia in March - May
This is the peak time to visit Cambodia, and temperatures are likely to rise to the low 30°Cs. Water levels begin to fall toward the end of the month, meaning that the Tonle Sap is not as impressive. Hotels are often booked up far in advance during this period.
The peak season continues and temperatures reach sizzling heights, often exceeding 33°C. It is therefore best to explore early in the morning and in the late afternoon rather than embarking on full day excursions. The Chaul Chnam (Cambodian New Year) takes place during April, and although the rains should hold off, you should be prepared to get wet if venturing around town during those dates.
With the wet season fast approaching, May provides a good opportunity to take advantage of promotional shoulder season offers as crowds begin to disperse. You should expect a few showers during this time of year, but nothing that will greatly impact on your trip. In fact, the showers help to break up the humidity, making for more comfortable conditions.
Events & Festivals
- Khmer New Year (13th – 16th April): The country’s most celebrated holiday, with towns and cities becoming deserted as people head home to be with their families.
Visiting Cambodia in June - August
The rains come to Cambodia in June, bringing great relief to the farmers. For the most part, showers are short and sharp and should not impact on your trip, with plenty of sunshine still seen. Temples and other tourist sites are quieter at this time of year, and you can take advantage of many hotel promotions during Cambodia’s ‘green season’.
The rains continue across the country in July, and the beaches on the southern coast are best avoided. Temperatures start to decrease, averaging 27°C, and some of the outerlying temples are deserted at this time of year, making it a great time to explore some of the lesser-known destinations. Lots of families choose to visit at this time of year as it coincides nicely with European summer holidays.
Temperatures reduce further in August, making temple exploration all that more comfortable. Rains continue throughout the country and reach their peak; although showers only usually last for a few hours at most and tend to be more prevalent in the north of the country. The Tonle Sap fills up again, and flora and fauna is in full bloom, making this a good time to visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Visiting Cambodia in September - December
September is Cambodia’s wettest month and you should expect heavy showers daily; although these are normally short-lived and exploration is still possible. The rain does mean that some rural areas are difficult to access by road, so visiting a month either side is more attractive.
The rains begin to die down and temperatures average 27°C, making October a lovely time to visit Cambodia and its lush landscape. Beat the crowds and take advantage of early season promotional offers.
Cambodia’s peak season begins again and the crowds flock to the temples, with temperatures averaging a comfortable 25°C. It is the perfect time to venture out onto Tonle Sap lake. The Cambodian Water Festival usually takes place in November, and hotel prices are often higher at this time of year, so it is essential to book far in advance.
During December, Cambodia sees great weather throughout and can make for a rewarding Christmas destination. Hotels are often booked up far in advance.
Events & Festivals
- Pchum Ben (October): An important Buddhist festival marked throughout the country over 15 days, with main celebrations taking place on the final day as locals pay their respects to deceased relatives.
- Bon Om Touk/Cambodian Water Festival (November): One of the nation’s most popular festivals, celebrated over three days with concerts and boat races in Phnom Penh.
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