Best time to visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, when it sees very little rain. During this time you’ll see clear blue skies making it a great time to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the southern coast.
Outside of this period, humidity increases and the rains come, assisting Cambodian farmers in the growing of their crops. However, you shouldn’t be deterred from travelling – the countryside is lush and green, rivers are full and flowing, and the temples are quiet. This is the best time to visit some of the outer-lying temples, which will often be deserted.
At the end of the summer one of Cambodia’s true wonders comes to life – The Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and home to Cambodia’s floating villages.
Cambodia Weather
The tropical climate of Cambodia is relatively calm and consistent throughout the country due to its vast plains. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius and there are two seasons: the humid monsoon season from April to October, and the dry season from November to March.
Between March and May, the dusty flatlands that stretch through Cambodia become hot and dry with temperatures reaching almost 40 degrees Celsius during midday. Due to lack of rainfall, the timing is perfect for escaping to the beaches of Sihanouk Ville.
The ideal season to explore the temples of Angkor Wat is during the rainy season which arrives in June and often lasts until November. The rain replenishes the lush greenery adding to the mystique of the mighty ruins, covered in moss and leafy trees. Eventually, the rain ushers in cooler temperatures by October.
Overall, the best time of year to visit Cambodia is from November to February. Temperatures reach comfortable mid-20 degrees Celsius; skies are clear and evenings are cool. However, Cambodia’s weather can be unpredictable, so it may be a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat with you. It is also easy and inexpensive to purchase raincoats from supermarkets and general stores.
Cambodia Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ban Lung | 29°C 2mm |
31°C 6mm |
33°C 23mm |
34°C 46mm |
32°C 264mm |
30°C 359mm |
29°C 540mm |
29°C 518mm |
29°C 435mm |
29°C 194mm |
29°C 50mm |
28°C 12mm |
| Kep | 30°C 18mm |
31°C 27mm |
31°C 85mm |
32°C 141mm |
31°C 220mm |
30°C 236mm |
30°C 346mm |
30°C 348mm |
30°C 300mm |
30°C 269mm |
30°C 144mm |
30°C 51mm |
| Phnom Penh | 31°C 7mm |
32°C 8mm |
34°C 32mm |
35°C 71mm |
34°C 150mm |
33°C 151mm |
32°C 156mm |
32°C 158mm |
31°C 226mm |
31°C 261mm |
30°C 122mm |
30°C 32mm |
| Siem Reap | 30°C 0mm |
33°C 8mm |
34°C 20mm |
35°C 52mm |
34°C 135mm |
32°C 164mm |
32°C 180mm |
32°C 210mm |
31°C 248mm |
30°C 210mm |
30°C 76mm |
30°C 11mm |
| Sihanoukville | 31°C 28mm |
32°C 26mm |
32°C 111mm |
33°C 119mm |
32°C 300mm |
31°C 472mm |
31°C 646mm |
30°C 695mm |
30°C 607mm |
31°C 328mm |
31°C 130mm |
31°C 33mm |
Month-by-month guide to travel in Cambodia
You can expect good weather conditions throughout Cambodia in January, with blue skies, little or no rain and pleasant temperatures (avg temp: 26 °C). Slightly cooler temperatures can be experienced in the more hilly regions of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.
January is one of the most important moths of Cambodia as two special days fall this month. These holidays cannot be called festivals, but they are pivotal events to Cambodian people. They are New Year’s Day and Victory over Genocide Day.
It’s all good news in February with excellent weather experienced throughout Cambodia. The hottest months of the year are just around the corner so you can expect temperatures to gradually rise throughout the month. Despite this, February is considered ‘relatively’ cool, averaging around 27°C across the country.
In Cambodia, February seems to be relatively quiet as there is only one celebration falling in this month. However, it is as important as any festival in other months throughout the year. It is called Meak Bochea Day which refers to Fourfold Assembly or Sangha Day.
The good news continues, with excellent weather expected throughout Cambodia in March. Days are dry and sunny with little or no rainfall, and temperatures average around 30°C across the country, although cooler temperatures can be experienced in the north east regions of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.
March is not one of the months for colorful festivals in Cambodia; this time may bring a perfect visit to the coast as the south coast beaches of Koh Kong, Sihanoukville and Kep continue to bask in sunshine with the chance of rain extremely unlikely.
April is one of the hottest months of the year in Cambodia, with average temperatures of 35°C, and the possibility of the mercury hitting the 40°C’s. The chances of rain are still low, although the odd shower close to the end of the month is to be expected with rainy season just around the corner (the rains generally start in early/mid-May).
Like many other Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia, Cambodian New Year falls in April that makes this month one of the most ideal months for travelling. As the turn of New Year is particularly important, this special event can be considered as one of the most colorful festivals Cambodia.
Whilst slightly cooler than April, early May can remain relatively dry, however by the latter part of the month the rains are likely to have begun across Cambodia, albeit rainfall remains low and sporadic initially. Overall it’s still a good month for travel, especially for those wanting to avoid peak season crowds.
May can be considered as one of the busiest months of Cambodians because it features big events which are as important as any festivals in Cambodia. If you travel to Cambodia in May, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the traditional festival of Cambodian – Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal), Birthday of the King.
By June rain can be expected throughout Cambodia. Temperatures remain high (avg temp: 28°C), and humidity can reach 70% during the day. However the short, heavy showers help break the humidity making life a little more comfortable.
June is not one of the months for colorful festivals in Cambodia. If you travel to Cambodia in Jun, you can join the local to celebrate the birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath.
The rains continue throughout July, although dry days are still common. Temperatures are gradually dropping, making the days more comfortable, with average temperatures around 27°C.
Like June, July, one of the wettest months in the year, is not the time for great festivals in Cambodia. This month remains stifling with infrequent rainfall usually coming in torrents. In late July, the rain tends to become more constant and heavy at times, particularly in coastal and rural areas. High rainfall make it the perfect time of year to visit the flooded forests and floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake by boat, as it swells to more than 5 times its size during wet season. Moreover, during this wet season, visitors to Cambodia may dodge the crowds and receive lower prices.
By August rainfall is almost at its peak, although rain showers tend to be short and intense, lasting for a few hours rather than all-day downpours. Consequently, the countryside is more lush and green, and water levels on the Tonle Sap Lake are high, making it possible to visit the flooded forests and floating villages by boat. The average temperature is a comfortable 26-27°C.
In August, the wet season in Cambodia reaches its height. This month is also one of the months lacking big festivals.
September tends to be wet and warm with high levels of rainfall and average temperatures of 26°C. When it rains it is usually for a few hours rather than all-day downpours, although these can also happen. It’s a great month to travel to Cambodia if you’re keen to avoid the crowds and are happy to take your chance with rainfall.
September is the convergence of crucial days in Cambodia including Constitutional Day and Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day). These special festivals make September one of the most important months of the year. Luckily, if you’re planning a Cambodia tour package in September, don’t miss the chance to take part in the festivals.
Expect a few rainy days in October, although rainfall decreases as the month progresses, with the dry season just around the corner. Days are warm, with average temperatures in the region of 27°C. Cambodia is nearly back to its very best, with plenty of color in the countryside.
Pchum Ben in 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.
Cambodia is now into its dry season meaning there will be almost no rain for the next six months! That said, the occasional short early morning shower in the first half of the month is not unusual. Average temperatures of 25 °C, low humidity and plenty of sunshine makes November a popular time to travel across the entire country.
November can be considered one of the best months to pay a visit to Cambodia because Bon Om Touk, known as Water Festival, is organized this month. It is one of the Cambodian greatest festivals in the year.
December is characterized by dry, sunny weather, low humidity and relatively cool temperatures (avg temp: 26 °C) throughout the country. It’s no surprise that December is amongst the most popular months to travel to Cambodia. If you do see rain it would be unusual.
Despite being the last month of the year, December is not less attractive than other months in the year for both Cambodians and international visitors. The biggest event of this time is the International Half Marathon which is considered one of the most boisterous festivals in this country.
