The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season from November to May. In particular, the cool months from November to February attract the most travelers thanks to pleasant weather and clear skies.
When to Visit Cambodia: Weather by Season
For ideal weather, visit Cambodia in the dry season—from November to March or early May—when the skies are clear and the climate is comfortably warm.
The climate in Cambodia is warm all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 23 degrees. The last week in January is far enough away from peak season to be a lovely combination of near perfect weather without the excessive crowds.
Best is to go out early, ahead of the midday heat – to explore when Cambodians are most active and you’ll enjoy far fewer crowds and vibrantly green rice paddies. Plus, you can spend the money you save on shoulder-season hotel rates on massages in Cambodia, world-class golf and fine food.
Dry season
October – April
Hot season
March – June
Rainy season
July – September
Cool season
October – December
The dry season (October to April)
The dry season in Cambodia runs from October to April, with many guidebooks recommending a visit between November and March. In early January, parties take place, mainly in Phnom Penh, to celebrate victory over the Khmer Rouge. My favourite night of the year is the Giant Puppet Parade! Held in Siem Reap in February, giant glowing puppets are made by children and then carried through the streets.
The hot season (March to June)
Between March and June, temperatures can climb to around 35 degrees. However, this is not unmanageable as long as you stay hydrated and do not stay out in the heat all day. International Women’s Day on March 8th is gathering more momentum and Cambodia is keen to promote equality across a male dominated region. To mark the start of the rice-growing season, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony takes place in mid-May. In this Groundhog Day-esque ceremony, sacred oxen are presented with plates of food representing Cambodia’s crops. The crops for the year ahead are predicted depending on what offerings the oxen choose.
The rainy season (July to September)
Although the rainy season is typically identified as August and September, it can also be very hot and humid. For keen runners, the Angkor Marathon takes place in August. September is particularly quiet, with the lush scenery providing a stunning backdrop. Around 20th September, Pchum Benh takes place. Also known as Festival of the Dead or Ancestor’s Day, this is one of the most important festivals in Cambodia – wear white.
The cool season (October to December)
Not typically considered cold per se, Cambodia’s cooler months are October, November and December, with the average temperature reaching 24 degrees. For some, this may be plenty warm enough. In October The Paris Peace Agreement takes place, with many viewing this day as a celebration of the end of Cambodia’s tragic recent past. Every year, at the start of November, the important three-day Water Festival takes place in Siem Reap, Battambang and Phnom Penh to celebrate the reversal of the water flow between the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. If you’re feeling brave enough, take part in the Angkor Wat temples Half Marathon or the Charity Bike Ride in December.
Visiting Cambodia
When Is Cambodia’s Monsoon Season?
The monsoon season in Cambodia occurs between the months of May to October, bringing intense showers and high amount of humidity. The wettest months in Cambodia are usually two months of August and September, with heavy rainfall on most days. The rainy season in Cambodia is also known as the green season.
When to avoid?
The Khmer New Year is celebrated in mid-April, usually 13th or 14th of the month, lasting almost a week. At this time, people go home to see their families, meaning many places are closed and towns and cities are deserted. If you decide to visit at this time, you may encounter celebrations in remote villages. In the cities of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, it can get very busy in the peak months between November and January.
What month is rainy season in Cambodia?
When is the rainy season in Cambodia? May to Mid-September when the southwesterly monsoon occurs and this brings the rainy season all over Cambodia together with humidity and winds.
What is the coldest month in Cambodia?
Cambodia isn’t a cold country at all. Months of October and December are generally cool in day time and chill during the evening hours. The average temperature is between 22 to 27 (~81 °F)
What is the rainiest month in Siem Reap?
September is the rainiest month in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The climate in Siem Reap is vary throughout the year. Expect 286 mm of rain with over 20 rainy days.
What is the sunniest month in Cambodia?
The sunny months in Cambodia reach to it’s peak in March at 270 hours and drops to 120 hours in September. The total annual amount of sun is 2498 hours in Cambodia.
What are the driest months in Cambodia?
Cambodia’s driest month is February when the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, with the highest average humidity in the wettest months.
