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Best Time to Visit Cambodia

Month by month weather guide — so you visit at exactly the right time.

Quick Answer

November to March is the best time to visit Cambodia — the dry season brings cool temperatures, clear skies, and ideal conditions for Angkor Wat and the beaches. December and January are peak months. The wet season (May–October) offers lower prices, green landscapes, and far fewer crowds.

Two Seasons at a Glance

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Dry Season — Nov to Apr

  • ✓Blue skies, little rain
  • ✓Cool evenings (21–25°C)
  • ✓Best for temples & beaches
  • ✗Higher prices & more crowds
  • ✗Dusty roads, low water levels
🌧

Wet Season — May to Oct

  • ✓30–50% cheaper hotels
  • ✓Lush green landscapes
  • ✓Tonle Sap at full size
  • ✗Heavy afternoon downpours
  • ✗Some roads flood in Sep–Oct

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January Dry 23–32°C · Rain: Very low

Peak season — best weather, busiest crowds, highest prices.

February Dry 23–33°C · Rain: Very low

Excellent — slightly quieter than Jan, perfect temple weather.

March Dry 25–35°C · Rain: Low

Good — getting hotter, still comfortable for most activities.

April Shoulder 26–36°C · Rain: Low

Hot. Khmer New Year (Apr 14–16) — festive but very busy.

May Wet 25–34°C · Rain: Medium

Wet season starts. Green landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices.

June Wet 24–33°C · Rain: High

Lush and verdant. Tonle Sap starts filling. Great for kayaking.

July Wet 24–32°C · Rain: High

Peak wet season. Angkor is uncrowded and dramatically lit.

August Wet 24–31°C · Rain: High

Heavy rain but short bursts. Mornings often clear for temples.

September Wet 24–31°C · Rain: Very high

Wettest month. Some flooding risk. Best for waterfall visits.

October Wet 23–31°C · Rain: High

Transitioning. Water Festival (Oct/Nov) — spectacular boat races.

November Dry 22–30°C · Rain: Low

Dry season returns. Ideal conditions. Increasing visitor numbers.

December Dry 21–29°C · Rain: Very low

Peak season — Christmas & NYE crowds. Coolest, most comfortable.

Best Time by Activity

Activity Best months Notes
Temples (Angkor) Nov – Mar Cool mornings, clear skies for photos
Beaches & Islands Nov – Apr Avoid May–Oct (rough seas on south coast)
Tonle Sap Lake Jul – Oct Lake at peak size; floating villages most impressive
Waterfalls Aug – Oct Kulen, Kbal Spean, Cardamom all peak
Budget travel May – Sep Lowest prices, fewest tourists
Water Festival Oct / Nov Bon Om Touk — spectacular boat racing in Phnom Penh
Khmer New Year Apr 13–16 Festive but hot; everything closes for 3 days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Cambodia? ▾
November to March is the best time — the dry season brings cool temperatures, blue skies, and ideal conditions for temples and beaches. December and January are the peak months with the most visitors.
Can I visit Cambodia in the wet season? ▾
Yes, and it has real advantages: lower prices, far fewer tourists, lush green scenery, and the Tonle Sap at its most spectacular. Downpours are heavy but usually short. Temples are still accessible.
How hot is Cambodia? ▾
Cambodia is hot year-round, averaging 25–35°C. April is the hottest month (up to 38°C inland). The coolest period is December–January, when temperatures drop to a pleasant 21–25°C at night.
What is Cambodia's wet season like? ▾
The wet season (May–October) brings daily rain, usually in afternoon downpours of 1–3 hours. Mornings are often sunny. The landscape turns vivid green, waterfalls peak, and the Tonle Sap lake triples in size.
When is the cheapest time to visit Cambodia? ▾
May to September offers the lowest prices — hotel rates can drop 30–50% from peak season rates. This coincides with the wet season, so come prepared for rain but enjoy the savings and thinner crowds.

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