The Khmer kingdom is a beautiful year-round destination, but the experience you’ll have depends a lot on the season.
That’s why the question on every traveler’s mind is always the same: what is the best time of year to visit Cambodia? The answer? It depends on the kind of journey you want.
Cambodia has two main seasons: dry and rainy, but within them, there are cooler, hotter, and more humid phases that affect travel, costs, and activities.
Festivals, river conditions, and even the flow of Tonlé Sap Lake all change with the weather, shaping the rhythm of life across the nation.
In this guide, we’ve broken down Cambodia’s climate month by month. Explained what to expect in each season, and highlighted the best (and worst) times to plan your journey.
Whatever the weather, crowd density, or activities you prefer, this blog will help you decide the best time to visit Cambodia.
Weather Conditions in Cambodia
To understand the best time to visit Cambodia, we need to first understand the average temperature for each month.
The weather history of Cambodia in the past few years.
| Months | Min and max temperature in °C |
| January | 21 to 31 |
| February | 24 to 33 |
| March | 25 to 35 |
| April | 26 to 35 |
| May | 27 to 34 |
| June | 27 to 33 |
| July | 26 to 32 |
| August | 26 to 32 |
| September | 26 to 31 |
| October | 26 to 30 |
| November | 25 to 30 |
| December | 22 to 30 |
Cambodia Travel At A Glance: Climate, River & Crowd Flow
This table is to simplify and give an overview of the content, which is explained in detail in the upcoming subtopics in this blog.
| Conditions | Months |
| Dry Season | November – April |
| Rainy Season | May – October |
| Hot Months | February – April |
| Cooler Months | November – January |
| Normal flow of the Tonle Sap River | November – April |
| Reversal of the Tonle Sap River | May – October |
| Peak Tourism | November – February |
| Lowest Tourism | April – June & September – October |
Dry Season in Cambodia
The dry season in Cambodia runs from November to April and has two sub-seasons: the hot months and the cooler months.
This is because of the northeast monsoon winds brought in from countries like China, Mongolia, and Siberia. When they start blowing towards Cambodia from November to January, it will be slightly cool. However, due to Cambodia’s climate, the wind loses its chill and becomes dry by February. And that gives the heat waves during March and April.
- The average temperature in Cambodia will be 22-35°C during the dry season.
- The humidity during the dry season will be an average of 70% – 80% approximately.
- April is the hottest month in Cambodia, with possible heatwaves raising the temperature up to 42°C, recorded in 2024.
- January is the coldest month in Cambodia, with possible cold waves that can get down to 14°C, which was recorded in 2013.
Activities to do in Cambodia During the Dry Season
Almost all activities can be done during the dry season as the sky will be clear, the sun shines, and accessing places will be easy.
- Angkor Wat archaeological park – Cambodia’s most popular temples are located in this park, bringing in millions of tourists throughout the year. However, avoid going during the peak afternoon during summer, as it can get pretty hot walking long distances and hours.
- Cambodia’s Beaches and Islands– A lot of people might not even know if Cambodia has beaches. However, Cambodia has a 435 km coastline in the southwestern part of the country, along with around 60 Islands.
And the dry season is the best time to visit Cambodia beaches as the beaches during the monsoon will be hit with heavy rains and possible cyclones.
Hit those beaches during the dry season, as the rainy season can get pretty heavy on those coasts during the monsoon season.
- Trekking in Mondulkiri and Ratnagiri– These highlands of the country will be slightly cold even during the summer months. Trekking these mountains, visiting the elephant conservations, meeting the local tribes, spotting wildlife, chilling at eco-lodges, all these can be done easily during the dry season.
Other things to do during the dry season are to watch the sunrise/sunset at Angkor Wat, visit the Wat Phnom, take a sunset cruise, kayak, and more.
Budget and Travel Trips in the Dry Season
The dry season in Cambodia brings sunny skies and busy tourist spots. A little planning can help you save money and enjoy your trip.
- The dry season is Cambodia’s busiest, especially between November and February, so expect higher prices for flights and accommodations.
Book in advance if you’re heading to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, as hotels near popular attractions like Angkor Wat/ Pub Street or the riverside areas get sold out quickly.
- Tuk-tuks and private cabs are easily available, but during peak months, bargaining becomes harder as demand is high. Using apps like PassApp or Grab is cheaper and avoids haggling.
- Carry hats, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle; Cambodia’s sun can be unforgiving, especially in March and April.
Rainy Season in Cambodia
The rainy season in Cambodia runs from May – October.
During the southwest monsoon, winds from the Indian Ocean bring humid air that causes heavy rain across the country. According to ‘Climates to Travel’, the average rainfall of Cambodia is 1,400 mm, but 75% of the rainfall occurs during this 6-month period.
- The rainy season will have the temperature hovering between 26-34°C.
- Humidity during the monsoon will be higher than in the dry season at about 80%-90%.
- World Weather says September and October are the wettest months in Cambodia, with an average rainfall of 300mm.
Activities to do in Cambodia During the Rainy Season
Visitors avoid travelling during the rainy season because, of course, nobody wants to get stuck in a storm. However, in the first 2-3 months of the monsoon (May, June, and July), the rainfall will be quite less. Also, the temperature will start to decrease slightly, good to see things around.
During this time, if you don’t mind getting a bit wet, you can witness the lush green countryside of Cambodia, or opt for indoor activities.
- Angkor Wat Archaeological Park- Yes, it’s an outdoor activity, but remember the temples are in a forest. During the rains, the moss and lichen would cover the stones of the temples, making it incredible to watch. Even the moat, the canal surrounding the archaeological park, will be filled with water.
- Apsara Theater- Apsara theater is an art academy with around 30 artists, experts in the art of the apsara dance, including the classical, folk, and the Reamker versions. People can visit this place to watch the traditional Khmer dance live, along with a traditional dinner.
- Hot Spring- Te Terk Pus is a geothermal hot spring located around 100km from Phnom Penh. This hot spring has a small pod with boiling water, which is hot enough to boil eggs. However, a small channel is built right next to the with warm water, which is used to dip your feet.
Other activities like visiting the floating villages, watching the Phare Circus, meeting the kids at the Champey Academy of Arts, and more!
Budget and Travel Trips in the Rainy Season
Visiting Cambodia during the rainy season can be a smart choice for travelers on a budget. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush green landscapes make it a unique time to explore, as long as you plan for wet weather.
- Traveling in the rainy season can be more budget-friendly, as it’s Cambodia’s off-peak period. Hotels and flights often drop prices by 30-50%, the best time to save. The crowds are much lower, meaning you can enjoy major attractions in peace.
- Roads in rural areas may get muddy or flooded, so stick to buses or vans instead of renting scooters unless you’re experienced. Buses can be booked via Camboticket and 12GO.
- Bring waterproof shoes/sandals, a poncho, and dry bags for electronics and insect repellent for the mosquitoes.
Peak Season in Cambodia
Tourism in Cambodia reaches its peak between November and February, when the weather is cooler, humidity is lower, and skies remain mostly clear. This period falls right after the monsoon, leaving the landscapes lush and fresh, but with minimal rainfall to disrupt travel plans.
Temperatures hover between 22°C and 30°C, making it the most comfortable time to explore both cities and the countryside.
Because of this, these months attract the largest number of international visitors, especially to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) and Phnom Penh. Hotel bookings, guided tours, and even domestic flights sell out fast, so it’s highly recommended to plan and book in advance.
Another reason this period is so popular is that it coincides with several major festivals, such as the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November and Meak Bochea in February.
Festivals and Events of Cambodia
Cambodia is a land where culture, history, and spirituality come alive together as festivals. Each celebration reflects the deep respect Cambodians hold for Buddha’s teachings, their ancestors, and the natural elements like water and land that sustain their lives.
Each festival shows gratitude and appreciation for Khmer culture. And here are the top festivals celebrated in Cambodia!
Meak Bochea (Festival of Monks) (February-March)
On the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month, 1250 Buddhists gather in pagodas to hear Buddha’s last sermon called the “Fourfold Assembly.”
During the Fourfold assembly, Buddha summarized the essence of Buddhism into 3 key principles: “Do no evil, do good, and purify the mind through meditation and mindfulness.”
Devotees dress in white and offer food, clothes, and daily necessities to the monks.
A huge candlelit procession will take place at temples where the devotees will walk around the pagoda three times in a clockwise direction. Each round honors one of the “Three Jewels”: Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (monastic community).
It marks the day when Buddha correctly predicted his own death (Parinirvana), which occurred three months later. And that’s why, Meak Bochea is the second largest Buddhist ceremony.
Vesak Bochea (Buddha’s Birthday) (April)
The day of Vesak celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and attainment of nirvana. Large procession on roads with statues of Buddha, with monks chanting along. The farmers of Cambodia also use their tractors to transport statues in the countryside.
Devotees usually wear white to show purity and take part in sacred activities.They also stay away from meat and alcohol during this time.
In the morning, people go to pagodas to offer food, flowers, candles, and incense to monks. Monks lead chants and give sermons about the Buddha’s teachings.
The Buddhist flag is often displayed, with five colors representing Buddha’s virtues: blue for compassion, yellow for the middle way, red for blessings, white for purity, and orange for wisdom.
Khmer New Year (April)
This 3-day festival celebrates the Cambodian New Year, which represents the end of harvest and the beginning of the monsoon. In particular, the whole city of Siem Reap will come alive.
Just like Holi, people use water guns and buckets to splash water, soap, and Talcum powder (baby powder) at others. There will be hubs and open-air stages around the Angkor Wat, conducting activities. The hubs conduct activities like drone shows, tug of war, boating, boat parade, concerts, and more!
People also clean their homes, visit pagodas, and give offerings during this time of the year. A fun festival to attend at least once in a lifetime.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May)
An interesting festival where the rice-planting season starts with an ancient royal ritual. Over the years, the festival has been led by the king or a royal representative and with the help of two oxen.
These oxen are known as ‘Usapheak Reach’
Usapheak = Plowing Ox
Reach = Royal
Two parts of this ceremony: The Plowing Ritual & The Oxen Feeding Ceremony
The Plowing Ritual
Dressed in traditional Khmer attire, the royals guide the oxen as they plough a small plot of land three times in a circle. Seeds are sown during this ritual, symbolizing the start of the agricultural year.
The Oxen Feeding Ceremony
The oxen will be presented with trays of rice, corn, sesame seeds, beans, grass, water, and wine. What and how much they choose to eat is believed to predict the year’s farming conditions and overall prosperity of the country.
- Rice, corn, sesame seeds, beans – Good harvest
- Grass– Widespread animal disease
- Water– Heavy rain and possible flooding.
- Wine– Crimes in the country.
Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day) (September-October)
Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestors’ Day or the “Festival of the Dead,” is one of the most important and deeply spiritual Buddhist festivals in Cambodia.Cambodian locals believe that the gates to spirits open for 15 days in September and October. This allows the living to feed and pray to their ancestors, which is believed to bring in blessings and good fortune.
Traditionally, people visit seven pagodas over the course of 15 days and offer food to the spirits and even the monks. And in return, they will chant prayers to honour the spirits. Some people even throw rice balls up in the air for spirits to consume who no longer have relatives.
The last day is the biggest festival known as the Pchum Ben day, and it’s a national holiday.
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) (November)
The festival of Bon Om Touk is celebrated for two reasons: .The reversal of the Tonlé Sap River and honoring the Navy.
Once the monsoon subsides, the Tonlé Sap River reverses to its natural flow down to south. And this reversal is very crucial for the livelihood of the locals. So, in a way of thanking the river, they celebrate it with this festival.
The highlight of the festival is the Dragon boat races, which will compete with each other while being rowed by 80 men. These boats are known as the ‘Pirogue longboats’, and each boat represents a village or a community. The boat races will be held in the Tonlé Sap & the Mekong River.
The water festival pays tribute to the ancient Khmer navy, which defended the Khmer kingdom from invaders like the Cham Kingdom (the present-day Vietnam).
Seasonal River Conditions of Cambodia
Cambodia is blessed with three major rivers: the Tonlé Sap River, the Mekong River, and the Bassac River. Among them, the Tonlé Sap stands out as the most unique due to its extraordinary seasonal changes.
Dry Season (November–April)
During the dry season, both the Tonlé Sap River and the Mekong River flow southwards, draining into the South China Sea. Much of the country’s water gradually recedes, exposing fertile land across the interiors.
Life in riverside villages adapts to this change. With the lake shrinking back to around 2,500 km², fishermen turn into farmers. The muddy water of the Tonlé Sap leaves behind rich, soggy soil, perfect for cultivating Cambodia’s paddy fields, which can be seen in abundance.
Rainy Season (May–October)
When the monsoon arrives, torrential rains transform the landscape. A hydrological phenomenon occurs at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and the Mekong: the Mekong swells and forces the Tonlé Sap River to reverse its flow.
This reversal sends water rushing back into the Tonlé Sap Lake, causing it to expand nearly 5 times from 2,500 km² in summer to a staggering 11,000 km² during the rains. At its peak, the lake reaches depths of up to 45 feet and spreads more than 100 km wide, often described as an ‘inland sea’.
Villages around the lake appear to float, with houses raised on stilts as tall as three stories, supported by long bamboo poles.
This seasonal flood makes Tonlé Sap one of the world’s most productive freshwater ecosystems. It becomes a lifeline for millions, rich in biodiversity, filled with different species of fish. During this time, local communities rely heavily on fishing for food and income, before switching back to farming once the waters retreat again
Conclusion
Cambodia is a destination that offers something unique in every season.
The cool and dry months are the best time to visit Cambodia for temple-hopping and beach escapes, while the rainy months bring out the country’s lush greenery, full rivers, and quieter attractions.
Choosing the right season comes down to your travel style, whether you prefer cooler weather, fewer crowds, or budget-friendly trips. With a little planning, you can enjoy Cambodia at its very best.
Book your Cambodia holiday with DimaakTours and let us craft a seamless journey filled with unforgettable experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Time To Visit Cambodia
Which is the best month to visit Cambodia?
The best months to visit Cambodia are November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, perfect for exploring temples and beaches comfortably.
What are the seasons to avoid in Cambodia?
April to June and September to October are the months to absolutely avoid visiting Cambodia. April to June will be scorching hot, while the whole nation will be drenched during September to October.
What is the coldest month in Cambodia?
Just like India, December and January are the coldest months in Cambodia.
However, the cold will be very mild; just one jacket will do the work in keeping you warm.
