When Is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia?
Cambodia is a destination that packs a lot into one holiday. Explore the ancient temples of Angkor, cruise along the Mekong, discover Phnom Penh and its fascinating history, travel through the countryside or finish your trip on one of the country’s tropical islands. The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is generally drier and the temperatures are more comfortable for exploring. Generally, any time of the year is a good time to go, but the best time to travel may depend on the areas and experiences you want to include.
Temperatures in Cambodia generally range from around 17-38°C depending on the time of year and region. The cooler, dry season runs from around November to February, while the hotter dry season typically falls between March and May, with temperatures often reaching the mid to high 30s. The rainy season generally runs from May to October, bringing higher humidity and regular showers, often in the afternoon.
Understanding how the seasons affect different parts of the country can help you decide when to travel.
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November to February
November to February is an excellent time to explore Cambodia, with generally dry weather, lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures making it easier to spend full days sightseeing. It’s an ideal period for exploring Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor, where starting early allows you to make the most of the cooler part of the day before the heat builds.
Away from the temples, the cooler conditions are well suited to travelling through Cambodia’s countryside and seeing a different side of the country. Drift along the river on one of the Mekong cruises in Cambodia, taking in the scenery and watching daily life along the banks of the water. You could also explore rural villages and rice fields, or spend a few days in Phnom Penh before heading south towards the coast.
These months work particularly well for Cambodia family holidays, with the weather making it easier to fit plenty into your trip and explore comfortably.
March to May
March to May is Cambodia’s hottest period, but it can still be a good time to explore if you don’t mind warmer temperatures. You’ll want to plan your days around the heat, particularly when visiting temples and other outdoor sights.
This period can work well for an escape on one of the best beaches in Cambodia, or even a few different coastal spots. Earlier in the season, Cambodia’s southern coast offers plenty of opportunities to slow down after time spent sightseeing. Kep and Koh Rong are good options for combining Cambodia’s cultural highlights with time by the sea.
These months are a good option for Cambodia holiday ideas that combine temples, culture and countryside with some time to relax out of the sun.
It’s also good to know that if you’re travelling in April, Khmer New Year takes place in the middle of the month. Celebrations take place across the country, with many people travelling to visit family and some businesses may close for several days, so expect potential transport delays.
June to October
June to October brings Cambodia’s rainy season, but this doesn’t mean constant rain. Showers are often short and heavy, with plenty of drier periods in between, while the countryside becomes wonderfully green and lush. It’s a quieter time to explore some of the major sites, and the rain can give the temples and landscapes a very different atmosphere.
The green season can be particularly rewarding for travelling through the countryside, when rice fields are vibrant and waterways are more full.
There are some practical considerations, particularly if you’re planning to travel extensively by road. Heavy rainfall towards September and October can affect rural roads and make some journeys slower, so a little flexibility can be useful when planning a more adventurous itinerary.
When to Visit Cambodia's Different Regions
- Siem Reap and Angkor: November to February is particularly comfortable for exploring the temples, while the green season offers lush surroundings and potentially fewer visitors.
- Phnom Penh: The capital can be visited throughout the year, although the cooler, drier months are more comfortable for combining city sightseeing with wider travel around the country.
- The Mekong and Cambodian countryside: These areas can be explored year-round, but the landscape changes considerably with the seasons. The rainy months bring greener countryside and higher water levels, while the dry season generally makes road travel easier.
- The southern coast and islands: November to May is generally the better period for combining Cambodia’s cultural highlights with time on the beach, while wetter and rougher conditions can affect the coast during parts of the June to October monsoon season.
Cambodia's Festivals and Events
Cambodia’s calendar includes several important festivals that can add another dimension to your holiday. As well as Khmer New Year, Bon Om Touk (Cambodia’s Water Festival) is usually held in November and centres around boat races and celebrations in Phnom Penh.
Travelling during a festival can be a great way to experience Cambodia’s culture, but it can also mean busier transport and changes to opening hours, so it’s worth factoring the dates into your plans rather than simply arriving during a major celebration.
Ready to Explore Cambodia?
The best time to visit Cambodia depends on more than simply choosing between the dry and rainy seasons. The experiences you want to include, the regions you plan to visit and whether you’d like to finish your trip on the coast can all influence the ideal time to travel.
Explore our Cambodia holiday ideas or speak to our team on 01273 923100 and we’ll help you plan a tailor-made Cambodia holiday around the experiences you want to include.
Talk to us about your perfect trip to Cambodia
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Cambodia Holiday today.
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