Cambodia is one of South East Asia countries that still is not so well explored by tourists. Keeping in mind that there are certain pecularities when it comes to weather, it’s better to check in advance when is the best time to visit Cambodia.
Check this travel guide and get up-to-date information about best time to visit Cambodia, weather by month, rainy season, so you can plan your vacation even better.
Weather in Cambodia: general information
Like in other countries in Southeast Asia, there are two distinct seasons in Cambodia, but you can go there all year round. Temperatures vary depending on season, while it stays humid nearly the whole year.
Dry season
From October till beginning of May it’s the ideal time to visit this country. Many tourists go to the south to spend time on the beaches. From November to January it is slightly cooler, with December and January being the coolest months.
But in the mid April temperatures are rapidly go up, so it’s better to plan visti to Angkor Wat or Royal Palace, or any other activities for the early morning hours. The rest of the day better to spend near the pool in the hotel due to unbearably hot weather.
Rainy season
Monsoon season starts in May and till July it stays hot with rain that happens from time to time.While the second half of wet season is characterised by heavier rainfalls and strong winds.
Planning your trip during the rainy season can be a great idea if you’re on a budget.But it’s better to avoid visits to remote areas as roads are washed away by floods.
The soil is saturated with moisture, everything blooms and turns green, that’s why this period is known as “green season”. Wet season finishes in October withup to 75% of annual precipitation falls.
Best month to visit Cambodia
Best month to visit Cambodia depends on how you would like to spend your time.If high temperatures are not for you and the your goal is to visit the most important country’s landmarks, plan your vacation on November.During this time the temperatures are at around 25°C.
For those, looking for some authentic atmoshpere and opportunity to learn more about Cambodian culture it’s better to arrive here in November, whenCambodian Water Festival takes place.It’s a favourite time among locals, as celebration lasts during three days in Phnom Penh.
Visit Cambodia: Month by Month weather guide
The whole year in Cambodia can be divided into three periods, which differ in weather conditions: from January to April, this period is considered as dry season, from May to September – wet season, and from October to December, can be called transitional period, when the rainy season has already ended and the dry season has not yet begun.
Winter in Cambodia
- Average air t: + 23-30 depending on the city;
- Average t of the sea: +27.8 degrees.
- Pros of visiting Cambodia in winter: little rainfall, lots of sun, less humidity, comfortable temperature for sightseeing.
- Cons of visiting Cambodia in winter: a lot of tourists, high prices.
December
Season in Cambodia begins in December. More and more tourists arrive in the country and prices rise markedly. Hotel rooms should be booked in advance. A visit to the floating villages is a must in December, as rivers are full after the rainy season just finished.
January
January is usually the coldest month, but temperatures are still between 25°C and 30°C. It is the driest month in the year, perfect time for temples exploration in Siem Reap. If you would like to spend time on the beach, go ahead to the south of the country.
February
Also the perfect time to visit. The temperature warms up to a comfortable 27 degrees and gradually increases towards the middle of the month.
Humidity levels are not as high, so you can plan trips to temples, floating markets, explore Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Battambang.
Spring
March
In March, come to Cambodia if you want to enjoy a beach holiday. The air temperature gradually rises, the minimum value is + 30 degrees.
If you are planning to visit Tonle Sap river, then it is better to plan your trip at the beginning of the month. By the end of March, the water level drops significantly and the views become less impressive.
April
April is considered the hottest month, the average temperature is kept at + 33 degrees. At this time in Cambodia Khmer New Year is celebrated. It is one of the most popular holiday in country, so book accommodation in advance.
It is better to go sightseeing either in the early hours or in the late afternoon. April is not the best month to visit Angkor Wat due to the heat and high levels of humidity.
May
It’s where the wet season starts. Peak time is far away, there are no crowds, prices for hotel rooms are super attractive. During rainy season it may rain several times a day, but these showers don’t differ in intensity.
- Average air t: + 25-34 depending on the city;
- Average sea t: +29 degrees.
- Pros of traveling to Cambodia in spring: Cambodian New Year, comfortable temperature on the coast for a beach holiday, very warm sea.
- Cons of spring trip to Cambodia: a lot of tourists during the holidays, accommodation must be booked in advance, very hot for sightseeing (in the Angkor Wat area, the temperature can rise to +40 degrees), high humidity.
Summer
Summer is the monsoon season. The number of tourists is significantly reduced. The rains are short, but strong. Instead of an umbrella, it is better to always carry a raincoat with you during rainy season, because showers are accompanied by strong gusts of wind.
June
Despite the fact that it rains every day, there is enough sun in June. The so-called “green season” begins, after a long dry season, the soil receives enough moisture. in June, everything is in full bloom and immersed in greenery.
July
In July, many families come to Cambodia with children, as it’s a period of school holidays in many European countries.
July is not the best month to visit the beaches on the south coast. The air temperatures start to drop and are about + 27 degrees, the rains become longer and heavier.
August
It rains almost every day for few hours, while the humidity level remains very high, while August temperatures continue to drop. Most precipitation falls in the northern part of the country.
As a result, the water level in the rivers begins to rise. At this time, you can visit flooded forests and watch the wildlife.
- Average air t: + 24-32 depending on the city;
- Average t of the sea: +29.5 degrees.
- Pros of visiting Cambodia in the summer: low prices for housing and tours, fewer crowds of tourists, lush greenery on plantations and in the mountains, visiting temples without queues.
- Cons of visiting Cambodia in the summer: roads washed out by floods in the countryside, frequent rains, high humidity.
Autumn
Fall can be the best time to visit Cambodia with tropical lush greenery washed by heavy rains on a daily basis. Floods are typical for this season.
September
September has the most rainfall. If you are planning to go somewhere in remote areas, this can be nearly impossible, as the roads can be washed out. September is the top of wet season, so floods might happen, especially in the area of Mekong river.
October
The number of rainy days is finally decreasing as wet season is nearly finished. Average temperatures are about +27 C, making any types of country exploration very comfortable. Keepig in mind that rivers are full, it’s a best time to enjoy river cruises and visit floating villages.
If you’re planning to visit the north of the country, there you can enjoy waterfalls that are at their fullest.
November
Rain season is officially done, but some rare showers in the morning can still happen. You can enjoy clear blue skies and comfotrable temperatures. The weather is ideal to visit temples and for peak season to start.
There is also a time for one of the most popular festival – the Bonn Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival) which is traditionally celebrated in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. It’s time for colourful boat races, variety of performances and festive fairs.
- Average air t: + 23-32 depending on the city;
- Average t of the sea: +28.5 degrees.
- Pros of visit Cambodia in autumn: the water festival in Cambodia, beautiful green nature, few tourists, comfortable temperature for walking.
- Cons of trip to Cambodia in autumn: rains, dirt roads.
Conclusion
When is the best time to visit Cambodia? For a quiet and uncrowded vacation, head to the country in the summer. You can admire the most picturesque nature in autumn. Don’t want to get wet in the rain? Then winter is the perfect time. Spring will welcome you with warm sea and beautiful beaches. You can find something unique in Cambodia at any time of the year.
