We have been living in Cambodia for several years and have experienced all seasons, sometimes under torrential rains, sometimes in 40°C heat. The truth is: there is no bad time to visit Cambodia — only periods that are better suited to certain travelers and destinations.
The two main seasons of Cambodia
The climate of Cambodia is tropical and is divided into two distinct seasons, dictated by the monsoons:
The dry season itself is divided into two distinct phases: a cool phase (November-February, 25-30°C pleasant) and a hot phase (March-April, 35-40°C, scorching sun). The rainy season is not synonymous with constant rain — showers are often short and concentrated in the afternoon or evening.
Month by month
November — February: ideal, the beautiful season
Best overall period
This is the most pleasant time to visit Cambodia. Temperatures range from 25 to 30°C, the skies are clear, the rice fields are green after the monsoon rains, and the archaeological sites of Angkor are stunning. Angkor Wat at sunrise in December or January: unforgettable. Disadvantage: high tourist season — book hotels and excursions well in advance, especially for December-January.
- Temperatures: 22 to 30°C (cool nights in January, especially in the highlands)
- Rain: almost none — a few rare showers
- Crowd: high, especially December-January (French school holidays)
- Prices: high season — hotels and excursions more expensive
March — April: hot, dry, before the rains
The hot dry season. March is still acceptable (32-35°C), but April shifts into intense heat (35-40°C, sometimes more in Phnom Penh). If you can avoid the middle of the day for visits, this period has its advantages: fewer crowds than in January, prices start to drop, and a festive atmosphere around Khmer New Year (April 13-16).
April is the hottest month of the year in Cambodia. Visiting Angkor at noon in April can become exhausting. If you come during this period, start visits at 6 AM and return to the hotel between 11 AM and 3 PM.
May — June: beginning of the rains, green and quiet
The first rains of the monsoon finally refresh the atmosphere. The vegetation quickly turns green, the rice fields fill up, and tourist sites empty of a good portion of visitors. Hotel prices drop by 20 to 40%. This is an excellent time for travelers who want to avoid the crowd and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere. The rains are still short and predictable — often in the afternoon.
July — September: peak rainy season
The monsoon is in full swing. Rains are more frequent and intense, especially in September. The Tonlé Sap rises and floods the surrounding plains — a fascinating phenomenon to observe. The temples of Angkor are surrounded by lush vegetation and much less crowded. Unique but humid atmosphere.
Angkor Wat reflected in the moats filled with water, blooming water lilies around the temples, the Cambodian countryside at its most beautiful green: July-August offers photos you won’t take in the dry season. Travelers who accept the humidity are often the most surprised.
In September, flooding is possible in some rural areas and around Tonlé Sap. Check local news if you plan to travel off the main routes.
October: end of the rains, Water Festival
The rains gradually decrease. It’s a pleasant transition period: the landscapes are still green, prices are low, and the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in Phnom Penh is one of the most spectacular events of the Cambodian year. Hundreds of thousands of people converge on the capital for the boat races on the Mekong.
Recommendations by region
Siem Reap & Angkor
Best period: November to March. The temples are magnificent all year round, but the golden light of the cool season and the blue sky make Angkor Wat at sunrise something unforgettable. In July-August, the lush vegetation gives a "jungle" atmosphere to the secondary temples.
Phnom Penh
All year round, avoid April (extreme heat). The Cambodian capital is livable all year round thanks to the ubiquitous air conditioning. October is particularly lively with the Water Festival. In April, the 40°C+ makes visiting markets and outdoor sites exhausting.
Kampot & Kep
November to April. The southern coast is ideal in the dry season. The sea is calm, the sky is clear, and the countryside around Kampot is beautiful. In the rainy season, the sea can be rough and the roads to Kep sometimes difficult.
Koh Rong & the islands
December to April. The Cambodian islands are at their best in the dry season, when the sea is calm and the snorkeling spots are accessible. In the rainy season, underwater visibility decreases and crossings may be canceled due to bad weather.
Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri
November to April. The forest provinces in the east are accessible in the dry season. In the rainy season, laterite roads become impassable even in 4x4s, and some villages are cut off from the world. If this is your main destination, plan your trip between December and March.
Festivals and events not to miss
Details of the main festivals
Khmer New Year (April): This is the most important holiday of the Cambodian year. The whole country stops for 3 days. Traditional games are played, water is splashed on passersby (like Songkran in Thailand), and family visits are made. For a traveler, it’s a rare cultural experience — but be aware that transport is crowded and hotels are fully booked weeks in advance.
Water Festival (October-November): It celebrates the unique natural phenomenon of the reversal of the Tonlé Sap current. The boat races on the Mekong in Phnom Penh gather hundreds of thousands of spectators. The exact dates vary according to the lunar calendar — generally between late October and mid-November.
Pchum Ben: A Buddhist festival for ancestors, during which Cambodians bring food to pagodas to feed the souls of the deceased. A solemn and very cultural atmosphere, but traffic is difficult in the cities.
Our advice based on your profile
First trip to Cambodia
Travel between November and February. You will have the best weather conditions, magnificent temples, and enough tourist infrastructure to easily find your way. December remains our favorite month: not too hot, not too crowded (compared to January with school holidays).
Experienced traveler, budget-conscious
Explore May-June or September-October. Fewer crowds, lower prices, green and authentic landscapes. Accept the idea of having daily showers — generally short. Perfect for Angkor, less ideal for the islands.
Cultural immersion & festivals
Align your trip with Khmer New Year (April) or the Water Festival (October/November). These two events offer a unique window into vibrant Cambodian culture. Be sure to book in advance.