Best time to visit Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and March. During this time, the country experiences the least amount of rainfall without becoming too hot.

In general, the entire country is subject to the same weather patterns, with two main seasons: hot and dry, and hot and wet. If you are unaccustomed to the tropics, you will find Cambodia to be very hot and sweaty.

The dry season runs from November to April on the back of the northeast monsoon. November to January is cooler, while February to April is hot and dusty. November is the coolest month and April the hottest.

The wet season runs from May to October, courtesy of the southwest monsoon. The wet season provides 75% of Cambodia’s annual rainfall. July to September are the wettest months.

For your reference, please see below for a summary of the weather conditions in Cambodia:

January

January is one of the best months to travel in Cambodia, with blue skies, little to no rain, and pleasant temperature.
Day-long trips exploring the Angkor temples are more manageable and comfortable.
The beaches on the south coast like Koh Kong, Sihanoukville bask in the sunshine with warm sea temperature for diving or discovering marine life.

Events: Liberation Day (7th January)

February

In February, the temperature starts to rise to about 27°C across the country but is still considered a great time to visit Cambodia.
Exploring the Angkor temples and the north-east regions of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri is still comfortable. The days are dry, although lunchtime shade is still most welcome.

March

Superb weather is often expected throughout Cambodia in March. Days are dry with little or no rainfall, and the normal temperature hovers around 30°C across the country, although the mountainous area in the North East region maybe a little cooler.
Long days exploring the Angkor Temples can be challenging, so an early start and a break at the hotel in the middle of the day are recommended.
Koh Kong, Sihanoukville and Kep continue to bask in the sunshine with a small possibility of rain, making March a good month for diving and beach sports.

April

The hottest month of the year in Cambodia, the temperature range is 35-40°C. Chance of rainfall is very low until the end of April, sometimes even extending to mid-May.
Angkor Temples discovering may be very trying for some because of the intense heat. However, on the bright side, there will also be less crowded.
Basking on the south coast beaches of Kep and Sihanoukville is ideal, as it is wise to take advantage of the hot, sunny days.

Events: Chaul Chnam (Cambodian New Year) (13^th-16^th April)

May

May is the start of the rainy season and a welcome relief from the heat. The temperature remains high, but the increase in humidity makes traveling around Cambodia more comfortable.
The crowds at the Angkor Temples continue to thin gradually.

Events: Visak Bochea (Birthday of Buddha) (10^th May); Royal Ploughing Ceremony (13^th May); King’s Birthday (14^th May)

June

Rains continue throughout Cambodia with an average temperature of 28°C, and a humidity level of 70%. Travelling becomes trying and the south coast beaches and mountains start becoming unpleasant to visit.
However, wet weather makes Cambodia more comfortable, and sunshine is still expected between the showers. Visitors are much lower than in the previous months, so great deals can be found with hotels.

July – August – September

July to September are the least favorable months to visit Cambodia as downpours are frequent.
However, thunderstorms make for spectacular views, especially at the Angkor Temples.
The south coast beaches and the mountains are completely inundated.
September, on the other side, is a great time of the year to visit the flooded forest and the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake.

October

The rainy season starts to taper off in October.
The full following waterfall sights in Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, the flooded forest and the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake are excellent choices to see this month.

Events: Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day) 15-day festival (dates vary)

November

November marks the start of the dry season, with temperatures about 25°C, low humidity and plenty of sunshine.
A perfect month to visit all the attractions that Cambodia has to offer.

Events: Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) 3-day festival (dates vary)

December

December offers dry, sunny weather, with low humidity and comfortable temperatures.
Another perfect month to visit all the attractions that Cambodia has to offer.

Events: New Year’s Eve (31^st Dec)

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