When to visit - Cambodia

What is the best time of year to visit Cambodia?

What is the best time of year to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is between the months of November and March, when there is very little rainfall and temperatures are at their most pleasant. Water levels in the rivers and Lake Tonle Sap are high from November until January, after which point navigation can be tricky. From late February onwards the heat starts to build, and the land is very dry. The dry season is best time for a holiday in Cambodia if you want guaranteed sunshine, and these months also tend to be less hot and humid. See our full selection of tours in Cambodia.

Best months to visit Cambodia

Best months to visit Cambodia

The months which fall either side of the rainy season, being from April until June and October, are also a good time to visit Cambodia. Although there may be some rain in these months, humidity levels will be lower than in the green season, and it is a good time of year to travel. Temperatures can be very high in April and May, but once the rains arrive in June the heat dips. October starts off rather rainy before the first glimpses of the dry season appear towards the end of the month, and is cooler than the earlier months. Rainfall in these months tends to come as short sharp afternoon showers. 

When is the Rainy Season in Cambodia?

When is the Rainy Season in Cambodia?

The rainy season - known as the "Green Season" - falls between July and September. Travelling to Cambodia in the rainy season has the advantage of lush green countryside, fewer tourists and vastly reduced rates. It does not rain all day, every day, but in short heavy bursts that only last an hour or two. This is a great time to see Cambodia’s temples without the crowds, and experience life on the waterways of the Mekong and Lake Tonle Sap. Rainfall peaks in September and in this month it is best to avoid the more remote areas in the east of the country as travel becomes more difficult and journey times increase.

See our full range of experiences in Cambodia.

  • Best time to travelBest time to travel
  • Good time to travelGood time to travel
  • Green seasonGreen season
  • Cool temperaturesCool temperatures
  • Very coldVery cold

Northern Cambodia Weather Information (Siem Reap)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Good time to travel
Good time to travel
Good time to travel
Green season
Green season
Green season
Good time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Max Temp °C323335363534333231313031
Min Temp °C202126252525252525242220
Hours Daylight121221121212121212121212
Rainfall (mm)1428621762212371512762488210

January – April: January is the driest and coolest month of the year in Siem Reap with an average temperature of 27°C, making this a good time to visit northern Cambodia to see the the temples of Angkor and explore the surrounding region. Humidity is also at its lowest in January but rises significantly throughout the period, as does the temperature, peaking at an average of 31°C in April, the hottest month of the year in Siem Reap. January to March sees little rain and although water levels remain high in Tonle Sap lake in January and February, levels do begin to fall in March. With temperatures and humidity high in April full day excursions tend to be avoided and sightseeing is more pleasant earlier or later in the day.

May - October: Although the rainy season in Siem Reap is by no means the heaviest in Asia, the weather in northern Cambodia over these months is characterised by high temperatures, averaging 30°C, and high humidity. May is the first month of the year to produce a large amount of rain with 176mm falling throughout the month. The rains are a welcome relief however and there is often still plenty of sunshine at this time of year. As the Monsoon season in northern Cambodia continues, rainfall increases and is at its highest in August and September.  Although humidity remains high, temperatures drop making it far more pleasant to explore the temples and this can be a good time of year for nature lovers as wildlife flourishes around Tonle Sap. Access to some of the more rural areas may be difficult at this time. By October the heaviest of the rains are over and the temperature is at a very comfortable 27°C. Following the monsoon the country is lush and green at this time of year and this season is a a good time to visit northern Cambodia to take advantage of shoulder season promotions.

November - December: Rainfall in northern Cambodia drops dramatically in November and with the rainy season in Siem Reap finally over, expect clear skies and a slightly cooler climate with average temperatures of 28°C, dropping further into December. The combination of cooler weather, reduced humidity, low rainfall and high water levels make these the best months to visit northern Cambodia.

Southern Cambodia Weather Information (Sihanoukville)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Good time to travel
Good time to travel
Green season
Green season
Green season
Good time to travel
Good time to travel
Best time to travel
Max Temp °C313232333232313030313131
Min Temp °C222325252525242424242423
Hours Daylight121212121212121212121212
Rainfall (mm)282611111830047264769760932813032

January – April: January is considered to be the best time to visit southern Cambodia, largely due to the relatively low levels of humidity and comfortable temperatures, which average around 31°C. Days are filled with sunshine making it the perfect time to unwind on one of Cambodia’s southern coastline and beaches. Temperatures increase steadily throughout the season peaking at around 34°C by April and with little to no rain throughout this period, makes it a really good time to travel in southern Cambodia.

May – October: The rainy season in southern Cambodia falls between May and October, with rainfall increasing as the season progresses. Although much of the rain falls in short, sharp, downpours, by September rainfall has increased dramatically, with an average of 257mm of rain falling in October. Temperatures in Sihanoukville decline steadily throughout the period dropping from 34 °C in May to 30°C in October, making it far more comfortable to travel around.  It is advisable to avoid southern Cambodia’s beaches in the rainy season.

November – December: Unlike the north of the country, southern Cambodia still sees some rainfall in November with an average of 130mm in November, dropping to just 50mm in December. Much like the rainfall, temperatures are at their lowest in southern Cambodia in December averaging around 30°C, making it the coolest month in southern Cambodia alongside January. This is a very popular time to travel to Cambodia, especially around Christmas and New Year.