The Best Time to Visit Cambodia: A Climate Guide

Backpacking in Cambodia

Cambodia is home to fascinating temples, including the legendary Angkor Wat. Not to mention, that are many fascinating sights here that make it the perfect destination for history lovers. In addition to the historic cities, Cambodia has a picturesque coast with white sandy beaches. The country will blow you away with its lush forests and exotic fauna as well. If you want to explore the old ruins of the temple complexes, Cambodia offers a superb selection. So, are you wondering when is the best time to visit Cambodia? Then read on, as this climate guide will assist you in picking the perfect time for your trip.

Although visiting Cambodia is possible all year round, the country has two main seasons: a dry season from October to April, and a rainy season from May to September. Some of these months can be very humid, so it can be difficult for some visitors to explore to the fullest. If you are keen on avoiding hot weather, visit the country between October and December. Simply said, plan your trip to Cambodia according to your climate preferences and keep an eye on the local weather forecast.

At a Glance:

• Peak Season: December to February
• Off-Season: March to November
• Festival Season: November
• Angkor Wat: November to February
• Snorkeling: October to June
• Beach Time: November to February

What is the Climate Like in Cambodia?

Generally speaking, Cambodia is tropical and muggy. The average yearly temperature seldom falls below 27 °C. During the day, it can be up to 40 °C in the cities and flat areas. At night, the temperatures mostly cool off to around 22 °C.

The seasons are divided into a rainy season and a dry season. The latter starts around November and ends in April. Thus, the rainy season follows in May through to October. This period is often characterized by monsoons and thunderstorms in the second half of the day. So, the air humidity is relatively high during this time.

The hottest month is April, with temperatures of 40 °C and higher – mostly in the middle of the day. We recommend travelling to Cambodia between December and January (when the average daily temperature is around 26 °C) because the heat can be a problem for many. Those are part of the milder months and offer ideal conditions for an unforgettable trip to the land of smiles.

From the mystic temple complex Angkor Wat with its thrilling history to the heavenly beaches on the island of Koh Rong, Cambodia has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax, party or enjoy nature as well as culture, you will never get bored. The country is flourishing with exciting activities and culturally diversity.

Climate in Phnom Penh

Climate in Siem Reap

Climate in Kampot

Seasonal Climate Guide for Cambodia

Off-Season (March to November)

The off-season runs parallel to the European main season, which is the case in many other countries in Southeast Asia. This means you will be mainly greeted with rainy weather, but you have to deal with fewer tourists. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as accommodation is cheaper, and the sights are less crowded.

Because the weather is not always bad, it is actually possible to spend a few relaxing days at the beach. The strong rain showers usually start abruptly but are often followed by sunshine and the temperatures are still mostly warm.

If you happen to have planned your trip to Cambodia in these months, don’t abandon your plans because of the weather. Even on overcast days, the country itself shines in bright colors. The colorful, bubbly cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap invite you to explore their little cafés and galleries. We also highly recommend you dive into traditional Khmer cuisine and learn about the country’s delicacies by taking a cooking course.

Peak Season (December to February)

The best time to visit Cambodia is without a doubt between December and February. The climate is more enjoyable, as the air is not so muggy and the sun not too hot. The weather is perfect for taking as much time as you need in Angkor Wat and learning about the profound history of the Killing Fields.

When the temperatures climb over 30° C, cool down at Sihanoukville’s picturesque beaches. However, the water is quite warm at 28˚C. From there, you can reach the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, which are not much of a secret anymore, but still promise to be a true island paradise, the likes of which you have only ever seen in movies.

During the peak season, you should expect increasing prices for accommodation because there are many more tourists. Still, Cambodia is a relatively cheap country all in all, and you can always find favorable prices for a hotel or guest house. It is worth renting a bungalow at the beach if there are two or more of you, to enjoy the view across the ocean after waking up.

Conclusion: The Best Time to Travel to Cambodia

In order to experience Cambodia in all its glory and variety, it is better to travel between December and February. At this time, you can discover the sights of the country in more comfortable temperatures of about 26 to 30 °C.

If you need to flee the turbulent city and want to enjoy some fresh air, take a day trip to one of the national parks or climb the Phnom Bokor, which is the mountain of Kampot. It is known for its ghost town flair.

On the average, there are about eight hours of sunshine per day, which is why relaxing at the beach during the dry season is possible as well. Try different water sports, lay in a hammock, enjoy the sun or listen to the ocean while opening yourself to the surrounding peace.

Fancy a trip to Cambodia now? Then let’s go! It is an experience you will certainly never forget.