Part of our Cambodia guide.
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to April. Temperatures are lower and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for temple visits and outdoor activities.
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The Best Time To Travel To Cambodia
Cambodia has two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). The coolest months are December and January, with average highs around 30°C (86°F). March, April, and May are the hottest, often exceeding 35°C (95°F). The wet season brings heavy but usually short-lived downpours, often in the afternoon, and the landscape becomes lush and green.
For temple exploration in Angkor, the best months are November through February, when the weather is cooler and the skies are clearer. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder months of October and March offer a good balance of manageable weather and thinner tourist numbers. The monsoon season from June to September sees the lowest prices and fewest visitors, but expect daily rain and higher humidity.
Major festivals also influence when to go. Khmer New Year falls in April and is a national holiday; many locals travel, so accommodation can be scarce. The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November features boat races and celebrations, particularly in Phnom Penh. For those planning an extended trip, we have itineraries for Cambodia that cover both peak and off-peak seasons.
Peak season (December to February) sees hotel rates and flight prices at their highest. Budget travelers can save significantly by visiting during the wet season, though some smaller temples and remote destinations in Cambodia may be harder to reach due to muddy roads. For beach time, the southern coast near Sihanoukville has its own microclimate; the dry season there runs slightly longer, from November to early May.
For those wanting to explore beyond the main circuit, our guides cover hidden gems in Cambodia that are best visited during the dry months. If you are in the capital, you can visit the Phnom Penh Killing fields year-round, but the dry season makes the trip more comfortable. For practical advice, we also have detailed information on getting around Cambodia, including bus and boat schedules that vary with the seasons.
