The best time to Cambodia

With average temperatures around 25°C, January is one of the best times to visit Cambodia. As one of the driest months, it’s ideal for exploring the temples of Siem Reap, relaxing on the southern coast in Sihanoukville, or hiking in the mountains. Comfortable conditions attract more visitors, so booking in advance is essential.

Dry and warm conditions persist, making February one of the best times to explore Cambodia’s famous sites, coastal destinations and mountainous regions. Peak season continues, bringing larger crowds to key attractions. With lower humidity, travel remains comfortable, but accommodation prices stay high—booking in advance is essential.

March marks the end of the dry season as temperatures rise, reaching highs of 30°C. Sightseeing is best in the cooler mornings or late afternoons. It remains a peak travel period, so hotels often book up in advance. This is a great time for jungle trekking, exploring Angkor’s temples, visiting vibrant markets, or cycling through rice paddies.

April marks the tail end of Cambodia’s peak travel season, with rising temperatures averaging 35°C. Humidity increases, but rainfall remains minimal, and the monsoon season has yet to begin. While it’s still possible to explore the country comfortably, early morning or evening excursions are recommended over full-day outings.

May marks the beginning of the monsoon season, bringing high humidity and increasing rainfall until September. While conditions can feel stifling in cities and at major sites like Angkor Wat, the countryside transforms into a lush, green landscape. With fewer visitors, this can be a good time to take advantage of shoulder season hotel offers.

With monsoon season well underway, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap’s iconic sights are much quieter. Heavy rain and high humidity makes the south coast less appealing, but in most areas, downpours are short-lived, leaving plenty of time to explore. This is also a great time to take advantage of low-season offers.

Temperatures ease to an average of 26°C, but humidity remains high, with frequent rainfall and thunderstorms. Conditions are not ideal for hiking in the Cardamom Mountains or cycling along the Mekong, but this is one of the best times to explore Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples without the usual crowds. While July is a quieter period for tourism, some families take advantage of the school holidays.

The countryside flourishes with vibrant green landscapes and markets are awash with fresh produce, from durian and rambutan to jackfruit and mangosteens. This is a great time to explore Cambodian cuisine with a guided food tour or a hands-on cooking class.

August is one of the rainiest months in Cambodia but also one of the prettiest. Lush green rice paddies dominate the landscape and markets overflow with fresh produce. If you can look past the rain, you’re likely to have iconic sites to yourself and make the most of off-peak offers. Temperatures begin to dip, making outdoor activities like temple visits and cycling around the countryside more manageable.

September sees heavy rainfall in the lead-up to the dry season, though showers start to ease towards the end of the month. On average, it rains two out of three days, so expect frequent downpours while exploring. Flooding is common and some rural areas may be difficult to access by road.

Drier weather returns in October, marking the start of Cambodia’s peak travel season. While humidity remains high, temperatures average a manageable 27°C. This is a great time to explore the lush countryside, with rice paddies at their most vibrant. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap remain quieter than in later months and early-season offers may be available.

The best time of year to visit Cambodia is during our colder, winter months, when temperatures are comfortable and humidity is low. The weather becomes drier as the month progresses, however this means crowds increase, particularly at iconic sites, and hotel prices rise.. It is also a great time for venturing out onto Tonle Sap Lake. Booking well in advance is necessary.

For winter sun or a Christmas getaway, Cambodia is an excellent choice. With temperatures reaching highs of 30°C and coastal regions enjoying superb weather, it’s an ideal time to explore. Wander through Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, visit the iconic temples of Angkor, sample Cambodian cuisine at bustling markets, or trek deep into the Cardamom Mountains. Remember, it’s peak travel season so hotels are often booked up far in advance. As peak season is in full swing, hotels book up quickly—especially over Christmas. Advance reservations are essential to secure your stay in your preferred accommodation.