Best time to visit Cambodia

Best time to visit Cambodia: quick answers

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is the dry season, from roughly November to February, when days are sunny and the heat is more bearable. This is the most comfortable window for Angkor Wat and the other temples, and also the busiest.

When is the rainy season in Cambodia?

The wet season runs from about May to October, with some local guides putting it from June to November. Rain usually comes as heavy afternoon showers, not all-day downpours, and the countryside turns green.

What is the best month to travel to Cambodia?

December and January are the most reliable, with dry weather and cooler mornings. February is a good balance, with slightly fewer crowds.

Cambodia weather at a glance

Cambodia is tropical and warm all year. What changes is rain and heat. The coolest, driest period is from December to February. March to May is the hottest part of the year, with very high temperatures, especially around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The rains arrive around May and ease off in October or November, so the exact dates move from year to year.

Cambodia month by month

• November: the rains have mostly ended and the landscape is green. Crowds begin to build. The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) usually takes place around this month in Phnom Penh; check the date for your year.
• December and January: dry, sunny and cooler. Peak season: book hotels and guides early.
• February: still dry and pleasant, with fewer visitors than January. Air quality can be poor in some areas.
• March and April: hot and dry. Start temple visits at sunrise and rest at midday. Khmer New Year falls in mid-April: families travel home, and some city shops and services close for several days.
• May and June: the first rains arrive. It is hot and humid, with showers in the afternoon and fewer crowds.
• July to September: green season. Temples are quiet and often framed by lush vegetation; expect regular rain.
• October: the end of the rains, often the last month for heavy showers. A good value month for flexible travelers.

When to see Angkor Wat

You can visit Angkor all year. The cool, dry months bring the most visitors, so plan sunrise or late afternoon for the main temples. In the green season the crowds thin out and moss and full moats add atmosphere, but allow for rain delays. See our guide to Angkor Wat tickets and things to do in Siem Reap.

Choose by what you want

• Best weather for temples: December to February.
• Fewer crowds and lower prices: May to October, with rain flexibility.
• Festivals: November for the Water Festival, mid-April for Khmer New Year. Check dates and expect closures during the New Year.
• Combining Cambodia with Vietnam: see our guide on the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia.

Plan your Cambodia trip with us

Tell us your dates and we will set the order of temples, rest days and hotels around the weather. Explore our private Cambodia tours, our Cambodia tour packages guide, and the Cambodia visa guide.

Best time to visit Cambodia: FAQ

Is it worth visiting Cambodia in the rainy season?

Yes. Showers are often short, temples are quieter and the scenery is green, but plan around rain and some muddy paths.

What is the hottest month in Cambodia?

April and the surrounding hot months from March to May.

When is the cheapest time to visit Cambodia?

Typically the green season, from about May to October.

How many days do you need at Angkor?

Two full days minimum; three is more relaxed.

When is Khmer New Year?

Mid-April; some shops and services close for several days.