When to Visit Cambodia

Cambodia welcomes travelers with cool and dry weather conditions in January. This is a perfect time to discover Cambodia's unspoiled culture, its spectacular temples, undisturbed beaches, calm countryside, and an incredible range of activities. From exploring the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap to swimming with dolphins in Kampot to enjoying a sunset cruise in the Mekong River, Cambodia offers many attractions and activities to keep visitors engaged and entertained. A promising adventure awaits you in Cambodia in January.

Cambodia sees cool, dry weather and clear skies in February, making it the perfect time to wander around the ancient monuments as well as uncover their many hidden gems. Hike to the sacred Phnom Kulen, cycle along the rice paddies of Battambang, and visit the Killing Caves in Phnom Sampeau. Enjoy the company of dolphins in Kampot or simply lounge on the white sandy beaches of Sihanoukville. From exploring the Temple of the 'Tomb Raider’ to soaking in the Bousra Waterfall in Mondulkiri, you will never run out of excitement on your tour to Cambodia in February.

Plenty of sunny days and a plethora of attractions await visitors in Cambodia in March. This is one of the best times to indulge in outdoor activities and attend the country’s vibrant festivals. Cycle through the archeological sites of Angkor and traverse the atmospheric town of Kampot. Greet the majestic elephants at Phnum Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary or simply unwind on Koh Rong Beach. From witnessing its spectacular temples and timeless ruins to encountering many adventures, a trip to Cambodia in March is surely worthwhile.

May could be a perfect time to take a trip to Cambodia if you want to avoid large tourist crowds and see some local festivals and culture. It starts raining in Cambodia in May, but not so much as to affect your holiday. From the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh to the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex to the highlands of Cardamom Mountains and the turquoise beaches of Sihanoukville, you could have all the sites and attractions to yourself

As tourists start flying home with the beginning of the torrid summer season in Cambodia in April, travelers will find the country’s attractions less crowded than during the previous peak months. If you do not mind a bit of hot weather, this is a perfect time to visit Cambodia’s top sites and destinations. Take a tour of the Royal Palace and the National Museum in Phnom Penh, where you can learn more about Cambodia's history and culture; explore Angkor Wat, the lost city of the Khmer Empire and a world-renowned temple complex, or admire the French colonial architecture, floating villages on Tonle Sap lake and the rustic countryside in Siem Reap. April is the time when you will get to tour Cambodia at your own pace without being bothered by tourist crowds.

A flurry of greenery and vibrant colors dominate the tropical landscapes of Cambodia in June. Vegetation and crops spring back to life after months of dry spells with little rainfall. June is part of the low season, but that does not mean this is not a good time to plan a trip to Cambodia. Take advantage of low tourist crowds at popular attractions, such as the ancient city of Angkor, and stretch your travel budget with off-season offers. It is the start of the rainy season in Cambodia, but you will still get plenty of dry windows when you can enjoy outdoor activities.

July is monsoon and low travel season in Cambodia, but it can still be a good time to visit. Attractions are significantly quieter and visitors touring Cambodia in July can explore Siem Reap on a bike, see Battambang's tranquil countryside beauty, and enjoy boating on the Mekong River.

Not many people visit Cambodia in August due to rainy weather. But for many this could be a perfect opportunity to travel to Cambodia without having to deal with high tourist crowds. Popular tourist sites in Siem Reap and capital Phnom Penh are largely free of visitors during this time of year. August is also a good time to explore the tropical rain forests and the coastal areas of Cambodia—if you do not mind a bit of rain, that is. Besides, the country also celebrates several festivals during this time, providing the opportunity to discover local culture and food.

September is the last month of the monsoon season in Cambodia, and it rains heavily across the country. But if you are willing to brave the rain, this is an ideal time to explore Cambodia’s popular attractions in a crowd-free setting. Explore the Angkor Wat temple complex and floating villages in Siem Reap, indulge in the vibrant cultural scene of Phnom Penh, venture into the lush rainforest and discover the hidden waterfalls deep in the Cardamom Mountains. When you take a trip to Cambodia in September, you can also expect to find highly affordable accommodations and tours. Despite being the monsoon season, Cambodia in September presents travellers with the opportunity of viewing its hidden treasures and natural wonders in a different light and at a leisurely pace.

November marks the beginning of the dry season in Cambodia, and this is one of the best times to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the capital Phnom Phen to the resort town of Siem Reap, from the Cardamom Mountains to the coastal city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia in November is brimming with tourist activities. Clear and dry weather is ideal for outdoor exploration, trekking, cycling, and swimming. So a trip to Cambodia in November promises plenty of sunny days, unfettered sightseeing, and lots of outdoor activities—all in all, a recipe for a perfect vacation.  

December is among the best times to travel to Cambodia. Pleasant weather conditions, marked by clear skies and balmy temperatures, present an excellent condition for exploring historic sites like the Angkor Wat temple complex, soaking in the countryside charm and French colonial architecture of Battambang, and enjoying a perfect beach holiday in Sihanoukville. The holiday season festivities also add to the appeal of visiting Cambodia in December.

October may be one of the wettest months in Cambodia, but there are upsides to it. Popular tourist sites are less crowded and accommodation rates are cheaper— perfect for backpackers and budget travelers. From the ancient Angkor temple complex to the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake to the capital city of Phnom Penh, a trip to Cambodia in October promises a tranquil escape, awe-inspiring sights, and affordability.

Cambodia has two main seasons—wet and dry, with the wet season occurring between April and October. The best time to visit Cambodia has to be in the dry season, which runs from October to April. It’s cooler and drier, and all the roads and boat routes are back open after the rainy season! If you want to enjoy visiting iconic locations like Tonle Sap, Siem Reap, and more in the best conditions possible, choose to travel in the dry season! But if you are traveling in the rainy season and want to avoid the worst of the rains, head to the north of Cambodia, as the heaviest rains fall on the southwest coast and into Phnom Penh. In the capital, in the rainy season, indoor attractions like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or Royal Palace are good ways to avoid poor weather. Read on to find out more about touring Cambodia during the best season.