In this post we’re going to talk about something we get asked a lot – When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
Cambodia is a year-round destination with a tropical climate that can bring hot temperatures, heavy rains, and dry spells at different times of the year. Choosing when to visit depends on what you want from your trip – whether it’s exploring Angkor Wat under clear blue skies, enjoying Phnom Penh’s lively city lifestyle, or relaxing on the beaches of Sihanoukville and Koh Rong.
This guide breaks down Cambodia’s seasons, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can plan your trip accordingly, whether you thrive in the hustle and bustle of high season, or you prefer the chilled out atmosphere and relaxing periods that low season brings. The best time to visit Cambodia is completely subjective, so bear that in mind, as everyone is looking for a different experience when they travel!
Cambodia has two main seasons: dry season from November to April and wet season from May to October. Both seasons have their upsides and downsides but no matter when you come to Cambodia, we’re pretty sure you’ll have an amazing time! In Cambodia, dry season is commonly referred to as “high season” due to the larger numbers of tourists, and rainy season – or ‘monsoon season’, is usually referred to as “low season”. This is because during the wetter months, Cambodia gets far fewer tourists, especially in the more tourist oriented areas such as Siem Reap or the islands of Koh Rong.
The dry season is the peak travel season. The weather is ideal for those looker for a warm tropical climate with little rain and lower humidity. Temperatures can be a bit cooler in certain months, especially from November to January, making it comfortable for sightseeing. This is the best time to visit Cambodia if you want to explore Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, and Siem Reap’s top attractions without worrying about your tuktuk getting stuck in the mud or being stuck at a bar drinking 50 cent beers because it’s raining outside (oh no!).
The beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong are beautiful and clean, with calm seas perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. However, there are definitely downsides. Prices for hotels and tours are higher due to increased demand, and popular sites like Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh can be crowded, particularly if you plan to visit during peak hours like seeing the sunset or sunrise at Angkor Wat. By March and April, rural landscapes tend to appear dry and dusty as there’s been little to no rain (Truly, you’ll be surprised just how DRY it gets..) to wash away the dust.
The wet season, also known as the low season or green season, has its own advantages. The landscapes become lush and green, making places like Angkor Wat and the countryside even more scenic. We really love the way Cambodia looks during wet season, with some amazing views to be had in the countryside or even in town at places like the Siem Reap riverside.
There are fewer tourists around, meaning you can explore without the crowds, and accommodation and activity prices drop pretty dramatically. Waterways like the Tonlé Sap Lake and the Mekong River are at their fullest, allowing for great boat trips. This also means that the waterfalls at Kulen Mountain (In Phnom Kulen National Park) are absolutely stunning, and full of water! However, heavy afternoon showers, especially from July to September, can disrupt travel plans, particularly if you were planning to take a boat to one of Cambodia’s islands!
Some remote areas may become inaccessible due to flooding, and the beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong may have rough seas with less ideal swimming conditions. These areas also tend to be very quiet during the rainy season, with few travellers braving the weather, which means for some travellers it may be less enjoyable as there’s less people around to experience this beautiful country with.
Flooding in certain areas can be a slight concern, but in recent years, massive steps have been taken towards better drainage, particularly in Siem Reap, and flooding has become less of an issue, though some areas are still prone to a bit of flooding. The photo below was taken in the BKK1 area of Phnom Penh.
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat are generally considered great to visit between November and March. This is because the cooler weather makes temple-hopping more comfortable, and sunrise at Angkor Wat is particularly stunning during the dry season. However, the wet season has its own appeal, with the moats and surrounding landscapes appearing lush and photogenic while also having fewer tourists. If you’re not a fan of big crowds, you might be better off visiting during the rainy season and bringing a raincoat just in case!
It’s worth noting, that towards the tail end of dry season, around April, the temperatures can feel INSANELY hot! It’s worth noting this if you’re working out the best time to visit Cambodia and you’re planning to visit Angkor Wat. It can be incredibly exhausting walking around in the heat, and you’ll wish you were back in your air conditioned hotel room!
The best time to visit Cambodia if you’re heading to Phnom Penh in our opinion is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and not too humid for exploring the Royal Palace, National Museum, and awesome local markets. However, Phnom Penh remains super lively during the rainy season, and the riverfront looks beautiful after showers. Phnom Penh is less impacted by tourists numbers than Siem Reap and Sihanoukville are due to a wider variety in the scene there. Siem Reap’s economy is very tourism-centric and is heavily impacted by the travel patterns of tourists.
Sihanoukville and Koh Rong are best enjoyed from November to April when the dry season offers crystal-clear and calm waters, making it perfect for beachgoers, divers, and island hoppers. Rougher seas during the wet season may limit boat travel, and some resorts or businesses may even close temporarily to save on costs, as they make all their money during the high season! You would be able to find some incredible deals if you wanted to brave it though.
We love the rainy season in Cambodia due to the way it changes the landscape and brings with it beautiful green scenery. Our personal recommendation for the best time to visit Cambodia is that sweet spot at the end of wet season as we come into dry season, so we’re talking around October/November time. This is when you get a great mix of dry days with clear skies, but also you can still experience the higher water levels of the Tonle Sap Lake and the rivers that flow through Cambodia.
You might still experience the occasional rainstorm, but if you’re planning to visit the waterfalls of Kulen Mountain, this is probably the best time of year to do it!
While it does happen, it’s fairly rare for it to be raining all day every day in Cambodia. Even during rainy season, the monsoon style storms are usually concentrated to short, heavy bursts of rain. These most often happen early evening or late afternoon and it’s the perfect opportunity to dip inside of a cool restaurant or bar and enjoy some food or a couple of beers while you wait for it to end. For some people, the best time to visit Cambodia is smack bang in the middle of rainy season, where they can enjoy a slower pace of life, cheaper deals, and the beautiful sound and sights of a powerful storm!
There’s also a lot less people around, so you’ll have a nicer pace of life and experience less crowding at Cambodia’s popular tourist sites. This is why when people ask about the best time to visit Cambodia, we tell them not to completely write off rainy season as an option! It can be more hot and humid during the days of rainy season, but after a big storm the air clears up massively and brings with it a fresh, cool atmosphere.
The best time to visit Cambodia depends entirely on what you want to experience. If you prefer sunny days, clear skies, and lively tourist areas, the dry season is ideal. But if you enjoy lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower costs, the wet season has its own charm. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, lively cities, or tropical beaches, Cambodia has something to offer all year round. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this fascinating country.
If you’re a fan of parties and festivities (who isn’t?) then we highly recommend visiting Cambodia, especially Siem Reap, during Khmer New Year. Khmer New Year is in April, but the exact dates change each year. During Khmer New Year, Cambodia turns into one giant party! It’s one of the best things to experience in Cambodia in our opinion. If you’re in Siem Reap for this celebration, expect the whole of Siem Reap city centre to turn into one giant water fight, with people from all over the country coming to visit Angkor Wat and have fun in town! April’s dry weather combined with the incredible atmosphere of the celebrations makes April one of the best times to visit Cambodia.
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