Cambodia is one of the several Asian countries that claim a repeated climate throughout the year, making it a great destination for tourists. However, it has two different seasons: wet and dry. Both are the determining factor for the right time to visit. Whether you want to bathe in the sunshine or want to roam around the city, there is no wrong time to visit this beautiful country which is full of lush greenery and culture. With such an awesome climate, it is a great place to visit. So, let us see the best time to visit Cambodia.
Best Time To Visit Cambodia
Weather in Cambodia
It is always better to have a look at the weather conditions before visiting Cambodia. The best time of the year to visit Cambodia depends on what you plan to do during your travels and if you want to avoid the rainy season.
The weather is hot throughout the year but rises in March and May when the temperature can reach nearly32 degrees and above. In December and January, the weather here is dry, but the temperature is slightly cool- it is generally expected to be about 25 to 30 degrees Celsius during this time. The cooler part of the season between November and February is the best time for tourism. Mild enough to explore temples in the comfort but is warm enough to sunbathe by the coastline.
The best time to visit Cambodia is from May to October. These months bring nearly 75% of the country’s annual rainfall. Here, the rainy season is humid, and temperatures will still be high.
When is the rainy season in Cambodia?
The southwesterly monsoon from May to October brings the rainy season, strong winds, and humidity. The northeasterly monsoon brings the sunshine with it. From November to April, Cambodia is hot with an average temperature increasing around 32 degrees Celsius.
It can be worth visiting this place during the rainy season. The scenery can be attractive. Mornings are generally dry, and the rain starts usually in the afternoon. Generally, there are windows of bright sunshine and a clear sky.
In September and October, the rain can be more consistent and substantial. It is naturally a quiet place, making it the best time to visit Cambodia for many. Traveling by road can be affected during the rainy season as there are possibilities of a flood. During the rainy season, as it does not rain throughout the day, you can enjoy sightseeing. It is one of the quietest times to visit popular landmarks like the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the Angkor Wat. There will be less crowd and the countryside are full of greenery. Your travel plans may get affected if you are traveling between the cities Battambang, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, or if traveling to nearby villages as flooding can take place.
Visiting Cambodia in Winter
Cambodia does not have an official winter season. Throughout the year, it is hot. Many travelers choose to visit this place between December and February because of the cooler temperatures. January is generally the coldest month, but during this month the temperatures are nearly 25 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. If you want to visit the Temples of Angkor, explore the colorful markets, or go trekking in the jungle, then it is the best time to do so.
The slightly lower temperatures make it the best time to visit Cambodia and other cities like Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap. It is much easier to visit museums, markets, and temples with less humidity. As it is one of the best times to visit Cambodia, you will find a crowd everywhere.
December to February is peak season and one of the most popular times for traveling, so make sure you book your accommodation beforehand. Generally, accommodation is expensive here. Spending Christmas in Cambodia is quite popular, so be sure to book accommodation well in advance. You must also be prepared for crowds at the main tourist places. Visiting Angkor Wat can get quite busy during this time. December is a great choice if you want to see rivers, lakes, and Tonle Sap floating villages as they are generally full during the rainy season.
Visiting Cambodia in Spring
In spring, you can enjoy the sunshine and explore the idyllic beaches of Cambodia. This is one of the best things to do in Cambodia. For people who are looking for a beach holiday in a tropical paradise, this can be the best time to visit Cambodia. You must visit the Southern islands during this time of the year. During this time of the year, you can enjoy kayaking and paddleboard along the Kampot river or explore nearby Kep and Rabbit Island. The clear skies also make it the right time to enjoy a boat tour.
March to May
Spring in Cambodia means a lot of sunshine and humidity. At the beginning of March, the winter travelers start to leave, making it a great time to visit for those who do not prefer crowds. As the weather is perfect, you can head out to the Jungle of Cardamom Mountain or sail on the river in the Kampot outskirts.
During April, people celebrate Khmer New Year. They play different traditional games and participate in the rice cake baking competition. They drink, dance, and enjoy to the fullest.
June To September
The wet season in Cambodia formally starts in June and can present some challenges to travelers. Everyday humidity reaches about 80% and heavy downpour dampens the trips to places like Sihanoukville and Cardamom. Despite this, the rains do not last for the whole day and if you want to find a shelter for a bit, it is the best time to explore.
Temperatures cool because of the rain and the countryside is green and lush
Paddy fields are flooded and rivers overflow, making it a great time to visit the countryside. Tonle Sap Lake grows up to 5 times its normal size and is also the home to several floating villages and flooded forests. You will find less or no crowd at Angkor Wat.
October to November
With the rains beginning to lessen, October is one of the best months to visit Cambodia. The winter crowds are still to arrive and the green landscapes are lush due to the rains. The waterfalls of Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri are brimming, making them the best swimming spots. In November, travelers start to flock to the country, making temple visits a bit longer.
However, do not let this discourage you. With temperatures averaging nearly 77 and the shining sun, it is one of the best times to visit the coast and the islands.
October & November are filled with celebrations and festivals
In October, Pchum Benh, a Buddhist festival that celebrates the departed ancestors, is celebrated for 15 days all over the country. Many of the major celebrations take place on the last day as the locals pay their respect to the deceased family members.
In November, in Phnom Penh, the Water Festival aka Bon Om Touk is held. During the event that continues for three days, hundreds of colorful dragon boats compete across the Tonle Sap River. Millions of people from different parts of the country come to see this festival.
Finally comes February. If you are ready to fight the crowds and you are looking for a romantic getaway, consider Cambodia.