With its magnificent temples, verdant rice paddies and unspoiled beaches, Cambodia entices travelers with a love of history, nature and all things real. However before we fly one burning question remains: when is the best time to visit Cambodia to have the best weather and best itinerary ? A genuinely tropical land, bathed in two very distinct seasons: the dry and the wet, Cambodia hereafter transforms herself month after month into a kaleidoscope of different faces. So you can plan ahead and won’t be surprised Autour Asia – your Cambodia travel specialist agency – gives you its tips to help you adapt your journey. Choosing the right time is the key to travel to Cambodia in the best conditions.
The weather in Cambodia is defined by a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. This alternation is mainly influenced by the monsoon system, which shapes the landscapes and travel conditions throughout the year.
Typically temperatures vary between 25°C and 35°C, and the country is warm all year round, making it feel very Asian really. The monsoon rains come, May through October, heavy but brief, usually late in the afternoon. Rather than being a disadvantage, this season brings a green Cambodia, with rice paddies and rural landscapes that go on for miles in all matter of green hues. In contrast, the dry season from November to April, is regarded as the best time to visit the temples of Angkor, explore Phnom Penh or unwind on the southern beaches, when air is drier and cooler. And it is exactly by visiting these dichotomies that one can determine what is the best time to visit Cambodia to have the finest weather conditions.
In short, Cambodia’s climate is both predictable and diverse, allowing travelers to easily adapt their itinerary according to their preferences: radiant sunshine, cultural discoveries, or immersion in vibrant tropical nature.
Northwest Cambodia has a tropical climate with a dry and wet seasons. The cool and sunny weather from November through February is the best time to visit Cambodia, ideal for visiting the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap or the expansive rice fields of Battambang. It's hotter in March and April but also the time of festive celebrations for the Khmer New Year. From May to October the monsoon rolls in and brings the waters of Tonlé Sap to full flow, as the plains and rural landscapes are transformed by the rainy season into stunning shades of vibrant green. It is also a time to see the temples of Angkor without the crush of tourists, providing a genuine experience untainted by industrial tourism.
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North Cambodia and Northeast have a somewhat different climate to the rest of the country. Because of the altitude and the thick forests, the air is cooler and more enjoyable, particularly in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri. The weather in Cambodia is perfect between November and February: sunny days, cooler nights, and trails that are open to access so you can visit waterfalls and traditional villages. March and April are still hot but bearable, thanks to the highlands, with the monsoon coming in between May and October. In this time period the monsoonal rains drive the region: wild rivers, deep green forests and stunning vistas.
A land of unspoiled nature and living traditions, the northeast offers an authentic experience far from the bustle of the cities, and it is by understanding when to travel to Cambodia that one can truly enjoy this unique region, between lush jungle and encounters with local communities.
More details: What to do in Ratanakiri
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Central Cambodia, including Phnom Penh and the Mekong plain, is generally hot and humid but with more rainfall than the surrounding mountainous regions. From December to February, the heat is more tolerable and river walks are delightful. The hottest months are March and April, occasionally suffocating, before the monsoon arrives in May and brings rain until October. At this time the Mekong and Tonlé Sap overflow and flood the plains, but they also leave behind rich alluvial soil vital for planting rice. It's also the heart of the country, with colorful markets, pagodas, and sunsets over the river, and knowing the best time to visit Cambodia will let you make the most of the vibration and grey of this middle area.
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Western Cambodia’s climate dances to tropical beats – a sticky, hot dry season, a cool, gracious monsoon. From November to February, it is cooler: that’s when you can admire the golden rice fields in Battambang or the forested hills of the Cardamoms. The heat is stronger in March and April, but it’s also the best Season for visiting the caves of Phnom Sampov or cruising on the Sangkae River at sunset! The earth drinks from the rains between May and October, its fields of rice turning vivid green and mountain waterfalls becoming breath-taking. For fans of tropical wilderness and wildlife, this is the peak season. Taking these contrasts into account, it is a bit clearer when to go to Cambodia to enjoy to the limit this land of rolling farmlands and unspoilt mountains.
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Cambodia’s coast has a tropical climate moderated by the sea, with stable temperatures hovering around 30°C all year round. It’s the only time you want to be there: Cambodia for its perfect weather November to February (blue skies, low humidity, calm seas), the beaches of Sihanoukville, the Koh Rong islands, or the laid-back vibes of Kampot and Kep. From May to October, the monsoon rains fall every day and the sea can be a bit rougher but also this is when nature turns emerald green and a wilder coastlines emerges between fishing villages and tropics. Southern Cambodia will enchant you regardless of the time of the year, with its slow pace of life and spectacular sun-drenched beaches.
You can refer to: Southern Cambodia 7-day tour
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In eastern Cambodia, life dances a rhythm to the Mekong. Hot and humid, but it is the river that determines the seasons and the activities and by knowing the best time to visit Cambodia you will be able to make the most out of this region. From November to February, the weather is cooler and the water is calmer, perfect for boat trips, visiting floating markets and catching a glimpse of Irrawaddy dolphins near Kratie. Heat rises from March to May, yet that is when the stilt villages are also at their most vibrant. The monsoon swells the Mekong from June to October: some parts may be submerged, but the views are breathtaking, with lush greenery and pastoral lands. Traveling like this feels like going back to the real Cambodia, shaped by the changing tides of the river.
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To prepare your trip to Cambodia, it is essential to know what to expect depending on the time of year. Here is an overview month by month of the climate and the best places to visit.
| Month | Characteristics | Places to visit |
Dry and cool climate, clear sky, ideal for traveling everywhere | Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor), Battambang, Kampot | |
Sunny weather, pleasant temperatures, low humidity | Angkor, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, southern islands (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem) | |
Hotter weather, long and dry days, still ideal for sightseeing | Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kratié (Mekong dolphins) | |
Hottest month of the year, temperatures often above 35°C | Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom | |
Start of the rainy season, showers in late afternoon, greener landscapes | Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Kampot, Kratié | |
Regular but short rains, lush vegetation, budget-friendly travel | Battambang, Siem Reap (fewer tourists), Mondulkiri | |
Rainy season, green rice fields, calmer atmosphere | Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratié (Mekong), Phnom Penh | |
Peak of monsoon, heavy but short downpours, tropical atmosphere | Phnom Penh (culture, museums), Mondulkiri, Kampot | |
Rainiest month, possible floods near the Mekong and Tonlé Sap | Battambang, Siem Reap (green season visits), Phnom Penh | |
Rains gradually decrease, pleasant temperatures, Water Festival in Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham | |
Start of the cool and dry season, perfect conditions for traveling | Angkor, Phnom Penh, Kampot & Kep, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong | |
Dry weather, blue skies, high tourist season, festive atmosphere | Siem Reap (Angkor), Phnom Penh, Battambang, southern beaches |
The best time to visit Cambodia is during November and March. This is when the country experiences its dry season. You could say the sun is out everyday. The temperature varies between 25 to 30°C which still is comfortable. The air is drier and humidity low. It's the perfect time to explore the magic of the Angkor temples in Siem Reap. In Phnom Penh, you can take leisurely walks along busy streets and then duck into a market or just sit and watch the bustle of everyday life. And if you love the sea, go south! Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep and the islands of Koh Rong - they’re all calling your name. Life slows down there, you breathe and you savor the Cambodian way of living.
From May to October, it is the rainy season. The country changes its face: the countryside turns green, the rice fields shine with an incredible glow, and there are fewer tourists at the sites. Of course, showers can be heavy at the end of the day, but they give way to a more peaceful atmosphere. It is a time that attracts those who like to travel differently, in a calmer and more authentic Cambodia. In short, November to March remains the most comfortable season, but in the end, Cambodia can be experienced all year round, with each season revealing a different charm.
Knowing the best time to visit Cambodia is essential to making the most of your trip. It’s lived every season: dry season, between November and March, that offers sunny days ideal to visit Angkor, Phnom Penh, or the beaches on the South; then you have the rain season, between May and October, when the sceneries turn green and the fields once again come to live. Come any time of year, a trip to Cambodia holds a wealth of cultural, natural, and plain-old-human surprises. Autour Asia, your expert travel agency in Cambodia, would design a trip customized for you, which means authenticity and real immersion at the heart of Khmer Kingdom, so you can plan your stay without worries.
For more details, please refer to:
- What language is spoken in Cambodia
- How long to spend in Cambodia
- Solo female travel 3 weeks in Cambodia in October
- Cambodia Travel Guide
- Cambodia tours itinerary 2 weeks
- Cambodia Tours
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