Best time to visit Cambodia
The weather here is hot and humid because it is located above the equator. There is no winter. You'll like Cambodia if you don't like winters! There are three distinct seasons in Cambodia: the cool, hot, and rainy seasons.
Cool season: From December to February
In November, the temperature begins to drop, and December and January are actually rather comfortable. January is the coolest month of the year. Although temperatures might start to increase by the end of the month, February is still pleasant. For many tourists, the greatest time to visit temples or go climbing or trekking is during the cool season because it is when Cambodia is at its most comfortable temperature. Therefore, if you plan to have a Cambodia tour during this time, you should know that attractive tourist places will be very crowded.
Trekking in Cambodia
Hot season: From March to May
Temperatures start to reach 40 °C in April, which is often the hottest month of the year. During the summer season, it sometimes rains, mainly in quick, heavy and lasting less than an hour. The beaches would be the best location at this time. Even though Siem Reap and Angkor Wat are famous among Cambodia destinations, the country also features hundreds of kilometers of stunning beaches along the Gulf of Thailand.
Rainy season (hot and cool): From June to October
One of the most essential things to remember is that while it can rain up to 20 days per month during the rainy season, the rains are normally short (less than an hour) and predictable, occurring mostly in the afternoons. You may think the rainy season can ruin your Cambodia trip; however, it might bring some advantages for you.
Exploring Siem Reap in Cambodia
Traveling off-season in Cambodia
Spending time in Cambodia vacations during the rainy season is not as bad as most people believe. The wet season, or "off-peak season," lasts from June to November and is cooler and less expensive, with fewer tourists. There are several advantages when you visit Cambodia at this time
Firstly, the weather is actually not really bad. It usually rains, but not all day. The rain is actually very predictable. It typically rains in the afternoon about 3 or 4 pm in Cambodia during the rainy season, and it only lasts an hour or two.
Secondly, Cambodia tourist spots will be less crowded. Traveling during the rainy season allows you to escape the massive crowds and immerse yourself completely in the destination. This is the perfect time for you to explore the famous places which are very crowded in the dry season. Siem Reap tours or Phnom Penh tours are great recommendations for you.
Thirdly, the cost is cheaper. The cost of transportation is lower, bargaining in marketplaces is easier, and accommodation prices are at their lowest.
Traveling to Phnom Penh in Cambodia
Overall, visiting Cambodia off-season is not a terrible decision for you if you want to avoid the massive crowd.
If you are still unsure about the weather in Cambodia, the detailed information about the weather in Cambodia for each month provided below will help you be more confident when making a plan. We hope that the information that Asia Private Travels gives you can help you learn more about this fascinating country!
Visiting Cambodia in January
Throughout Cambodia, the weather will be favorable during January, with bright skies, little or no rain, and moderate temperatures. This is among the most popular months to travel in Cambodia.
Festival and events
Lunar New Year: January in Cambodia is when the most awaited events take place. The Khmer communities light up the occasion with bright fireworks while the locals celebrate the Lunar New Year with food, dance, and music.
Celebrating New Year in Cambodia
Angkor Festival: This is an event you do not want to miss, with everything from theater performances and folk music to a rich exhibition of traditional costumes. Also, from Angkor Wat, you can take Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh tour to explore more about Cambodia.
Visiting Cambodia in February
In February, the weather is perfect in Cambodia. February is regarded as 'relatively' cool, with temperatures averaging roughly 27°C across the country. This is a good time to travel across Cambodia. Taking a Siem Reap trip is a good idea. You will have many interesting activities included in many tours to explore Siem Reap such as the Siem Reap bike tour, Siem Reap floating village, jeep tour of Siem Reap… To get to know more about Siem Reap, you can find places to visit in Siem Reap.
Siem Reap cycling tour in Cambodia
Festivals and events
Meak Bochea Day is a national holiday in Cambodia that is celebrated on the full moon of the third Khmer lunar month, which falls in either late February or early March. Buddhists engage in candlelight processions within local temples on this day to commemorate Meak Bochea.
Visiting Cambodia in March
In March, the entire country of Cambodia may enjoy perfect weather. March is your final chance to experience Cambodia's ideal weather conditions before the scorching summer season arrives. The country's average daily temperature is approximately 30°C, and there is little or no rain during dry and sunny days. Thanks to good weather conditions, you can have a great time to explore Cambodia. Getting tours in Phnom Penh is a good option for you. Don’t miss cycling in Phnom Penh, quad bike Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh food tour, the weather encourages you to give it a try. For good preparation, you can find more information on the best places to visit in Phnom Penh.
Enjoying amazing Phnom Penh street food in Cambodia
Festivals and events
The River Festival, which takes place in mid-March, is a must-see for anyone traveling to Cambodia's north. Boxing matches, boat races, and musical performances can be witnessed while fireworks light up the city. Take part in some friendly competition while dining on excellent cuisine and beverages with the locals.
Visiting Cambodia in April
April is one of the hottest months in Cambodia, with average temperatures of 35°C and the potential of temperatures reaching 40°C. If you don't mind the heat, now is a wonderful time to travel because some of the most popular locations, including the amazing Angkor ancient city, have fewer visitors.
Festivals and events
Khmer New Year: Khmer New Year is a three-day celebration held on April 13 or 14 each year that originally celebrates the completion of the harvest season and is Cambodia's most important holiday.
Visiting Cambodia in May
Early May in Cambodia can be dry and cooler than April; by the end of the month, rains are likely to begin over the country, albeit in small amounts. Indeed, this is still a good month to travel, especially if you want to escape the crowds at the peak time of the year. Getting to Siem Reap and then traveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is a fantastic adventure for you!
Festivals and events
Buddha’s Birthday: Imagine walking through the city with hundreds of Buddhist monks while they carry bowls filled with lotus flowers as part of a sacred procession. This is how Cambodians commemorate Buddha's birthday.
Buddist festival in Cambodia
King’s Birthday Festival: King Sihomani gives offerings to the poor and monks to commemorate his birthday, which also takes place with many activities at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and a nightly fireworks display at the Riverside.
Visiting Cambodia in June
June is often hot, with heavy rain on the south coast and sunny, frequently drier weather in the central regions. The weather varies depending on the place you visit. You should be ready for excessive humidity and frequent downpours of rain everywhere you go in Cambodia at this time of year.
Festivals and events
In June, one of the first months of the wet season in Cambodia, there aren't many notable events because of the hot temperature and excessive humidity.
Visiting Cambodia in July
Even though July is one of the wettest months in Cambodia, it often only rains quickly and strongly and doesn't last all day. The tourist sites are less crowded, making this a great month to visit if you want to escape the busy season crowds, even though it will certainly rain at this time of year.
Festival and events
Bonn Chol Vassa: This event marks the start of the three-month Buddhist fasting and meditation period known as Lent. This celebration is thought to be lucky for young men seeking to become monks.
Visiting Cambodia in August
August is a rainy month in Cambodia, especially along the southern coast. However, most rains are short and heavy, making way for sunlight and hot weather. The rainy season in August may have an impact on travel if you are traveling in remote areas with less developed roads.
Festivals and events
The peak of Cambodia's rainy season is in August. This month is also one of the few without major festivities. You can spend all of your time exploring the beauty of Cambodia and even nearby countries through several tours, such as Vietnam and Cambodia tours from UK, Vietnam Cambodia Laos tour…
Discovering Hoian, Vietnam
Visiting Cambodia in September
In Southeast Asia's Cambodia, September is a hot and wet period of the year, with frequent downpours and high levels of humidity. Although it rains a lot in September, the downpours are often short and heavy, and the region is lush and green because of the water and sunshine.
Festivals and events
Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day): Chum Ben is dedicated to blessing the souls of the dead and honoring ancestors. This festival is regarded as the most important of the year in terms of both culture and religion.
Visiting Cambodia in October
As the rainy season comes to an end and the dry season begins, Cambodia is starting to see more favorable weather in October. If you're planning to go on a hike, this is a perfect month to go because the countryside is currently lush and green from longer periods of rain. Cambodia cycling tours or Siem Reap countryside tours are quite appropriate tours in this time!
Festivals and events
Pchum Ben: This Cambodian tradition, also known as the "Festival of the Dead" and the "Hungry Ghosts Festival," honors seven generations of ancestors with food offerings at pagodas (shrines). Pchum Ben is one of the most well-known celebrations in the country, often occurring in September or October.
Pchum Ben festival in Cambodia
Visiting Cambodia in November
After a long period of rain, November marks the beginning of Cambodia's dry season. With warm temperatures and lots of sunshine, this is a popular time of year to travel to the country. There is a little probability of rain at the beginning of the month, but as the days go by, the weather becomes drier and drier. If you want to avoid the unexpected rain, visit in the final week of November. This is the best month to visit Cambodia.
Festivals and events
Cambodian Independence Day
Bon Om Touk: One of the biggest festivals in Cambodia, takes place annually on a full moon day in November. The Khmer people will compete in boat races to express gratitude for providing a bountiful crop, good health, and well-being.
Bon Om Touk festival in Cambodia
Visiting Cambodia in December
The high season begins in December when the weather is dry, sunny, and warm. The weather’s ideal for Cambodia sightseeing, exploring, and relaxing on the beaches.
Festivals and events
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon: The festival is organized to advocate for a prohibition on the production and cruel use of antipersonnel mines. Your participation will be very meaningful. Don’t miss it!
Hope that this information can help you on your Cambodia trip. If you have any difficulty, contact Asia Private Travels for more information! We can help you create your Cambodia itinerary for free.