Festivals, Temperatures, and Quieter Periods: The Best Times to Visit Cambodia

Us locals here at Amber Kampot have lived in Cambodia during all seasons—so we know the nation’s weather patterns, we know when the best festivities occur, and we know top times to visit and coming up, we’ve shared it all with you. But before we get to all the details, here’s a quick summary:

In terms of annual weather, Cambodia’s temperatures don’t change too dramatically. Similarly, sunset and sunrise times stay pretty consistent year-round. And though humidity levels vary throughout the year, the nation is always quite a humid place.

 As you might know, Cambodia’s biggest weather-related consideration is its rainy season, which descends upon Cambodia from around May until around October. But even if you visit during rainy season, the weather isn’t typically as disruptive as you might expect—and you don’t endure all-day rains. Instead, you can usually expect a daily afternoon storm, lasting between 1 and 2 hours. 

Broadly speaking, the best time to visit Cambodia is between November and March, when you’ll find little rain, and not so much humidity. But it’s a little more nuanced than that… so coming up, we’ve brought you a month-by-month breakdown, including tips on weather, things to do, places to visit, and events and attractions.

Note: we’ve taken all information from WeatherSpark, where you can find even more statistical detail than we’ve included here. It’s highly useful for planning any trip anywhere.

January

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: seeing dolphins, enjoying watersports, and heading to lesser-known areas
• Average low temperature: 73ºF/23ºC
• Average high temperature: 88ºF/31ºC
• General expected weather: low temperatures, low humidity, and no rain

During Cambodia’s January, you’ll find lots of crowds. All attractions and activities are busy… but because the lack of rain makes the nation’s waters very clear, diving and snorkeling are particularly popular.

January’s dry days are also an ideal period for spotting river-swimming dolphins close to Kratie… or enjoying immersive hikes (in Mondulkiri, the nation’s national parks, or the Cardamom Mountains).

If you want to avoid crowds during this busy period, consider heading somewhere a little quieter. Destinations like Kampot and Kep can offer a huge contrast to the busy bustle of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

February 

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: outdoor adventures
• Average low temperature: 75ºF/24ºC
• Average high temperature: 91ºF/33ºC
• General expected weather: low temperatures, low humidity, and no rain

Low temperatures again, and lots of tourists again—February is incredibly similar to January, and all well-known destinations are busy (whether they’re cities, beaches, or tourist attractions). 

Because temperatures are relatively cool, now is a good time for many outdoor adventures in Cambodia. Hiking is a great option—while some tourists also like to explore places like Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Cham by bicycle.

march

• • Best time to visit Cambodia for: visiting before the rains and humidity begin, and finding a quieter beachside spot
  • Average low temperature: 78ºF/25.5ºC
  • Average high temperature: 94ºF/34.5ºC
  • General expected weather: no rain, high temperatures, not too much humidity 

  The last not-too-humid month before the beginning of the monsoon season—and the very peak of the tourist season.

  If you plan to visit during these months, you might want to consider heading to smaller parts of the nation, where fewer tourists venture. For beachside adventures, consider Koh Kong or Koh Rong Samleon.

  Wherever you’re going, you should book in advance—the majority of good hotels and resorts have no vacancies during this period. So if you want to stay at Amber Kampot in March, it’s best to book ahead of time.

april 

• • Best time to visit Cambodia for: slightly-fewer crowds, and the Khmer New Year
  • Average low temperature: 80ºF/27ºC
  • Average high temperature: 95ºF/35ºC
  • General expected weather: very high temperatures, and high humidity

   This is the last time to visit before the monsoon season arrives. Because April’s humidity is high, the month can be a great time to head to the beach—you get the respite of a dip in the sea, and the sands aren’t as crowded as they were in earlier months.

   You should therefore consider some of Cambodia’s better-known beachside locations, like Koh Rong and Sihanoukville. April also hosts the biggest celebration in the Cambodian calendar. Cambodian New Year (or ‘Khmer New Year’) runs from the 14th to the 16th of April, and features temple visits, hands-on games, the traditional snack of ‘kralan,’ and an exciting atmosphere. To get a non-touristy insight into the authenticity of the event, try enjoying the occasion in a smaller part of the nation.

may

• • Best time to visit Cambodia for: religious insights, and an appealing mixture of few crowds and not-quite-so-much rain
  • Average low temperature: 80ºF/27ºC
  • Average high temperature: 94ºF/34.5ºC
  • General expected weather: high temperatures, high humidity, and the beginnings of heavy monsoons 

   

  Although May is rainy, it’s not as wet as the months to come… 

   

  … so visiting now can be a good compromise—you dodge most of the tourist crowds, but the rain isn’t so disruptive. 

   

  It can therefore be a good time to visit the nation’s most well-known attractions and areas (like Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, or Phnom Penh).

   

  Around May, you can also experience Buddhist Day (also known as ‘Vesak Bochea’). One of the holiest events of the year, highlights include temple visits, scripture recitals, and the mass gathering at Preah Reach Troap. Typically held in either April or May, the exact date changes every year: in 2025, Buddhist Day will occur on the May 11th.

   

  May also marks the start of the rice-growing season, so it’s a great time for agricultural experiences. Head to rice-growing areas (like Battambang and the villages around it) to see how locals plan and prepare.

  June

  • Best time to visit Cambodia for: affordable luxury, and visiting indoor attractions 
  • Average low temperature: 79ºF/26ºC
  • Average high temperature: 92ºF/33ºC
  • General expected weather: lots of rain, slightly longer days, and an increase in humidity 

   

  This is when the monsoon season really gets going—June is among Cambodia’s rainiest months. On the plus side, this means fewer crowds, a more authentic side to life, and good deals on accommodation.

   

  If you’re seeking luxury on a budget, now is a great time to find it.

   

  Now’s also the time to consider hitting Cambodia’s indoor attractions, and taking a river cruise from Battambang to Siem Reap (due to the preceding rains, the river is in full force again).

July

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: great deals on great accommodation, and fantastic food 
• Average low temperature: 79ºF/26ºC
• Average high temperature: 90ºF/32ºC
• General expected weather: mid-level temperatures, high humidity, and a vague rain respite

July is a little less rainy than June and August. It’s also a particularly good time for food. Because the rains have been falling for a while, fresh foods are abundant. So you can find a wider-than-usual variety of excellent Cambodian dishes, along with unique and unusual in-season fruits. Like June, July can be a good time for finding off-season bargains at high-end hotels… and for enjoying popular attractions without big crowds.

August

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: birdwatching, green landscapes, and enjoying indoor luxury 
• Average low temperature: 78ºF/25.5ºC
• Average high temperature: 90ºF/32ºC
• General expected weather: high temperature and lots of rain
• By August, rains have been falling for a while… so Cambodia begins to look spectacularly green. If you want to see Cambodia’s rural regions looking their best (without hiking or cycling in them), now’s the time.
• This is also a popular period for birdwatching on the shores of massive Tonle Sap, the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. During August, people head here from around the planet to see some of the world’s biggest and most endangered water-based birds.

Because August is so rainy, you can use the month as a convenient excuse for some lazy indoor relaxation. Sure, it might be raining outside… but you still can enjoy some elegance and indulgence indoors. Find a resort with spa treatments, wellness packages and fine dining (like Amber Kampot!), and the weather becomes irrelevant.

September

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: as few crowds as possible 
• Average low temperature: 78ºF/25.5ºC
• Average high temperature: 89ºF/31.5ºC
• General expected weather: lots of rain 

Some years, September can be Cambodia’s rainiest month—so it’s best to avoid this period if possible. Though visiting in September is better than never visiting at all, September doesn’t offer many perks aside from a noticeable lack of other tourists. 

October 

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: good weather with few crowds, nabbing some deals, and Angkor at its best
• Average low temperature: 78ºF/25.5ºC
• Average high temperature: 87ºF/30.5ºC
• General expected weather: pleasant temperatures, little rain, and very high humidity 

October gives you Angkor Wat at its finest—you get fewer crowds and not so much rain. More importantly, the rain-fed landscapes are looking green and bright, and Angkor’s backdrop is particularly beautiful. This is also your last chance to get some accommodation deals. The tourist season is soon to swell… but October still offers the last few lingering cut-price bargains. All that said, the very-high humidity in October can be a little overwhelming—if you want some respite, venture to smaller places (big cities can be stiflingly sweaty) or coastal spots.

November 

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: excellent weather, and two of the nation’s biggest events
• Average low temperature: 76ºF/24.5ºC
• Average high temperature: 87ºF/30.5ºC
• General expected weather: mid-range temperatures and very little rain

This is when the monsoon season begins to transform into the dry season. Prices are higher again, and crowds are back again—but the weather is at its best. If you visit during November, you’ll enjoy the fun and festivities of Cambodian Independence Day, which falls on the 9th of the month. One of the happiest events in the Cambodian calendar, nationwide celebrations include street food, fireworks, and performances. Cambodia’s water festival (‘Bon Om Tuk’) usually also falls in November (in 2025, it’ll be the 4th – 6th of November). The event marks the end of the monsoon season, and features boat races, street food, fireworks displays, traditional chants, and illuminated lanterns. You can expect large festivities in Phnom Penh—but small-scale local celebrations (in places like Kampot and Kep) are equally interesting. 

If you’re visiting in November, book accommodations in advance. They sell out fast. 

December 

• Best time to visit Cambodia for: cool weather, heading to Tonle Sap, and avoiding the bustle of a western Christmas
• Average low temperature: 73ºF/23ºC
• Average high temperature: 87ºF/30.5ºC
• General expected weather: low humidity, low rain, and slightly lower temperatures
• December is the coolest of all Cambodia’s months—so it’s an excellent time to enjoy beaches and islands (or anywhere in the nation!) without stifling heat. It’s also a perfect time to visit Tonle Sap. As the rains have only just subsided, the lake is at its biggest and fullest—and can hold up to 5x more water than during dry season. Perfect for seeing floating villages, floating markets, and lots of birds. If you want to avoid the western European Christmas crowds, head to Cambodia now. Although the occasion is vaguely acknowledged in tourist areas, there’s no Christmas fuss or disruption here. So you can enjoy a stress-free month.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia: Final Thoughts

Okay, that’s us done here—and that’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit Cambodia. So to sum things up. If you’re looking to avoid rain, head to Cambodia between November and March. For fewer crowds, travel outside of those months. And for a decent compromise, consider October or May.

For more on visiting the nation, here are our guides on where to stay in Cambodia, and the best places to visit in Cambodia. Thanks for reading, thanks for choosing Amber Kampot, and hopefully we’ll see you soon.