Best Time to Visit Cambodia: Weather and Festivals Guide

Cambodia is located in the tropical zone of Southeast Asia and is blessed with a straightforward climate. As with other countries in the region, Cambodia has a distinct wet and dry season. However, we argue that the dry season is not necessarily the ‘best’ time to go to Cambodia (unless you’re looking for some serious beach time). The monsoon rains bring exceptionally lush scenery, with verdant vegetation and floating villages at their most picturesque. Choosing when to go to depends on what you’d like to get out of your luxury Cambodia holiday - and our specialists would be more than happy to help you figure that out. 

Weather in Cambodia throughout the year

The Seasons in Cambodia

Cambodia’s dry season lasts from mid-October through until April. To us, October to November is one of the best times to go to Cambodia, as although you may see residual rains, the landscapes are exceptionally green and beautiful. December and January are the two most popular months to visit Cambodia, with low humidity and mild temperatures on the cards. Over the following months, temperatures creep up, and by the time April comes around, it can be unbearably hot (frequently reaching well over 40°C). However, the beaches and seaside towns in the south can offer sun-seekers some dazzling ocean vistas at this time. 

May to October marks the typical monsoon season, where rain can fall 4-5 days out of each week. During the wet season, the rice paddies are full of water, the floating villages spring back to life, and the temples of Angkor reflect serenely in their pools and reservoirs. Though we understand that the rain will deter many travellers, for landscape lovers this can be a brilliant time to visit. You can also take great advantage of low season offers, too. 

Beach season in Cambodia

Naturally, the dry season (November - April) is the best time to go to the beaches in Cambodia. Travelling at the beginning of the dry season, from November and December, tends to be slightly cooler, while in March to April temperatures can average around 30ºC. For that reason, if you’d like to combine beach time with sightseeing, we’d usually recommend travelling earlier in the season. 

Cambodia’s coastline has a few lovely resorts, with colonial beach properties like Knai Bang Chatt that exude character, though the beaches here tend to be smaller and are often human-made. However, head to the islands off Sihanoukville, and you’ll see the best of Cambodia’s beaches. Islands such as Koh Rong Samloem offer pristine sands and waters, while private islands such as Song Saa provide the ultimate in luxury escapism. 

Key Dates and Festivals

Like with many Southeast Asian countries, Cambodian new year takes place in April and forms the country’s most important festival. Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei, as it is locally known, usually begins on the 13th or 14th and comprises a three-day celebration in which most Cambodians have time off work to spend time with their families. Though many bars and restaurants shut during this time, especially in Phnom Penh, it is also a period filled with music and festivity. Talk to your specialist about whether a visit for Khmer new year is right for you.

November is also an excellent month for those looking to get involved in exciting Cambodian events. Celebrated with colourful boat races, The Water Festival marks the change of course of the Tonle Sap waters. In contrast, Independence Day marks independence from French colonial rule in 1953 (not to be confused with Liberation Day, which takes place in January and commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979).