The Best Time to Visit Cambodia
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The Best Time to Visit Cambodia
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The Best Time to Visit Cambodia

Find out which time of year Cambodia gets the best weather. Whether you are looking to lounge in the sun or explore the lush green scenery, planning your trip based on the weather can make your memories last a lifetime.
watercolour map of Cambodia

When to visit Cambodia
(Quick Summary)

Best Time

October - March


Green Season

May - September


Beach Season

November - April


Wildlife

All Year (Kratie – Irrawaddy dolphins)
(Ratanakiri - gibbons)
(Cardamom Mountains)


 

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

 

January - April

This is an excellent time to visit Cambodia with its hot dry weather, sun-drenched beaches and clear blue skies - all day every day. It’s a reliable choice for winter sun and perfect if you’re looking to combine beach time with some cultural exploration. Be mindful that it will start to swelter in late March and April and the water levels fall from January onwards.

May - September

Tropical rains will come to all of Cambodia from May through September, although this is often a welcome break from the dry heat of April. It rarely rains all day every day, and the lush landscapes will return - hence the local name of “green season”. If you’re passionate about beautiful scenery (and want to make the most of low-season hotel offers), this could be a great time to visit, though we caution that there can be flooding in late August and September.

October - December

One of the best times to visit Cambodia is just after the wet season when the landscapes are still green and warm, and when dry and sunny days return. Weather in Cambodia in November is particularly lovely, as river levels are still high from the recent rains and rice paddies shimmer with fresh water. A December holiday in Cambodia can be a unique choice for a tropical Christmas, too.

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THE BEST 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 during this time. 

WET SEASON IN CAMBODIA

May to October marks the typical monsoon season, where rain can fall 4-5 days 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. Knai Bang Chatt exudes 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 luxury escapism. 

KEY DATES AND FESTIVALS

Like with many Southeast Asian countries, the 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 the Khmer New Year is right for you.

November is also an excellent month for those looking to experience 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).

Meet the Cambodia experts

Chione Sarah Ella Holly

Chione

After a year in Germany as part of her degree and a stint in Italy working as an English teacher, Chione knew she wanted travel to be a central part of her life. 

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Sarah

Sarah has nearly a decade of working as a travel specialist under her belt.

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Ella

Travel was an integral part of Ella’s life right from the start; growing up, her parents were always focused on taking the family to as many places as possible and passed over things like expensive Christmas and birthday presents for trips abroad. This culminated in the family moving to Boston for a few years when she was four, and the travel bug was well and truly caught.

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Holly

Holly’s first job in travel was in a marketing role. However, it didn’t take her long to decide to exchange inspecting photographs of amazing destinations for being in them herself.

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