Cambodia
Cambodia · Asia
The best time to visit Cambodia is January, February, March, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 36°C (97°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 22°C (72°F), dropping to around 18°C (64°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Cambodia – What you should know
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with a pronounced dry season (November to April) and an intense rainy season (May to October). Angkor Wat and the temple complexes around Siem Reap are most pleasant to explore during the dry season: temperatures of typically 28–34°C (82–93°F), little rain, and the historic structures reflected in clear moats.
The rainy season has its own appeal, however: the landscape turns green, Tonlé Sap Lake swells to six times its dry-season area and floods the surrounding lowlands. This unique ecosystem attracts nature lovers and photographers who want to document the floating villages and the rich birdlife.
The hottest time in Cambodia is March to April, just before the monsoon begins: the monthly average high temperature reaches 34°C (93°F), and high humidity makes intensive sightseeing tours exhausting. Early morning (before 9 a.m.) is the most pleasant time to visit Angkor Wat during this period — and the sunrise over the temple spires is one of the most memorable travel experiences in Southeast Asia.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 33° (91°)29– (84–)35 (95) | 35° (95°)31– (88–)37 (99) | 36° (97°)31– (88–)38 (100) | 35° (95°)31– (88–)37 (99) | 34° (93°)30– (86–)36 (97) | 33° (91°)29– (84–)35 (95) | 33° (91°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)24– (75–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)25 (77) |
☀️Sunshine | 9h | 9h | 9h | 9h | 8h | 7h | 6h | 7h | 5h | 6h | 8h | 8h |
🌧Rain Days | 2d17mm (0.7") | 2d17mm (0.7") | 5d40mm (1.6") | 11d96mm (3.8") | 18d151mm (6.0") | 18d145mm (5.7") | 21d189mm (7.4") | 21d185mm (7.3") | 25d300mm (11.8") | 20d228mm (9.0") | 9d79mm (3.1") | 3d21mm (0.8") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In March, April, and May, temperatures can exceed 34°C (93°F) — during physical activity or with children, it's best to stick to morning and evening hours.
April offers great weather in Cambodia with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Cambodia
November – April
Dry season — Angkor Wat at its best: sunrise over the temples without heat exhaustion, the moats like mirrors. Khmer New Year in April is celebrated with sand stupas on the temple grounds.
May – October
Rainy season: Angkor Wat wrapped in green, the moats full and reflective. Fewer visitors, noticeably lower prices. Bon Om Touk in November celebrates the end of the rainy season with boat races.
Events & Festivals
April
- Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)· 13–15 April
Cambodia's most important festival, with three days of celebrations in temples and on the streets. In Siem Reap, colourful sand stupas are built on the temple grounds of Angkor and traditional games are played.
November
- Bon Om Touk – Water Festival· varies (full moon in November, 3 days)
Cambodia's most important popular festival celebrates the annual reversal of the Tonlé Sap River. Spectacular boat races take place on the river, and in the evenings illuminated boats light up the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
- The best time to visit Cambodia is January, February, March, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Cambodia?
- In summer, daytime highs in Cambodia average 36°C (97°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 22°C (72°F), dropping to around 18°C (64°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Cambodia get?
- Cambodia has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 13 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, and December.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanNovDec
