The 12th century Angkor Wat complex is spectacular all year round, no matter what the weather may be. Even if there is rain during your stay in Cambodia, it adds to the "Tomb Raider" experience, nonetheless. In other words, you are still going to be in awe of this incredible history. And not only that, but there is also so much more to Cambodia once you step away from the "big ticket" attractions.
Before we get to the best time to travel to Cambodia, you must know one thing. That's being aware of the beautiful tropical Islands off Cambodia's coastline. Less than one hour will take you by ferry to Koh Rong, Cambodia's second largest Island and its most popular. Are looking for a winter break over the Christmas and New Year period? It's the perfect time to holiday on this rock.
Cambodia has two seasons: hot and humid, with the average temperature being 80°F but often much higher. It's ideal for your holiday destination, without any doubt. Anytime between October and April the following year is a safe bet, with the least amount of rainfall. January is the best month to visit but it's also the hottest.
If you can suffer the heat, also make a plan to visit Koh Rong Island for its spectacular beaches.
The other season Cambodia has is the rainy season. It gets wet, and quick. You can expect the rains to arrive in May and they'll stay until sometime into September. During the rainy season you should expect some disruption to public services. That's felt more so in rural parts of Cambodia, than nearer to large towns and cities.
Finding the best time to visit isn't easy. You either encounter the site when it's raining or when it's crowded. You could end up walking in mud or have people stepping into your perfect picture frame moment. Frustrating.
We found the ideal time for visiting is during Cambodia's dry season. That's between November and the middle of April, when the temperatures aren't so fierce. For the lifelong treasure of your "Tomb Raider", "Indiana Jones" photos, hire a taxi. Ask the driver to take you to the far-reaching areas of Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat Complex. Those spots few tourists go to.
Most tourists go for the one-day tour but Siem Reap and all its temples deserves longer. To cover such vast ground, it is much better and recommended you go for a three-day tour package, instead. Because one part, or one temple ruin isn't the same as another: it's not the case once you've seen one, you've seen them all.
Being the driest month of Cambodia's year, it's the perfect travel time. The weather and humidity aren't so bad for visiting Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat temples. Now would be a good time for you to also spend time on the southern coastal beaches. January is a month also, for enjoying rare temperatures as high as 78°F.
Temperatures haven't risen by much and it still makes sense to travel to Cambodia for the temples. Lake Tonle Sap is at its fullest early in the year. The best time to visit this renowned lake is early in the year. For a cultural feast, visit the lake for the floating villages and their inhabitants.
By the time March comes around it is hotting up. You are facing temperatures in the mid-80's Fahrenheit in the early morning. If you haven't booked your accommodation in advance, you will struggle finding a hotel with a room. March, and going into April is Cambodia's peak tourist time.
If you are not bothered by 95°F heat, then April is the ideal travel time for you. The early mornings are the best times for being outdoors. Visiting attractions and cultural landmarks, you try to complete by noon. Avoid taking full day tours and excursions, because the heat is stifling by the afternoon. April is also the month for the Khmer New Year.
You may find towns and cities deserted for a few days going into the second week of April.
Signs of rain in May dissipate high humidity in Cambodia. It now feels more comfortable to enjoy Cambodia. But don't let the rain put you off coming for a holiday in May. When it rains in May the showers are light and short lived. You can enjoy your holiday with minimal disruption.
Showers are a little heavier and more frequent once June comes around. And yet our travel plans weren't put out by the regular rain clouds. If you do have a wish to see the temples but hate the crowds then now is the time to visit, when the crowds are less so. Plenty of sunshine remains most days and it's still warm.
Traveling three days in Cambodia during June, we weren't disappointed with the temperatures. You won't be either.
By the time July comes around the beaches are best left alone and avoided. If you were planning on spending time on a beach you've missed that chance. There are no crowds either at the temples, they're deserted. The rains have arrived in earnest and they're here to stay.
Between the downpours of torrential rain, there are bursts of sunshine. Temperatures in July can climb as high as the mid-70's Fahrenheit.
Temperatures fall a degree or two more. That makes Cambodia far more comfortable to travel around the country. The rain still remains though having reached its peak by August. The rain can't get any heavier: showers come, and they go again after a few hours. This month is the best one for visiting Cambodia for the wildlife.
Also, in August the fauna and flora thrive after the rains passing. August is the best month to enjoy Cambodia's nature.
Traveling outside the large towns and cities may prove to be difficult. Many rural communities in Cambodia remain affected by the heaviest of the rains. That will continue to be the case for September. If you are planning a backpack trip to Cambodia, best to do so in August or wait until October.
The worst of the rain is over, and temperatures rise again to low 80's Fahrenheit once more. It's a joy to travel Cambodia and move around without mishap or inconvenience. Everywhere you look the scenery is green and lush, the jungles inviting. Travel costs too are more favorable, priced lower to attract seasonal tourists.
October is the month that's best for backpacking trips and jungle treks.
Flights and hotel prices skyrocket by the time November comes about. It makes sense to have booked flights in advance as early as September, for a November visit. The capital, Phnom Penh City, has the best activities and festivals this month. Our recommendation is you start your travel in the capital. If the Angkor Wat Temples at Siem Reap interest you, then explore on a two-day guided tour.
Public transport infrastructure in Cambodia has improved so much in leaps and bounds. It's not on a par with Vietnam or Thailand of course, but it is always getting better. You can expect a great service from bus services so don't feel you can't depend upon them. Cambodia's bus services can get you to most areas of the country, without any hassle.
You are most likely to find it impossible to book a hotel room by this month if you haven't already done so. It's the perfect time of the year to frequent Cambodia's beaches and hop between Islands. Temperatures are in their mid to high 80's Fahrenheit and the dry season. Coming to Cambodia for your Christmas and New Year is one of the best things you'll ever do.
Anytime is the cheapest time to visit Cambodia. That's because Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries to visit in southeast Asia. Is Cambodia cheaper than Thailand? Yes. In fact, we've found Thailand is becoming a little more expensive. That's the case on every trip we've took, with a year or two between trips. If you're on a tight budget and are serious about that Asian dream holiday, choose Cambodia.
You can find cheap flights to Cambodia all year round. If you are on a tight budget, you can get away with spending US$12 a day for your accommodation. Yes, it will be simple and basic but it's a roof over your head.
Budget for US$20 a day for something classier. Eating out can add up, so give the restaurants a pass and visit the street food vendors instead. In conclusion, you can have an enjoyable low-key holiday in Cambodia on US$65 a day all in, excluding flights. Use what public transport there is, avoiding expensive taxis as much as possible.
Even the tuk-tuk's are a good substitute for a taxi, so consider using those too.
If you are planning a backpacking trip to Cambodia, organize yourself for a trip in October, or later. That's after the rainy season and Cambodia is preparing for the tourist season. The fall months are also the driest, but never too hot to be a bother. There are many breathtaking panoramic views from within Cambodia's national parks so enjoy.
Koh Rong Island is one of Cambodia's top summer holiday destinations. It pulls in the crowds in unbelievable numbers, and everyone goes home happy. If you do decide to travel to Cambodia, then chances are you'll also decide to come to Koh Rong. Or one of the other Cambodian Islands. Koh Rong too wild for you?
No worries. You only need to move over to the sister Island Koh Rong Sanloem. That Island is much more sedate and family friendly.
From our own experience of Cambodia, the weather is often brought up by tourists. Is that because it is too hot? Or because it's too wet. It does rain for sure, yes but we'd say Malaysia and the Philippines get more rain, for comparison.
Cambodia has an amazing history, and their culture and food are gorgeous as well. Once you've been to Cambodia one time, or twice you get a feel for the weather. You only need to remember April is the hottest, and July, August and September have the worst of the rain.
Therefore, the best time to travel to Cambodia in our opinion is later in the year. Is Christmas and New Year a good time to visit Cambodia? Yes. The weather isn't too hot nor too cool and there is little hope of any rain.
PREVIOUS GUIDE
NEXT GUIDE
Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.