November to March is the best time to go to Cambodia, during the dry season when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal. This is Cambodia’s best season to visit for exploring Angkor Wat, enjoying beaches, and experiencing the country’s highlights. However, the best month to travel to Cambodia depends on your priorities, whether you prefer Cambodia peak season’s ideal weather or Cambodia low season’s better value and fewer crowds.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia: November to March
This period is universally recognized as the best month to travel to Cambodia for several compelling reasons.
Weather advantages:
- Temperatures range 25-30°C, perfect for temple exploration
- Low humidity (50-60%) makes outdoor activities comfortable
- Minimal rainfall disruption
- Clear skies ideal for photography
Experience benefits:
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Cool mornings (18-22°C) with stunning views
- Beach destinations: Calm seas, perfect swimming conditions
- Outdoor activities: Trekking, cycling, countryside tours all enjoyable
- Cultural sites: Comfortable exploration without heat exhaustion
November marks the transition from rainy season with fewer crowds than December, while December through January brings peak tourist season with a festive atmosphere. February continues the excellent weather with slightly fewer visitors, and March remains dry though temperatures begin rising to 32-35°C, making it a good transition month before the hot season.
Cambodia Peak Season vs. Low Season: What to Expect
Cambodia Peak Season (November-February)
Understanding Cambodia peak season helps you plan whether to embrace or avoid the crowds. During these months, you’ll experience guaranteed excellent weather with minimal rain risk, and all tours and services operate at full capacity. The festive atmosphere, especially during holidays, makes it easier to meet other travelers and join group activities, ideal conditions for first-time visitors who want reliability.
However, peak season comes with considerations. Popular temples get crowded between 8am-4pm (visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer people), restaurants and attractions are busier during lunch hours, and some beaches like Sihanoukville can be packed. To secure the best deals, book 2-3 months in advance. If you’re flexible, visit early November or late February for shoulder pricing with equally pleasant weather.
April to May (Shoulder Season)
Many travelers overlook these months when deciding when is the best time to go to Cambodia, but they offer unique advantages. April brings Khmer New Year celebrations, the countryside at its greenest, and prices 30-50% lower than peak season. The downside? It’s the hottest month at 35-40°C, which can be uncomfortable for temple visits. This makes it ideal for cultural enthusiasts, budget travelers, and photography lovers who can handle the heat.
May sees rainfall begin cooling temperatures, creating dramatic cloud formations with minimal crowds. You’ll experience increasing afternoon showers and some humidity, but it’s perfect for those seeking authentic experiences without tourist masses.
June to October (True Low Season)
This is Cambodia’s low season proper, and Cambodia weather by month during this period reveals surprising benefits that challenge common misconceptions.
June-August reality: The rain pattern typically means sunny mornings with 1-2 hour afternoon or evening showers, not monsoon rain all day. Temple exploration remains very possible during dry morning hours, and Angkor Wat’s moats fill with water, creating stunning mirror reflections. Prices drop 40-60% lower than peak season, and you can still travel comfortably with proper planning.
September-October: These are the wettest months with occasional flooding in rural areas, but the countryside becomes spectacularly green and lush. Tonle Sap Lake reaches maximum capacity, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Best avoided if you have tight schedules or prefer guaranteed dry weather.
Cambodia low season advantages:
- Angkor temples nearly empty, creating magical solitary experiences
- Local life more visible without tourist crowds
- Hotel upgrades often available at standard room prices
- Authentic cultural interactions with locals
- Dramatic photography opportunities with lush landscapes
Best Month to Travel to Cambodia by Destination
The best season to visit Cambodia varies by region, so timing your visit depends on which destinations you plan to explore.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap & Phnom Penh
Optimal months: November-February
For Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, cool mornings (18-22°C) are perfect for sunrise tours, and comfortable temple climbing is possible in lower humidity. December through January brings crowds but also a magical atmosphere. In Phnom Penh, pleasant city walking weather makes exploring the Royal Palace and riverfront comfortable, though indoor attractions like museums remain accessible year-round.
You want to visit Phnom Penh in peak season but stay far away from the crowd? Check out our Top 10 unusual things to do in Phnom Penh: How to escape the crowd?
Avoid: April
Extreme heat (38-42°C) makes temple exploration exhausting, and stone surfaces become too hot to walk barefoot, a requirement at some temples. This applies particularly to outdoor sites in both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Ready to explore Cambodia during the best season? Discover our Splendors Of Vietnam & Cambodia 17 Days to make the most of your Cambodia experience!
Coastal Destinations (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Kep)
Peak beach season: December-March
Calm seas create perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling, with clear visibility for diving and reliable island hopping tours. During the rainy season, some island boat services are reduced and rough seas can cancel water activities, making beach destinations less appealing from June through October.
Check out our Cambodia Tours for more reference itineraries!
Cambodia Weather by Month: Complete Breakdown
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Rating | Notes |
| November | 25-30°C | Low | Excellent | Festival season begins |
| December | 24-28°C | Minimal | Excellent | Peak Christmas travel |
| January | 24-28°C | Minimal | Excellent | Best weather overall |
| February | 26-30°C | Low | Excellent | Great value, fewer crowds |
| March | 28-34°C | Low | Good | Getting hot |
| April | 30-38°C | Low | Fair | Very hot, Khmer New Year |
| May | 28-35°C | Moderate | Good | Transition month |
| June | 27-33°C | Moderate | Good | Green season begins |
| July | 27-32°C | High | Fair | Regular afternoon rain |
| August | 27-32°C | High | Fair | Wet but manageable |
| September | 26-31°C | Very High | Fair | Wettest period |
| October | 26-30°C | High | Good | Crowds return end-month |
Understanding the ratings:
- Excellent: Ideal conditions for most travelers
- Good: Minor compromises but very enjoyable
- Fair: Requires flexibility and planning
Events & Festivals: Timing Your Visit
When considering when is the best time to go to Cambodia, major events can enhance your experience significantly.
Khmer New Year (Mid-April): Cambodia’s biggest celebration features 3 days of festivities, though temples and tourist sites become busier and hotels raise prices. The cultural immersion is unmatched, but note that heat peaks make outdoor exploration uncomfortable, and temple stones become too hot for barefoot walking. Not recommended for families with young children or elderly travelers.
Pchum Ben (Late September/Early October): This 15-day Buddhist festival honors ancestors, with locals returning to home villages for genuine cultural insight. Some restaurants and shops close in Phnom Penh. The timing coincides with the highest rainfall, which can cause flooding, make some rural roads impassable, and create unpredictable boat schedules to islands.
Water Festival (November): Boat races on the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh mark the end of rainy season, attracting massive crowds (1+ million people) for spectacular celebrations.
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (December): Run through temple grounds during this unique event, but book early as hotels fill fast.
Planning tip: Festivals can make an already good month even better, but expect Cambodia peak season prices during these events.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your Best Month
So, when is the best time to go to Cambodia?
The best season to visit Cambodia is ultimately about matching your priorities: weather certainty, budget, crowd tolerance, or specific experiences. Cambodia’s weather by month shows that every period has merit; your perfect time depends on what matters most to you.
Ready to experience Cambodia during its best season? Whether you choose Cambodia peak season’s perfect weather or Cambodia low season’s authentic charm and value, our travel experts will craft an itinerary that matches your ideal timing and interests.
Contact us here or email [email protected] and let us help you determine the best month to travel to Cambodia based on your preferences with a custom quote, no obligation required!
