What is the best time to visit Cambodia?

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

The best time to travel to Cambodia is during dry season (November to April) and wet season (May to October).

Dry Season in Cambodia

The dry season in Cambodia is from November to April. This is the most popular time to visit the country, as the weather is sunny and dry. The temperatures are comfortable and range from 20-30°C (68-86°F). During this time, there are a variety of festivals and events taking place, such as the Water Festival in November and the Khmer New Year in April. This is also a great time to explore the country’s many attractions, such as the Angkor Wat temple complex and the beaches of Sihanoukville.

Wet Season in Cambodia

The wet season in Cambodia is from May to October. During this time, there is a lot of rain and humidity. The temperatures are hot and range from 25-35°C (77-95°F). Despite the rain, there are still plenty of attractions to explore, such as the Royal Palace and the National Museum. There are also some festivals taking place during this time, such as the Bon Om Touk festival in May and the Pchum Ben festival in October.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Cambodia

Cambodia in January

Weather

January in Cambodia is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Celsius (low 70s to low 90s Fahrenheit). Rainfall is common, with an average of 10 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• International New Year’s Day: Celebrated on January 1st, this is a public holiday in Cambodia. People gather to celebrate with fireworks, parades, and other festivities.
• Bon Om Touk (Water Festival): Held in mid-November, this is the biggest festival of the year in Cambodia. It is a three-day celebration of the Mekong River, with boat races, music, and traditional dancing.
• Angkor Wat Marathon: Held in mid-January, this is an annual marathon that takes place in Siem Reap. It is a popular event for both local and international runners.
• Chinese New Year: Celebrated in late January, this is a public holiday in Cambodia. People gather to celebrate with fireworks, parades, and other festivities.
• Khmer New Year: Celebrated in mid-April, this is a public holiday in Cambodia. People gather to celebrate with traditional dancing, music, and other festivities.

Cambodia in January

Weather

January is the coolest month in Cambodia, with temperatures ranging from 16-25 degrees Celsius (60-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall is low, with an average of only 8 days of rain during the month.

Events

• The Water Festival is celebrated on the full moon of the 11th month in the Khmer calendar, which falls in late November or early December. It is a three-day festival that celebrates the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season.
• The International New Year Festival is held in the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is a week-long celebration that includes a variety of activities, such as music and dance performances, fireworks, and a parade.
• The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is held in Siem Reap. It is a 21-kilometer race that attracts runners from all over the world.
• The Angkor Photo Festival is held in Siem Reap. It is a week-long celebration of photography, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and lectures.
• The Pchum Ben Festival is a two-week long Buddhist festival that is celebrated throughout Cambodia. It is a time of remembrance for deceased ancestors and is celebrated with offerings of food and money to the poor.

Cambodia in March

Weather

March is the beginning of the hot season in Cambodia, with temperatures averaging between 28-35°C (82-95°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of 10-15 days of rain during the month.

Events

• International Women’s Day (March 8th): Celebrated in Cambodia with a variety of events, including parades, concerts, and speeches.
• Water Festival (March 12-14th): A three-day celebration of the full moon, including boat races, traditional music and dance performances, and fireworks.
• Khmer New Year (March 14-16th): A three-day celebration of the traditional Khmer New Year, including parades, traditional music and dance performances, and fireworks.
• Angkor Wat Half Marathon (March 15th): An annual half-marathon that takes place in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
• Khmer Arts Festival (March 28-30th): A three-day celebration of traditional Khmer arts, including music, dance, and visual art.

Cambodia in April

Weather

April is the hottest month in Cambodia, with temperatures ranging from 25-35 degrees Celsius. The humidity is high and there is usually a light breeze. Rainfall is common during this time of year, but it is usually light and short-lived.

Events

• Khmer New Year: This is a 3-day national holiday celebrated in mid-April. It is a time of reflection and celebration, with traditional music and dance performances, and visits to local temples.
• Cambodian Water Festival: This is an annual event that takes place in late April, and celebrates the Tonle Sap River. There are boat races, fireworks, and traditional music and dance performances.
• International Labour Day: This is a public holiday in Cambodia, celebrated on the first of May. It is a time to celebrate workers and their achievements.
• Angkor Wat Marathon: This is an annual event that takes place in late April. It is a marathon race around the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat.
• Cambodia International Film Festival: This is an annual event that takes place in late April. It is a celebration of Cambodian and international films, and includes screenings, workshops, and discussions.

Cambodia in May

Weather

May is the hottest month of the year in Cambodia, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is moderate, with an average of about 100mm (4 inches) of rain throughout the month. Humidity is high, with an average of around 85%.

Events

• The Water Festival (Bonn Om Touk) is celebrated on the first three days of May. This festival marks the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River, and is celebrated with boat races, parades, and fireworks.
• The International Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st. This day is marked with rallies, parades, and other activities to celebrate the achievements of the labour movement.
• The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is held in the middle of May. This traditional ceremony marks the beginning of the rice-planting season and is attended by the King and other dignitaries.
• The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is held in Siem Reap in mid-May. This event attracts runners from all over the world to compete in a 21km (13 mile) race.
• The Khmer New Year is celebrated in late April and early May. This is the most important holiday in Cambodia, and is marked with festivities, parades, and other activities.

Cambodia in June

Weather

June is the beginning of the wet season in Cambodia. Temperatures are hot and humid, with an average high of 33°C (92°F) and an average low of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is common throughout the month, with an average of 11 inches (279 mm) of rain per month.

Events

• The International Cambodian Music Festival is held in June, usually in the first half of the month. This festival celebrates the traditional music of Cambodia and features performances from local and international artists.
• The Water Festival is held in June, usually in the second half of the month. This festival celebrates the end of the rainy season and is marked by boat races, fireworks, and other festivities.
• The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is held in June. This event is a 21-kilometer race through the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.
• The Khmer New Year is celebrated in June. This is a three-day festival that marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated with parades, music, and traditional dances.
• The World Refugee Day is celebrated in June. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced people around the world.

Cambodia in July

Weather

In July, Cambodia experiences hot and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of 20 days of rain.

Events

• Bon Om Touk Festival: This festival celebrates the end of the monsoon season and is held annually on the Tonle Sap River. It includes boat races, fireworks, and traditional Cambodian music and dancing.
• Cambodian Water Festival: This festival is held annually in July and celebrates the beginning of the rainy season. It includes boat races, traditional music and dancing, and other activities.
• Angkor Wat International Half Marathon: This annual event is held in Siem Reap and features a 21km run, 10km run, and 5km run.
• Phnom Penh International Film Festival: This annual festival showcases films from around the world and includes screenings, workshops, and other activities.
• The Cambodian National Games: This annual event is held in Phnom Penh and features traditional Cambodian sports, such as boat racing, wrestling, and archery.

Cambodia in August

Weather

August is the hottest month of the year in Cambodia, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C (100°F). The humidity is also high, and there is plenty of sunshine throughout the month. Rainfall is usually low, with an average of only 11 days of rain.

Events

• Bon Om Touk: Also known as the Water Festival, this is the most important holiday in Cambodia. It is celebrated in late November or early December, and marks the end of the rainy season. It is a three-day celebration that includes boat racing, music, and traditional Cambodian dances.
• Khmer New Year: This is one of the most important holidays in Cambodia, and is celebrated in mid-April. It is a three-day celebration that includes traditional music, dancing, and games.
• Angkor Wat International Half Marathon: This is an annual event that takes place in Siem Reap in August. It is a 21km race that attracts runners from all over the world.
• Phnom Penh International Film Festival: This is an annual event that takes place in Phnom Penh in August. It is a celebration of Cambodian cinema, featuring screenings of local and international films.
• Angkor Photo Festival: This is an annual event that takes place in Siem Reap in August. It is a celebration of photography, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and talks from photographers from around the world.

Cambodia in September

Weather

September in Cambodia is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 33°C. Rainfall is common during this time of year, with an average of 16 days of rain.

Events

• The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) is a three-day national holiday in Cambodia, celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of September. It marks the reversal of the flow of the Tonlé Sap River.
• The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon takes place in Siem Reap on the second Sunday of September. The race is a 21km run that passes through the ancient temples of Angkor Wat.
• The Siem Reap International Food Festival is held in the last week of September. The festival showcases the best of Cambodian cuisine, with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and traditional performances.
• The Phnom Penh International Film Festival is held in the second week of September. The festival showcases the best of Cambodian and international cinema.
• The Siem Reap Arts and Culture Festival is held in the third week of September. The festival features traditional performances, art exhibitions, and workshops.

Cambodia in October

Weather

October is the start of the dry season in Cambodia, with temperatures reaching an average high of 33°C (91°F) and an average low of 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is minimal, with an average of only 8mm (0.3in).

Events

• The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) is held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, in late October. It is celebrated with boat races, fireworks, and traditional Khmer performances.
• The Angkor Photo Festival is held in Siem Reap in October. It is an annual event that celebrates photography and Southeast Asian culture.
• The Khmer New Year is celebrated in mid-April. It is a three-day festival that includes traditional Cambodian dancing, music, and food.
• The Cambodian International Film Festival is held in October in Phnom Penh. It is a celebration of Cambodian and international cinema.
• The Siem Reap Arts and Culture Festival is held in October. It is a celebration of Cambodian culture, with performances, art exhibitions, and traditional food.

Cambodia in November

Weather

November in Cambodia is typically hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (80°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of about 20 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• Water Festival: This three-day festival is celebrated throughout Cambodia and is a time of joy and celebration. It is held in mid-November and includes boat races, parades, and fireworks.
• International Half Marathon: Held in Phnom Penh in late November, this event is a popular one for runners from all over the world.
• Angkor Photo Festival: This annual event is held in Siem Reap in late November and showcases the work of some of the best photographers from around the world.
• International Children’s Day: This day is celebrated on November 20th and includes activities and events to celebrate and honor children in Cambodia.
• Khmer New Year: This three-day celebration is held in late November and is a time of joy and celebration of the Khmer culture.

Cambodia in December

Weather

December in Cambodia is the start of the dry season and temperatures range from 21-32°C (70-90°F). It is the coolest month of the year and the humidity is low. December is generally a pleasant month with a few days of rain.

Events

• International Human Rights Day (December 10th): This day is celebrated across Cambodia and is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards human rights, as well as the challenges that remain.
• King’s Birthday (December 29th): This is a national holiday celebrating the birth of the King of Cambodia. Events are held across the country, including music and dance performances, and the King makes public appearances.
• Angkor Wat Marathon (December): This annual event is held in Siem Reap and attracts runners from around the world. The marathon route passes through the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and is a great way to explore the area.
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations (December 31st): This is a major event in Cambodia and there are celebrations in cities and towns across the country. Fireworks, music, and dancing are all part of the festivities.
• Christmas (December 25th): Christmas is celebrated in Cambodia, and many people attend church services and exchange gifts. There are also special Christmas markets and festivities in the major cities.