Best Time to Visit Cambodia: Month-by-Month Weather Guide

Book this month if you want premium access to temples with minimal rain interruptions.

Cambodia in January feels bright and comfortably warm, especially around Phnom Penh’s bustling markets and Angkor’s sprawling temple complexes. Daytime highs hover near 88°F with only three rain days, making trails and city walks reliably dry. This weather lets you explore temples fully without muddy paths or monsoon delays. Expect crowds and prices to peak compared to November or February, especially around New Year’s and Western holidays. Many travelers underestimate how quickly accommodations fill up this month, so last-minute bookings can hit premium rates. Lock in your stay early to avoid inflated costs and limited availability.

Book this month if you want fewer crowds but similar dry season comfort to January.

February continues the dry season’s hold with daytime highs around 91°F and just three rain days, ensuring temples and cities stay accessible and pleasant. This month sees a slight dip in visitors compared to January, making for a more relaxed pace at Angkor and Phnom Penh’s cultural sites. The air holds low humidity, and sunshine is abundant, ideal for long walks and photography. Prices soften slightly but stay above off-season levels, reflecting ongoing demand. Travelers often overlook how February’s balance of warmth and calm makes it a perfect shoulder month for slow cultural exploration. Book now to secure mid-tier accommodations before March’s heat rises.

Skip unless you tolerate hotter days and want early access before April’s monsoon onset.

March brings a noticeable jump in temperatures, with highs reaching 94°F and rain days increasing to six, signaling the slow approach of the monsoon. Phnom Penh’s streets shimmer with heat, and the air grows more humid, making afternoon activities less comfortable. Temples remain open, but the rising heat demands earlier starts and strategic breaks. Prices and crowd levels stay low, as many travelers avoid the discomfort. The risk is underestimating how quickly the weather can shift, with occasional brief storms disrupting outdoor plans. Booking in March suits those who want to beat April’s intensity but still want a dry window.

Book this month if you want cultural immersion during Khmer New Year despite rising heat.

April is the hottest month, with highs around 94°F and humidity climbing, alongside 15 rain days that hint at the monsoon’s arrival. The entire country pulses with Khmer New Year energy—temples and streets fill with ceremonies, water fights, and traditional dance. While daytime heat can be oppressive, morning temple visits remain feasible. Crowds swell compared to March, driven by domestic tourism and regional visitors joining celebrations. Prices hold steady in the mid-tier range but expect surges around the New Year holiday week. Many travelers underestimate how the festival’s vibrancy offsets the discomfort of heat and sporadic showers.

Book this month only if you want empty temples and can handle heavy rains and mud.

May plunges Cambodia into full monsoon mode, with daily highs near 92°F but 25 rain days that drench the landscape and flood trails, especially around Angkor. The country transforms into a lush, reflective wonderland as temples mirror in swollen lakes, creating unique photo opportunities. However, heavy rains limit nature adventures and city walks—expect afternoon downpours and muddy conditions. Prices drop to budget levels, and crowds thin dramatically compared to April, making it the quietest month for cultural sites. Many travelers miss how May’s mystical atmosphere compensates for weather challenges if you’re flexible and patient. Book with weather contingency in mind.

Skip unless you prioritize low prices and don’t mind frequent rain interruptions.

June remains deeply entrenched in the monsoon season, with highs near 91°F and 24 rainy days saturating the flat landscape. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap experience near-constant humidity and afternoon storms that can last hours, limiting outdoor temple tours and city strolls. This wettest month sees the lowest visitor numbers, driving prices down to budget territory. The heavy rains also create challenges for nature adventurers, as trails become slippery and some roads impassable. Many travelers wrongly expect quick rain bursts; instead, plan for prolonged wet conditions. Booking last minute can yield excellent deals, but flexibility is essential for a smooth trip.

Expect persistent downpours and high humidity that limit outdoor plans.

July delivers intense monsoon conditions with highs near 90°F and 25 rain days soaking the landscape. The heavy rains flood trails and slow temple visits, turning nature adventures into wet challenges. Prices hit rock bottom as most travelers avoid this soggy stretch, meaning you can score budget stays but face limited activity options. The steady humidity at 81% makes city strolls sticky and less comfortable. Booking last minute works here, but be ready to pivot plans if storms hit. This month suits travelers who prioritize cost savings over dry, hassle-free exploration.

Heavy rains persist, keeping crowds thin and prices low but limiting activity windows.

August stays firmly in monsoon grip with highs around 90°F and 26 rain days, pushing humidity to 81%. Flooded trails and frequent storms make temple exploration unpredictable and often short-lived. The low visitor numbers translate into excellent deals on lodging and tours, but expect many outdoor plans to be washed out. Indoor cultural experiences in Phnom Penh become your fallback. Booking flexibility is your best friend this month; lock in refundable options to adapt to weather swings. August is for travelers who accept wet conditions in exchange for solitude and savings.

Prepare for heavy flooding and near-constant rain that restricts temple visits.

September is the wettest month, with highs around 87°F and 28 rain days dumping 344mm of rain. The saturated terrain and swollen rivers make many outdoor routes impassable, forcing cancellations or short excursions only. Despite the weather, prices remain low and crowds minimal, allowing you to experience Cambodia’s culture with few tourists around. Humidity peaks at 86%, adding to discomfort during any outdoor activity. Booking is best done with flexible cancellation policies, as weather can disrupt plans at short notice. This month suits travelers focused on urban culture or willing to embrace monsoon unpredictability.

Rain remains frequent but less intense, opening limited windows for exploration.

October sees a slight break in the monsoon with highs near 87°F and 26 rain days, dropping precipitation to 341mm. Trails remain muddy and some temples partially flooded, but intermittent sunshine offers chances to explore. Tourist numbers start to pick up, nudging prices into the mid-range. The humidity at 86% still weighs on comfort, but the improving weather signals the coming dry season. Cultural events begin to re-emerge, adding local flavor to your visit. Book ahead to secure mid-tier accommodations as demand rises, especially towards month-end.

Ideal for temple exploration with cooler temps and fewer rain interruptions.

November shifts into the dry season with highs around 87°F and rain days dropping to 16. The weather cools slightly, humidity falls to 80%, and sunshine climbs to nearly 291 hours, making temple trails firm and accessible. Tourist numbers increase but remain manageable, keeping prices reasonable compared to peak months. This month balances adventure and comfort, letting you explore Angkor and Phnom Penh without the monsoon’s mud or crowds. Book accommodations early to lock in mid-tier rates and secure your preferred itinerary during this popular window.

Book this month for premium temple access and minimal rain disruptions.

December delivers near-perfect weather with highs at 87°F and only 5 rain days, dropping precipitation to a mere 34mm. Humidity falls to 70%, and sunshine peaks at 312 hours, creating ideal conditions for extended temple visits and city tours. Crowds swell, especially around holidays, pushing prices into the premium tier. Accommodations and tours fill quickly, so early booking is essential to avoid inflated costs. The dry, clear weather supports cultural festivals and outdoor dining, rounding out a rich travel experience. Secure your plans well in advance to maximize comfort and access.