Travel advice for Cambodia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Cambodia
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
The best time to visit Cambodia spans from November to April. This period promises minimal rainfall and clear, blue skies, perfect for basking in the tranquillity of Cambodia's southern coast. However, it’s good to know that there is really no wrong time to visit. Cambodia is warm all year, but it has a monsoon climate that creates two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. However, the dry period is split into two, hot and cool. Although the temperature is hot all year round.
22 days / from4799 USD
The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour
Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.
view tour ⤍21 days / from4545 USD
Impressions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
Start and end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City and visit highlights such as the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh with the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos before heading back to Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An await.
view tour ⤍4 days / from1025 USD
Siem Reap Family Adventure
Traditional ox and carts, sprawling rice fields, majestic temples, glorious food and breath-taking countryside – this is Cambodia. Take some time out in Siem Reap with its Old Market and boutiques, savour local cuisine and be prepared for the trip of a lifetime. Perfect for groups and families.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1765 USD
Cambodia’s Beaches and Temples
See the best of beautiful Cambodia on this amazing tour. Explore the busy capital Phnom Penh, laze on the golden sands of the south coast beaches, discover local villages and Cambodian cuisine before you lose yourself among the mystical temples of Angkor.
view tour ⤍5 days / from681 USD
Cambodia Explorer
This is a trip to Cambodia for the adventurer. This trip takes you from the glorious temples and rolling countryside of Siem Reap to the attractive riverside capital of Phnom Penh where you can explore the city’s broad boulevards, new restaurants and myriad sights.
view tour ⤍15 days / from4400 USD
A Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Adventure
Make the most of your time in South East Asia and discover not 1 but 3 exciting countries. From Vietnam to Cambodia and Laos you will get the know the locals, visit ancient temples, relax on a cruise, get a taste of Buddhism and so much more. This itinerary will show you the wonders of Asia.
view tour ⤍9 days / from1414 USD
Khmer Cultural Treasures
Discover the wonders of Khmer architecture through temple tours around ancient Siem Reap, explore the Cambodian countryside, the floating markets of Tonle Sap and see all the cultural highlights of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1950 USD
Indochina's Unique UNESCO Treasures
Experience Indochina's finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Marvel at magnificent limestone karsts at Vietnam's Halong Bay, wander the winding colonial streets of Luang Prabang, a bastion of Laotian culture, and of course, be inspired by Cambodia's stunning Angkor temple complex!
view tour ⤍8 days / from1480 USD
Cambodia Cultural Discovery
Prepare to beguiled by Cambodia’s unspoilt charms and cultural treasures. Tour the capital, Phnom Penh, with its romantic cafes and haute cuisine, discover ancient, awe-inspiring temples, stunning countryside and explore one of the greatest wonders of the world.
view tour ⤍15 days / from2800 USD
Vietnam and Cambodia by Rail
Discover Vietnam and Cambodia on this multicentre trip. Explore Hanoi’s charming quarters on foot; then take to the waters and cruise around Halong Bay. Then take the night train to Hue before continuing on your rail adventure through Hoi An and Nha Trang before you cross the border into Cambodia.
view tour ⤍14 days / from2469 USD
Classic Vietnam and Cambodia
Start your Southeast Asia adventure in Hanoi with a city tour and then proceed to Halong Bay for a luxurious cruise. In Central Vietnam, you will visit Hoi An and Hue before flying to Ho Chi Minh City. Discover the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi Tunnels before your final stop - Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1144 USD
Unseen Cambodia
Discover Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh with its colonial architecture, museums and palaces, visit magnificent Angkor, then venture further afield to explore the country’s lesser-known sites with guided tours off-the-beaten track.
view tour ⤍The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to April. Temperatures in this period typically range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This season offers dry weather and clear skies, ideal for exploring the southern coast and other attractions.
The weather is hot all year round, but peaks in March and May when temperatures can reach around 32°C and above. In December and January, the weather is dry, but the temperatures are slightly cooler - it’s usually expected to be approximately 25°C - 30°C (77F - 86F) at this time of year.
The cooler part of the season between November and February is the peak time for tourism. Mild enough to explore temples in comfort but warm enough to sunbathe by the coast.
May to October brings around 75% of the countries annual rainfall. The rainy season is humid, and temperatures will still be high.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Av. Temp (°C) | 26 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
Av. Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 10 | 40 | 120 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 150 | 140 | 200 | 50 | 10 |
Are you looking for the best month to visit Cambodia? Here’s our month by month guide. It will give you a good idea of the climate and how this might affect your travel plans.
January, typically the coldest month in Cambodia, still boasts warm temperatures of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The slight dip in temperature makes it more comfortable to explore cities like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Battambang. The reduced humidity facilitates easier visits to temples, markets, and museums. Since this is among the best times to visit Cambodia, expect more crowded conditions. Early booking for accommodation is advised due to the high demand.
February's slightly lower temperatures still make for comfortable travel conditions across the country. Whether you're looking to explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, or lush jungles, this time provides an excellent backdrop for your adventures. Accommodation prices remain high, and popular sites can be crowded, so advance booking is recommended.
The temperatures increase between March and May. In March, the heat begins to intensify across Cambodia, with temperatures climbing over 30°C (86°F) in some areas. This month marks the beginning of the warmer season, transitioning away from the cooler, more comfortable weather of the preceding months. Despite the rising temperatures, March still offers a relatively moderate climate compared to the peak heat of April and May. If you want to visit the Temples of Angkor, explore the colourful markets or trek in the jungle, it can be the best time to do so.
In May, temperatures in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat can be as high as mid 30 to 40°C. The rainy season begins in May, but there is a moderate rainfall compared to the extremely wet months of September and October. Kep and Kampot are popular at this time of year.
The Khmer New Year spans across three days in mid-April. In the capital Phnom Penh, most major attractions, museums and restaurants close during the celebration as Cambodians return to provinces to celebrate with family. Siem Reap usually has events taking place too. In the countryside, families celebrate as they reunite. It’s one of the busiest celebrations of the year, so you’ll need to book accommodation early.
You can be sure of sunshine and heat in the southern islands, which is perfect for lazy days on the beach and water activities. The temperature is cooler on the coast. Angkor Wat in April and May can be unbearably hot for some visitors. Avoid visiting unless you can handle humidity. March can be a little cooler and can be a good compromise if you are looking for the best time to visit Cambodia.
June to August is the rainy season, and although you can expect a downpour, temperatures are approximately 30°C or more, and very humid. Sihanoukville is also the entry point to the islands of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev. Tranquil Koh Ta Tiev remains peaceful undiscovered territory although there are some more lively beaches like Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity beach where you can party from sunset to sundown.
Cambodia can be less popular during the summer, which is officially when the rainy season is in full swing. The rainy season can still be the best time of year to visit Cambodia. It’s also known as the “green season” as the countryside is flourishing. During rainy season Cambodia is in full bloom, and it’s a great chance to see the landscape as a lush green oasis.
The amount of rainfall per day starts to increase towards August. It can rain every day in the wet season in Cambodia, but generally, there won’t be a downpour that lasts all day, although that can happen.
During September, the country transforms into a waterlogged expanse of tropical green under the daily deluge of rainfall. It’s a fascinating time to see the country, although dirt roads can turn into mud and flooding is commonplace.
Although the rainfall can present practical challenges, it can be a beautiful time of year to see the stunning scenery of Cambodia. It can be a great time to visit the floating markets of the Tonle Sap, and Angkor Wat is quieter than in December and January.
In November, the temperatures are cooler, and there is less rain. It marks the end of monsoon season, and this becomes a popular time to visit for many tourists. It is also the month the Cambodian Water Festival is celebrated. This festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River into the Mekong River. In early November, the Bonn Om Toeuk Water festival has traditionally been celebrated in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. You can watch the colourful boat races take place on the Mekong. Most towns and villages seek to participate by building boats that can hold up to 100 people
December in Cambodia is a preferred month for many tourists due to cooler temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It's an excellent time to visit iconic sites like the Temples of Angkor, colourful markets, and embark on jungle treks. This month also offers the best conditions for visiting lakes, rivers, and the Tonle Sap floating villages, still full from the rainy season. Remember, it's peak travel season, so booking accommodation early is crucial, especially for a Christmas stay. Prepare for crowds, particularly at major tourist spots like Angkor Wat.
The southwesterly monsoon from May to October brings the rainy season, humidity and strong winds. The northeasterly monsoon brings the sunshine. From November to April, Cambodia is still hot with average temperatures rising to around 32°C (89°F).
It doesn’t rain all day during the rainy season, so it’s possible to visit some of the highlights of Cambodia while avoiding the crowds. Summer can be the best time for families to travel to Cambodia if they need to coincide with school holiday dates. Everything is quieter wherever you choose to visit.
Flooding can be a problem on the roads in Cambodia during the summer, and although you can travel anywhere, it may take a lot longer. Mud can cause road closures, especially in the countryside.
In September and October, the rain can be more substantial and more consistent. It’s naturally much quieter, making this the best time to visit Cambodia for some. Travelling by road can be impacted during the rainy season as flooding is a possibility.
During the rainy season in Cambodia, as it doesn’t rain all day, it can be a good time for sightseeing. It is one of the quietest times to visit major landmarks like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. There will be fewer crowds and the countryside is appealingly green and lush. Some travel plans may be affected if travelling between the cities Phnom Penh, Battambang and Siem Reap, or if travelling to other villages as flooding can occur.
Millions of visitors head to Angkor Wat every year, and it can often get crowded, particularly between December and February. It is cooler at this time of year, but nothing can prepare you for the crowds. In the dry season, even if you get up very early before sunrise, you will experience crowds. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon if you want to avoid the sweltering hot weather at midday.
In March to May, it can get hotter, and the weather is usually dry and bright. For some, walking around Angkor Wat in the heat could be unbearable. Angkor Wat covers a large area, and you need to be prepared to travel around to see it fully.
During the rainy season in June to October, the whole of Angkor Wat will be quieter, so it is the right time to avoid the crowds. It’s most likely to rain in the afternoon, so it’s better to visit in the morning. Rainfall won’t impact the entire day, but mud roads or flooding may affect your journey to Angkor Wat. It may just take longer to reach your destination. The rainy season also brings intense humidity, so you need to be comfortable with heat if you choose to go at this time of year.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Cambodia
written by Andy Turner
updated 21.03.2024