Travel advice for Cambodia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Cambodia
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The weather in Cambodia in February is hot and dry across most of the country, with cooler mornings in the highlands and hotter afternoons in the lowlands and along the coast. This is one of the best months to visit, especially for outdoor activities like temple-hopping around Angkor or relaxing in Kep. The humidity stays manageable, and the skies are mostly clear.
February is part of Cambodia’s dry season, so you can expect plenty of sun, low humidity, and comfortable weather. It’s great for exploring temples or spending time by the coast.
February in Cambodia is warm and dry, with long sunny days and very little rain.
Humidity stays relatively low, and rainfall is rare this time of year. Most regions get less than 0.8 inches (20 mm) for the entire month, usually spread across just a day or two. The dry conditions mean you won’t need to worry about rain cutting into your plans, whether you’re heading out to the countryside, cruising the Mekong, or spending a few hours exploring a temple site.
February also lines up with Cambodia’s peak season, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’re traveling during this time. You might see larger crowds at major sites and higher prices for accommodation, especially around Lunar New Year when local celebrations take place. It's a great time for a Cambodia itinerary.

Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia © Shutterstock
February is part of Cambodia’s cool dry season, which means warm days and comfortable nights. Daytime temperatures usually reach around 88°F (31°C), while nights drop to about 72°F (22°C). It’s one of the milder months, especially compared to the hotter stretch from April to May, when it can climb above 95°F (35°C).
Rain is rare this time of year, and humidity stays low, so it’s a good window for being outside. Mornings feel relatively cool before things warm up by midday, but the heat doesn’t usually feel too intense.
If you're heading to the coast, sea temperatures around places like Sihanoukville sit at roughly 82°F (28°C), which is great for swimming. The water in the Gulf of Thailand tends to be calm in February, and the weather stays stable.
You’ll get about 11 to 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:15 AM and sunset close to 6:00 PM.
| Location | Daytime temperatures | Nighttime temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 88°F (31°C) | 72°F (22°C) |
| Siem Reap | 88°F (31°C) | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sihanoukville (Coast) | 86°F (30°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
| Battambang | 89°F (32°C) | 71°F (22°C) |
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River beach with straw hut and swing in Kampot Cambodia © Shutterstock
February is part of the dry season in Cambodia, with warm weather that stays manageable and low humidity compared to later in the year.
It’s a comfortable time to explore the country, especially if you plan to visit temple sites like Angkor Wat. The mornings are clear and cool enough to start early, and the heat during the day doesn’t usually feel too intense.
Around Tonle Sap Lake, water levels drop in February, making it easier to see the stilted homes and floating villages. If you’re heading to the coast, the southern beaches and islands usually have calm seas and good conditions for swimming.
When Lunar New Year falls in February, you’ll find festivities in cities like Phnom Penh, including dragon dances and public celebrations. Rural communities may also mark the vacation with local ceremonies.
Just be aware that this is peak travel season, so the major sites can be busier, and prices for accommodation are often higher than at other times of the year. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Cambodia.
February is the peak time for tourism in Cambodia due to the pleasant weather we mentioned above. Tourist traffic is high this month, as many visitors are eager to take advantage of the sunny days and cool evenings of the dry season. This influx of tourists can lead to overcrowding at popular sites.
Due to high demand, the cost of accommodation, tours, and other services may be higher than during low-season months, such as May through early October, when the weather is more humid and hot. Nevertheless, the pros of visiting in February include ease of transportation, the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities, and the vibrant atmosphere associated with the Lunar New Year celebrations (depending on the year).
Although February is crowded and costs are higher, the benefits of excellent weather and a full range of outdoor tourist facilities make it a desirable time to visit. If you prefer fewer crowds and are willing to put up with hotter temperatures and a rainy season, consider traveling in April, May or from late October to early November. If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Cambodia.

Rabbit Island, Cambodia © Shutterstock
February is one of the easiest times to travel around Cambodia, with dry roads, clear skies, and manageable heat. Here are some of the best places to visit in Cambodia.
Siem Reap is the base for visiting Angkor, but the town itself has a lot going on. In February, the weather makes it easy to spend full days outside. The old French Quarter and riverside are filled with open-air cafés, galleries, and stores in old colonial buildings and wooden houses. At night, markets sell everything from textiles to snacks like fried crickets. Outside town, the landscape is dotted with stilted homes, lotus fields, and rice paddies where water buffalo still pull plows.
The capital can feel intense, but in February the temperatures make it easier to get around and see the main sights. You can visit places like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or the Killing Fields, then balance that out with a walk along the riverfront or a trip to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Around sunset, the promenade fills with people walking, stretching, or picking up grilled snacks from street vendors. best things to do in Phnom Penh
Kampot is a quieter riverside town that works well in February if you’re looking to slow down. The days are warm and dry, and it’s easy to bike or take a tuk-tuk to the famous pepper farms nearby. Some of them do tastings so you can try the different types and see why Kampot pepper is so sought after. If you head into Bokor National Park, you’ll find cooler air and old French buildings being slowly taken back by the jungle.

Wat Ounalom Temple, Phnom Penh, Cambodia © Shutterstock
February’s dry, warm weather makes it easy to get around and try a bit of everything. Here are some of the best things to do in Cambodia.
If you're looking to get away from the main tourist trail, February is a good time to explore lesser-known temples like Banteay Chhmar in northwest Cambodia. The weather makes the long journey more manageable, and the site itself sees far fewer visitors than major complexes like Angkor. Built in the late 12th century, Banteay Chhmar is full of crumbling towers and bas-reliefs, including intricate carvings of Avalokiteshvara with multiple arms.
The Mekong is a different way to see Cambodia, especially if you're interested in local life outside the cities. Cruises run between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, passing floating villages and fishing communities along the way. During February, the lower water levels make some of these villages more visible and accessible. You’ll see homes, schools, and even temples floating on bamboo rafts. For more advice, see our Cambodia travel tips.
Taking a cooking class is a good midday activity when it’s too hot to be outside for long. Many classes start with a trip to the market, where instructors walk you through ingredients like prahok (fermented fish paste), palm sugar, and fresh herbs. You’ll learn to make dishes like fish amok or nom banh chok and understand how Cambodian cooking balances flavors differently than Thai or Vietnamese food. Some classes take place in the countryside and include time in herb yards or small farms.

Our Cambodia itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point—perfect for planning but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Cambodia
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written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 08.01.2026
Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.
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