Weather in Cambodia in November

November kicks off the dry season in Cambodia, which means cooler temperatures and much less rain. It’s a great time to explore temples like Angkor Wat or spend time outdoors without dealing with the intense heat that comes later in the season. Roads start drying out, the air feels fresher, and the landscape is still green from the last of the rains.

Cambodia in November at a glance

• Daily temperatures usually sit between 73 to 88°F (23 to 31°C), with warm days and noticeably cooler evenings
• Start of the dry season, as the rains taper off and skies stay clearer
• Crowds begin to pick up, but it’s still calmer and cheaper than December and January
• Recent rains keep the countryside lush, while roads and hiking paths become easier to navigate
   

What is the weather like in Cambodia in November?

November is a transition month, with weather shifting from wet to dry. Most days are sunny, though you might get the occasional short shower, especially in the first week or two. As the month goes on, the skies clear up more consistently and humidity drops, making it easier to spend full days outside.

Rainfall drops to around 2.4 inches (60 mm) this month, which is a big change from October, when some areas get up to 10 inches (250 mm). By late November, rain is rare, and you can usually count on clear mornings and warm afternoons.

This is also when travel starts to pick up again. Some parts of the country that were hard to reach in the wet season are now accessible, especially rural areas and less-visited temples. Roads dry out, river levels stabilize, and travel becomes more straightforward overall.

If you're looking to explore Cambodia with good weather and fewer crowds than peak season, November is a smart time to go. You’ll get the best of both worlds: green landscapes without the heavy rains, and growing energy in the towns without the full swing of high season prices. This is a fantastic month for your Cambodia itinerary.

Turn your ideas into days you’ll remember with itineraries from our Cambodia travel experts.

Average daily temperatures in November

November is one of the more comfortable times of year in Cambodia, with average temperatures ranging from 73 to 88°F (23 to 31°C). It’s warm enough for sightseeing without being overwhelming, and the lower humidity makes a big difference as the month goes on.

During the day, it usually climbs to around 88°F (31°C), so you’ll still want sun protection and to take breaks in the shade. But it’s not the kind of heat that keeps you from walking around temple sites or cycling between villages.

Evenings cool down to about 73°F (23°C), which feels refreshing after a warm day. You might want to pack a light layer for early mornings or evenings, especially if you’re in the north around places like Siem Reap.

If you’re headed to the coast, the sea is still warm at around 82°F (28°C), so November is a good time to spend a few days swimming or relaxing on the islands. You’ll get around 11 and a half hours of daylight, which gives you plenty of time to plan day trips or just take things slow without feeling rushed. For more insider tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Cambodia.
 

Is November a good time to visit Cambodia?

November is one of the best times to visit Cambodia. The weather is shifting into the dry season, so you'll see a drop in both rainfall and humidity. That makes it a lot easier to spend full days outdoors without feeling wiped out. The landscape is still green from the recent rains, so everything looks fresh and alive, especially around the countryside and temple complexes.

Temperatures are warm but manageable, which means you can comfortably explore places like Angkor without needing to constantly seek shade. It’s also a good time to get out to the jungle regions like Mondulkiri or head south to the coast and islands before things start getting busier.

November also lines up with one of Cambodia’s biggest vacations: the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk). It usually happens in early to mid-November and marks the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s current. Cities like Phnom Penh come alive with boat races, concerts, and fireworks. If you’re in the country when it happens, it’s worth seeing.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• Warm, mostly dry weather with good conditions for sightseeing
• Green landscapes still hanging on after the rainy season
• Fewer tourists compared to peak season in December and January
• Chance to see the Water Festival if your trip lines up
• Remote areas become easier to reach as roads dry out
   

What about crowds and costs?

November is the start of Cambodia's high tourist season, which leads to increased crowds, especially in popular destinations like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh. Because of the good weather, many travelers choose this month to visit, so expect more people and less privacy at major attractions.

Consequently, prices for accommodation, excursions and possibly flights tend to increase compared to off-peak months such as June through August. Despite these factors, the advantages of traveling in November, such as great weather, dry roads and full accessibility to all regions, often outweigh the disadvantages.

To enjoy lower prices and fewer tourists, as well as good weather, consider traveling in "shoulder" months, such as October or late February, when tourist traffic begins to decline but the climate remains pleasant.
 

Where to go in Cambodia in November

With dry season starting, November is a great time to move around the country. Roads are more accessible, humidity is dropping, and the landscapes are still green from the rains. It’s also early enough in the season that the crowds haven’t fully arrived, so you’ve got a little breathing room to explore.  Here are some of the best places to visit in Cambodia in November.

Siem Reap and Angkor Archaeological Park

November is a good time to explore the temples around Siem Reap. The weather is warm but not stifling, and you're less likely to get caught in a downpour. Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm are all easier to enjoy when it’s dry and not too hot. The surrounding countryside still looks fresh and green, which makes the whole experience feel a little more dramatic.

It’s also a good time to take a tuk-tuk or bike through nearby villages or stop by smaller, lesser-known temples in the area. If you’re up early, sunrises over Angkor are still popular, but there’s a better chance of getting a quiet moment if you head to a less visited temple instead.

Phnom Penh

The capital can be a little intense in the hot season, but in November it’s more manageable. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are easier to explore without the heat slowing you down, and evenings by the river are nice for walking or grabbing dinner outdoors.

If you’re interested in history, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields are hard but important visits. For something a bit lighter, the National Museum has a great collection of Khmer sculptures, and November’s weather means you can comfortably spend more time outside walking between sights or browsing the markets in Phnom Penh.

Sihanoukville and the islands

If you’re thinking about beach time, November is a good window to head to Sihanoukville. The sea is calm, and the skies are clearer, so ferries to islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are more reliable. The water is warm, around 82°F (28°C), and good for swimming or snorkeling.

These islands are still fairly quiet this time of year. You can relax on the beach or go kayaking or hiking without too much planning. If you're heading to the mainland coast, Ream National Park also starts to become more accessible again after the rains.  

Battambang

Battambang has a slower pace than Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, but November is a good time to be here. The dry weather makes it easier to explore the countryside by bike or tuk-tuk. You can ride past rice fields, small temples, and quiet villages, and the views are still green from the end of the rainy season.

One of the more unique things to do here is take a ride on the Bamboo Train, a simple platform that runs along an old railroad line. It’s touristy but still fun, and the surrounding landscape is worth the trip.

Mondulkiri Province

Mondulkiri, in the eastern highlands, has a different feel than the rest of the country. It’s cooler, with rolling hills and forested areas that are great for hiking. In November, the trails are easier to manage and the waterfalls are still flowing after the rainy season.

This is also one of the better times to visit the Elephant Valley Project, where you can learn about and observe rescued elephants in a natural environment. The region is home to indigenous communities too, and local guides can help you visit villages or explore the forest without damaging the ecosystem. 

What to do in Cambodia in November

November’s weather makes it easy to get outside and explore. With lower humidity and less rain, it’s a good time to mix cultural experiences with nature-based activities. You can spend full days walking around temple sites, relaxing on the beach, or heading into the hills without the discomfort that comes with the hotter months. Here are some of the best things to do in Cambodia in November. 

The Water Festival

If your timing lines up with Bon Om Touk, Cambodia’s Water Festival, you’re in for something special. It usually happens in early to mid-November and celebrates the changing flow of the Tonle Sap River. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you’ll see longboat races during the day and colorful lights and fireworks at night. It’s a national vacation, so expect big crowds and a party-like atmosphere, with food stalls, live music, and people out enjoying the cooler evenings. This is one of the best things to do in Phnom Pehn. 

Take a Mekong river cruise

River cruises in November are a good way to slow down and see more of rural Cambodia. Water levels are still high after the rainy season, so boats can pass through areas that might be too shallow later in the year. Cruises between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap give you a different view of the country, gliding past floating villages, riverbank temples, and quiet stretches of countryside. You’ll spend a lot of time outside on the deck, and the weather this time of year makes that pleasant all day.
 

See Cambodia’s wildlife

Cambodia’s northeastern provinces like Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri are known for forested landscapes and wildlife. November is a good time to visit because the trails are in better condition and the scenery is still green. In Mondulkiri, the Elephant Valley Project focuses on observation rather than rides or performances, and the setting gives the elephants room to roam. For more remote hiking and birdwatching, Virachey National Park in Ratanakiri is an option, though it’s best to go with a local guide who knows the area. 

Relax on Cambodian beaches

If you’re looking to end your trip with a few slower days, Cambodia’s beaches are a good call in November. Rainfall is tapering off and the sea is calm, so boat transfers are smoother and the water is clear. The mainland beaches around Sihanoukville are easy to reach, but the islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem feel quieter and more relaxed. Snorkeling, swimming, or just resting in a hammock are all fair game, and with the main tourist wave still a few weeks away, you’ll have a bit more space to yourself.

Planning your itinerary

Cambodia’s small size makes it easy to get around, but give yourself time in each place. November’s cooler, drier weather is great for temples, countryside travel, and the coast.

• 7 days in Cambodia itinerary: Fly into Siem Reap and spend a few days exploring Angkor. Then head to Phnom Penh for the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng. If time allows, squeeze in a night by the river.
• 10 days in Cambodia itinerary: Start in Siem Reap with Angkor and nearby villages. Travel to Phnom Penh for two days, then head south to Kampot or Kep for countryside views, seafood, and slower mornings by the water.
• 14 days in Cambodia itinerary: See Angkor temples in Siem Reap, then head to Phnom Penh. Continue to Kampot and Kep, then ferry to Koh Rong for beach time. End with a relaxed night in Phnom Penh before flying out.