Cambodia weather overview

Located in South-East Asia, Cambodia has a simpler weather system, compared to its neighbours. Also, tropical cyclones only rarely cause damage in Cambodia.

There are two distinct seasons – dry season from October to late April and wet / rainy season from May to late September.

Regarding temperature, the hottest months are usually known at final few dry months leading up to the wet season (March and April) and the early months of the wet season (May and June), around 35°C, while October and December are coolest months (with average temperatures hovering around 24°C-26°C).

March and April are also known as highest humid months.

Phnom Penh weather & climate

In brief

From December to March, the weather is coolest and windy. This is also the peak tourist season in Cambodia.

The 2nd good option, you can also visit Cambodia between October and November. At this time, the weather is quite pleasant and dry, after the end of the monsoon season.

Let us explain in details for you, to make a suitable plan for an excellent trip to Cambodia.

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Visiting Cambodia in January

The driest month of the year and a comfortable average temperature of 26°C, make January the perfect time to explore Cambodia, from North to South of country. It is both excellent to discover the temples inSiem Reap or relax on the southern coast of Sihanoukville or Kep.

Visiting Cambodia in February

February is still a perfect time to discover and enjoy long walks around Angkor Complex, thanks to light rain and temperatures are still cool enough. This month is also good for waterway travel, such as a river cruise or visiting the Tonle Sap with its floating villages.

Visiting Cambodia in March

Same as travelling to Laos or Vietnam, this is the peak time to visit Cambodia, although temperatures are likely to rise, but still cool enough, under 30°Cs. However, water levels begin to fall towards the end of the month, a sign that the dry season is coming, meaning you can consider about a cruise to Tonle Sap, it becomes not as exciting as should be.

Visiting Cambodia in April

April is still on high time of the peak season, although temperatures are lightly increased, often exceeding 33°C. From this month until the end of September, tourists should explore sites early in the morning and in the late afternoon and find a refuge during noontime.

Special Festivals in this month:

Khmer New Year – The Chaul Chnam Thmay, takes place from 13th till 16th April: This is the country's major holidays, people head home to be with their families.

As preparation for the biggest festival of the year, people clean their house, buy new things, and store food… At the 1st day of the New Year, all the family sits together and pray for happiness. Some special things should be prepared in advance for this special ceremony, including 5 candles, 5 incenses, a pair of 5 Baysey, a pair of Baysey Baklam, a pair of Slathor (a ceremonial ornament), a tray of cigarettes, flowers and fruits. And during 3 consecutive days of the new year, there are different celebrations. 

Visiting Cambodia in May

This is the time for 1st showers arrive, a sign of the coming wet season. The shoulder season, it means you will have a chance to get more promotions, then less pay. It is also an important thing to consider.

Please well prepare raincoat, an umbrella for some sudden showers during this time of year, but surely that it will not much influence on your day. Otherwise, showers bring humidity, freshness and cool down your steps.

Visiting Cambodia in June

The rain is coming, make fields more verdurous, that why people also call this “green season” in Cambodia. More water makes waterfalls more powerful and worth your visit, however, the access may be more difficult as well.

Hotels and other relative services are continuing offered very good price while temples and other tourist sites are quieter at this time of the year.

Visiting Cambodia in July

Beaches break in Sihanoukville, Kep, … should be avoided this period, due to rains across the country.

It is also summer break for schools, then, a lot of European families chose to travel at this time. This is an intelligent choice, you will get both promotions and less-crowded tourists, especially when travel as a big group.

Visiting Cambodia in August

August is the month has most of the rains in the year. It makes The Tonle Sap filled up again, then, going to Tonle Sap and taking a cruise there is doable.

It is also good for wildlife and nature lovers, knowing that floras and faunas are in full bloom, thanks to the rains and humidity.

Visiting Cambodia in September

Maybe September is a not-recommended month to visit Cambodia because this is the wettest month and you may meet heavy showers daily.

Although some explorations and visits are still accessible, the rain will surely bother your days. The advice is, if possible, choose to travel in another month.

Visiting Cambodia in October

Cool temperatures at about 27°C and the rain is sparse and disappears, makes October a pleasant time to visit Cambodia.

Tourist attractions are not too crowded and there is some promotion this month, this is such a good opportunity for your travel.

Special Festivals in this month:

Pchum Ben (means "Ancestors' Day") is a 15-day Cambodian religious festival, the most important day in celebration is on the 15th day.  Depending on each year, it can take place at the end of September or normally in October.
This festival is an occasion for many Cambodians to pay their respects to deceased relatives’ generations.

Visiting Cambodia in November

Comfortable temperatures averaging 25°C and absence of rains make this month begins of Cambodia's peak season.

Angkor Temples, Tonle Sap lake,... are in perfect time to visit. Also, the Cambodian Water Festival usually takes place in November, make services are often higher at this month and quickly in fully booked. If you have an intention to travel in this month, it needs to be arranged quite a long time in advance.

Special Festivals in this month:

Bon Om Touk (Khmer Water & Moon Festival), a traditional festival celebrated in November, sometimes in late October. The festival takes place over three days, to celebrate the end of the country's rainy season, as well as the change in the flow of the Tonle Sap River (from Tonle Sap River into Mekong River, in 6 months of the year).

Local people and also visitors from everywhere go to Phnom Penh to watch boat races along the Sisowath Quay, fireworks, and concerts in the evenings...

Visiting Cambodia in December

Perfect weather combines with Christmas season make Cambodia a top choice in South-East Asia destination to have an unforgettable holiday with your beloveds. You should book in advance all services because they are often fully booked.

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