Cambodia’s tropical climate offers warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit depends on whether you prefer dry temple exploration or lush green landscapes with fewer crowds. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of Cambodia’s weather and top destinations.
🌦️ Cambodia’s 2 Main Seasons
1️⃣ Dry Season (November–April) – Sunny, low humidity, best for temples.
2️⃣ Wet Season (May–October) – Short downpours, lush scenery, fewer tourists.
📍 Best Time to Visit Cambodia’s Top Destinations
1. Siem Reap (Angkor Wat & Temples)
🕒 Best Months: November–February (Cool & dry)
🌡️ Weather: 25–30°C, low humidity
✅ Why Visit? Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple).
⚠️ Avoid: March–May (extremely hot, up to 38°C).
2. Phnom Penh (Capital City – History & Culture)
🕒 Best Months: December–January (Coolest)
🌡️ Weather: 22–32°C, comfortable for city tours
✅ Why Visit? Royal Palace, Killing Fields, and Mekong Riverfront.
⚠️ Avoid: April (hottest month) & September–October (heaviest rain).
3. Sihanoukville (Beaches & Islands)
🕒 Best Months: November–April (Sunny & dry)
🌡️ Weather: 28–34°C, perfect for island hopping
✅ Why Visit? Otres Beach, Koh Rong, and snorkeling trips.
⚠️ Avoid: May–October (monsoon, rough seas).
4. Battambang (Colonial Charm & Countryside)
🕒 Best Months: November–February (Cool & dry)
🌡️ Weather: 22–30°C, ideal for cycling tours
✅ Why Visit? Bamboo Train, Phare Circus, and French colonial buildings.
⚠️ Avoid: March–May (scorching heat).
5. Kampot (Riverside Relaxation & Pepper Farms)
🕒 Best Months: November–March (Pleasant weather)
🌡️ Weather: 25–32°C, light breezes
✅ Why Visit? Bokor Mountain, pepper plantations, and river cruises.
⚠️ Avoid: May–October (frequent rain, muddy roads).
6. Kep (Crab Market & Coastal Vibes)
🕒 Best Months: November–April (Dry & sunny)
🌡️ Weather: 26–33°C, great for seafood lovers
✅ Why Visit? Kep Crab Market, Rabbit Island, and French villas.
⚠️ Avoid: June–October (monsoon season).
7. Kratie (Mekong Dolphins & Rural Life)
🕒 Best Months: December–February (Cool & dry)
🌡️ Weather: 22–30°C, best for dolphin spotting
✅ Why Visit? Irrawaddy dolphins, Koh Trong island, and sunsets over the Mekong.
⚠️ Avoid: May–October (flooding, limited boat tours).
8. Mondulkiri (Jungles & Waterfalls)
🕒 Best Months: November–March (Driest trekking conditions)
🌡️ Weather: 18–28°C, cool highland climate
✅ Why Visit? Elephant sanctuaries, Bou Sra Waterfall, and indigenous culture.
⚠️ Avoid: June–October (leech-filled trails, heavy rain).
9. Koh Ker (Off-the-Beaten-Path Temples)
🕒 Best Months: November–February (Dry & accessible)
🌡️ Weather: 24–32°C, less humid
✅ Why Visit? Remote pyramid temple (Prasat Thom), jungle ruins.
⚠️ Avoid: May–October (flooded dirt roads).
10. Preah Vihear (Mountain Temple)
🕒 Best Months: December–February (Cool & clear views)
🌡️ Weather: 20–28°C, fog-free mornings
✅ Why Visit? Cliffside temple with panoramic views of Thailand.
⚠️ Avoid: May–September (cloudy, slippery steps).
🌦️ Seasonal Travel Tips
- Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Best for temples & beaches but crowded at Angkor Wat.
- Wet Season (May–Oct): Fewer tourists, lush landscapes, but some roads flood.
🎒 Packing Essentials
- Dry Season: Sunscreen, hat, light clothing.
- Wet Season: Rain jacket, waterproof shoes, insect repellent.
- Temple Visits: Cover shoulders/knees for religious sites.
Final Advice
- Best Overall Time: November–January (Cool & dry).
- For Photography: June–September (Green landscapes, dramatic skies).
- For Budget Travel: May–October (Lower prices, fewer crowds).
✈️ Pro Tip: Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise (5 AM) to avoid crowds!
