Plan Your Trip
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
Month by month weather guide — so you visit at exactly the right time.
Quick Answer
November to February is the best time to visit Cambodia — the cool dry season brings comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and ideal conditions for Angkor Wat and the beaches. December and January are peak months. March and April stay dry but turn considerably hotter. The green season (May–October) offers lower prices, lush landscapes, and far fewer crowds.
Three Seasons at a Glance
Cool Dry Season — Nov to Feb
- ✓Blue skies, little rain
- ✓Cool evenings (21–25°C)
- ✓Best for temples & beaches
- ✗Higher prices & more crowds
- ✗Book well ahead
Hot Dry Season — Mar to Apr
- ✓Still dry, sunshine guaranteed
- ✓Khmer New Year in mid-April
- ✓Fewer crowds than peak season
- ✗Hot days, up to 36°C
- ✗Dusty roads, low water levels
Green Season — May to Oct
- ✓30–50% cheaper hotels
- ✓Lush green landscapes
- ✓Tonle Sap at full size
- ✗Heavy afternoon downpours
- ✗Some roads flood in Sep–Oct
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Peak season — best weather, busiest crowds, highest prices.
Excellent — slightly quieter than Jan, perfect temple weather.
Hot dry season begins — getting hotter, still comfortable for most activities.
Hot. Khmer New Year (Apr 13–16) — festive but very busy.
Green season starts. Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices.
Lush and verdant. Tonle Sap starts filling. Great for kayaking.
Peak green season. Angkor is uncrowded and dramatically lit.
Heavy rain but short bursts. Mornings often clear for temples.
Wettest month. Some flooding risk. Best for waterfall visits.
Transitioning. Water Festival (Oct/Nov) — spectacular boat races.
Dry season returns. Ideal conditions. Increasing visitor numbers.
Peak season — Christmas & NYE crowds. Coolest, most comfortable.
Best Time by Activity
| Activity | Best months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temples (Angkor) | Nov – Mar | Cool mornings, clear skies for photos |
| Beaches & Islands | Nov – Apr | Avoid May–Oct (rough seas on south coast) |
| Tonle Sap Lake | Jul – Oct | Lake at peak size; floating villages most impressive |
| Waterfalls | Aug – Oct | Kulen, Kbal Spean, Cardamom all peak |
| Budget travel | May – Sep | Lowest prices, fewest tourists |
| Water Festival | Oct / Nov | Bon Om Touk — spectacular boat racing in Phnom Penh |
| Khmer New Year | Apr 13–16 | Festive but hot; everything closes for 3 days |
| Pchum Ben | Sep / Oct | Ancestors' Day — solemn pagoda visits, quieter cities |
Want the full picture — what each festival celebrates, where to see it, and the etiquette that matters? Read Cambodia's Festivals: Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben & How to Celebrate Respectfully .