Cambodia is a year‑round destination, but the weather varies significantly between the dry and rainy seasons. Choosing the right time to visit can make your trip more enjoyable – whether you want sunny temple tours, lush green landscapes, or fewer crowds.
This month‑by‑month guide covers temperatures, rainfall, tourist crowds, and recommended activities for each month of 2026.
⚡ Quick Overview: Cambodia’s Two Main Seasons
| Season | Months | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (Peak) | November – February | Cool, sunny, low humidity | Best for sightseeing, comfortable temperatures | Crowded, higher prices |
| Hot (Shoulder) | March – May | Very hot, dry, some localised showers | Still sunny, fewer tourists | Extreme heat (35–40°C) |
| Rainy (Low) | June – October | Afternoon showers, high humidity, lush greenery | Cheaper, uncrowded, green landscapes | Some roads muddy, rough seas for islands |
📅 Month‑by‑Month Breakdown
January – ☀️ Cool & Dry (Peak Season)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31°C (88°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm | Very crowded |
Best for: Angkor Wat sunrise, Phnom Penh city tours, coastal beaches (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong).
Tips: Book accommodation and flights well in advance. Expect higher prices. Pack light layers for cool mornings.
February – ☀️ Cool & Dry (Peak Season)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33°C (91°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm | Crowded |
Best for: Same as January. Also a great month for the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) – dates vary, but often falls in late October/early November, not February.
Tips: Still busy, but slightly less than January. Excellent time for outdoor activities.
March – 🔥 Hot & Dry (Shoulder)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34°C (93°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 35 mm | Moderate |
Best for: Early morning temple visits, beach escapes (sea breeze helps), and exploring the Mekong River.
Tips: Start your day by 6 AM to avoid the midday heat. Carry a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
April – 🔥 Very Hot & Dry (Shoulder)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35°C (95°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm | Moderate |
Best for: Khmer New Year celebrations (mid‑April), water festivals, and cultural experiences. The country shuts down for a few days as people return to their home provinces.
Tips: Expect scorching temperatures. If you visit during Khmer New Year, be prepared for crowds, traffic, and most businesses closed. Book everything early.
May – ☔ Start of Rainy Season
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34°C (93°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 150 mm | Low |
Best for: Budget travel, seeing lush rice paddies, and experiencing local life without crowds.
Tips: Rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts. Mornings are often sunny. Pack a light raincoat or umbrella.
June – ☔ Rainy (Low Season)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33°C (91°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 180 mm | Low |
Best for: Same as May. The Tonlé Sap river reverses flow, creating unique ecological phenomena.
Tips: Ferry schedules to islands can be cancelled due to rough seas. Have flexible plans.
July – ☔ Rainy (Low Season)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 200 mm | Low |
Best for: Very low prices, uncrowded temples, and dramatic cloudy skies perfect for photography.
Tips: Some rural roads may become muddy. Stick to paved roads and main tourist areas.
August – ☔ Rainy (Low Season)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 190 mm | Low |
Best for: Same as July. Good month for visiting museums, markets, and indoor attractions.
Tips: Carry a rain jacket at all times. Afternoon showers can be heavy but usually short.
September – ☔ Wettest Month
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 250 mm | Very low |
Best for: Lowest prices of the year, greenest landscapes, and very few tourists.
Tips: Flooding possible in low‑lying areas (Phnom Penh riverside, Siem Reap). Check road conditions before traveling.
October – ☔ Rainy but Ending
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm | Low |
Best for: Same as September. The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) sometimes falls in late October – a spectacular event with boat races and fireworks.
Tips: Rain starts to taper off by the end of the month. Great time for photographers.
November – ☀️ Dry & Cool (Peak Season Begins)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31°C (88°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm | Increasing |
Best for: Temple visits, outdoor activities, and the Water Festival (if not in October).
Tips: Book ahead. Weather is nearly perfect – warm days, cool nights, and low humidity.
December – ☀️ Cool & Dry (Peak Season)
| Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30°C (86°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm | Very crowded |
Best for: Christmas and New Year celebrations. Ideal weather for exploring Angkor Wat, coastal islands, and Phnom Penh.
Tips: Book everything months in advance. Expect peak prices.
📊 Summary Table: Best Time by Activity
| Activity | Best Months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Angkor Wat temples | November – February | Cool, dry, comfortable for walking. |
| Beaches & islands | November – May | Calm seas, sunny skies. Avoid June–October (rough seas, ferry cancellations). |
| Phnom Penh city tours | November – February | Pleasant temperatures, low rain. |
| Budget travel | June – October | Lowest prices, fewer tourists. |
| Khmer New Year | Mid‑April | Unique cultural experience (but very hot and crowded). |
| Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) | Late October / early November | Boat races, fireworks, lively atmosphere. |
| Photography | July – October | Dramatic skies, lush green landscapes. |
🔗 Related Travel Guides
- Siem Reap Travel Guide 2026
- Phnom Penh Travel Guide 2026
- Koh Rong Travel Guide 2026
- Sihanoukville Travel Guide 2026
- Cambodia Travel Tips for First‑Time Visitors
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hottest month in Cambodia?
April, with average highs of 35°C (95°F) and feels like 40°C+.
What is the coldest month?
December, with average lows of 22°C (72°F) – still warm by Western standards.
When is the rainy season?
June to October. Rain is usually in the afternoon and lasts 1–2 hours.
Is it worth visiting during the rainy season?
Yes. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush green landscapes. Just bring a raincoat and flexible plans.
When is the best time for Angkor Wat?
November to February for weather; March to May for fewer crowds (but very hot).
When does the Tonlé Sap river reverse flow?
Typically from June to October, as the Mekong swells and pushes water back into the Tonlé Sap lake.
📢 Disclaimer
Weather patterns can vary. This guide uses historical averages. Always check current forecasts before traveling.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Cambodia offers something special every month. For first‑time visitors, the dry season (November–February) is the safest bet – comfortable weather, sunny skies, and ideal for exploring Angkor Wat and the islands. Budget travellers should consider the rainy season (June–October) , when prices drop and the countryside turns emerald green. Whenever you come, the Kingdom of Wonder will welcome you with warmth, smiles, and unforgettable experiences.