Best Time to Visit Cambodia
December to February (coolest, driest, sunniest)
Quick Answer
Best Overall
December to February (coolest, driest, sunniest)
Peak Season
December–February (peak tourist season, driest and coolest)
Shoulder Season
November, March
Cheapest Period
June–October (wet season, heaviest rain September-October)
Month-by-Month Weather
Catalog Data· Climate normals, see sources below(Verified taxonomy records from the TravelGuidesFinder destination catalog.)Average high/low temperatures and rainfall for Phnom Penh.
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 5mm | Peak |
| February | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F | 10mm | Peak |
| March | 34°C / 93°F | 25°C / 77°F | 40mm | Shoulder |
| April | 35°C / 95°F | 26°C / 79°F | 75mm | Low |
| May | 35°C / 95°F | 26°C / 79°F | 135mm | Low |
| June | 34°C / 93°F | 26°C / 79°F | 155mm | Low |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 170mm | Low |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 160mm | Low |
| September | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 225mm | Low |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 255mm | Low |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 125mm | Shoulder |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 45mm | Peak |
Season-by-Season Guide
Cool/dry season (Dec–Feb)
The coolest and driest stretch of the year (30-33°C highs, under 45mm of rain)
Good For
Hot season (Mar–May)
The year's hottest stretch (up to 35°C), building humidity ahead of the monsoon
Good For
Wet season (Jun–Nov, heaviest Sep–Oct)
Frequent, often heavy rain, peaking September-October (225-255mm)
Good For
Best Time to Visit For...
Angkor Wat & the Angkor temples
December–FebruaryCoolest, driest conditions for a full day of temple exploration; early-morning visits are advisable year-round to beat the heat.
Budget travel & fewer crowds
June–NovemberLowest prices of the year, with rain typically arriving as shorter afternoon downpours rather than constant rain.
Tonle Sap Lake
August–November (fullest)Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake swells dramatically with the monsoon, at its most impressive toward the end of the wet season.
Sihanoukville & the coast
November–April (dry season)Shares the mainland's dry-season pattern; best avoided during the heaviest of the June-October rains.
Cheapest Time to Visit
June through October brings the lowest prices of the year — rain is frequent but typically arrives as afternoon downpours rather than continuous rain, so it's a workable trade-off for budget travelers.
Busiest Time to Visit
December through February is the busiest and most expensive stretch, as it combines the coolest, driest weather with peak international tourist demand.
Weather vs. Price Trade-off
November offers a reasonable compromise — the heaviest rains are easing, temperatures are moderating, and prices remain below the December-February peak.
How to Get There
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI, serving Angkor Wat) are the two main gateways; both share essentially the same national climate pattern.
How Long to Stay
5-7 days covers Siem Reap/Angkor and Phnom Penh; 10-12 days allows adding Sihanoukville's coast or Kampot.
Sample Itineraries
What to Pack, By Season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
December to February for the coolest, driest, sunniest conditions — also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Angkor Wat.
Is Cambodia worth visiting in the wet season?
Yes, particularly for budget travelers — rain typically falls as afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, prices drop substantially, and Tonle Sap Lake is at its most dramatic from August through November.
When is Angkor Wat least crowded?
June through October, the wet season, sees the thinnest crowds and lowest prices, though visitors should expect afternoon showers and more humidity.
Last verified: 2026-09-20 · Climate figures are 30-year averages and will not match any single trip exactly.