When is the best time to visit Cambodia? We have the answer for you right here. Whether you are planning Cambodia tour packages to see the Angkor temples, thinking of stepping off the beaten path to explore the untouched beaches in the South or even aiming for a combined trip to the neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. Read on the article below to prepare for your wonderful multi-country Asia tours including this mighty country.
When is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia | Cambodia Weather
Cambodia belongs to the tropics and the climate here is quite consistent, which makes it suitable for traveling almost year-round. There are 2 main seasons in Cambodia: the rainy season (also known as the wet or green season) and the dry season.
Rainy Season in Cambodia (from June to October)
From June to October is the wet season in Cambodia and rains can occur up to twenty days in a month. This could sound extreme to some, but it’s actually not as bad as it seems because it only rains for about an hour and you will be fine with a raincoat or an umbrella.
One of the best times of the year to travel to Cambodia is at the beginning of the wet season – from the end of June to early September. During this period, the rain is not as bad as some other months and the temperature will be much cooler than the hot season, it will vary between 25-27℃ (77-80.6℉). These advantages, together with the fact that it is a shoulder season, makes it the perfect time to explore ancient temples, and take photos of the beautiful greenery of the countryside. In this time of the year, it is also possible to take a boat ride into the flooded forest and enjoy the view of stilted homes on Tonle Sap Lake. If you visit Cambodia during mid-September and October, you should watch out for flood warnings, especially when traveling to remote areas.
Dry Season in Cambodia (November to May)
Cambodia's dry season is undoubtedly the most popular holiday time. This season is subdivided into the cool season that lasts from November to February, and the hot season that occupies the rest of the dry season. The cooler month is significant by the pleasant temperature of 22-31°C and not too high humidity. This makes the cool season the busiest travel period of the year in Cambodia and you should expect to see a lot of tourists and higher prices if you decide to travel during this time.
The hot season will be in March, April, and May. Both temperature and humidity will rise due to the effect of the northeast monsoon. It is quite uncomfortable to engage in outdoor activities due to the high temperature of 33-35°C (more than 90°F). Some destinations like Siem Reap can experience temperature as high as 40°C. Generally, rain is rare during these months but the latter part of May may have some early monsoon downpours.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat & Siem Reap
Most travelers visiting Cambodia will head toward Siem Reap to admire Angkor Wat, the vast complex of intricate stone temples that is featured on the country’s flag. Siem Reap climate is tropical with seasonal variations similar to all of Cambodia. It is best to visit Siem Reap is in December and January, which is the middle of the cool dry season. The daytime will be sunny with a pleasant temperature. However, there will be a lot of travelers and it will also be more expensive to take a trip during these months.
June to October is also a good option. Although there can be rains, the temple sites are much less crowded and the surrounding scenery is at its full, tropical green glory. Make sure you have your umbrella with you to so that you won’t get wet.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
The central part of Cambodia experiences less rain than the coastal region. But in the hot season, the temperature is quite higher, some days could reach 40°C (104°F). So if you travel from March to April, you might feel very uncomfortable. The best time to visit Phnom Penh for the best weather is from November to February with short daily downpours and temperatures remain in the low 30s°C (low 90s°F).
Best Time For a Combine Trip to Cambodia & Vietnam
The best time to enjoy Indochina tour packages that including both Cambodia and Vietnam is the dry season from November to April. During this time, the temperature in both countries is relatively pleasant and rain is much less frequent.
The best time to travel is usually also the peak season. If you travel to Cambodia and Vietnam during this period, you will have to spend more money as the prices are higher. Travelers should also notice the Vietnamese Tet Festival that lasts a week somewhere in late January or early February. It is the biggest national holiday, therefore you must book your travel arrangements early. If you are looking for a cost-saving time to travel, consider May to early October. The number of travelers is much less due to the rains which usually fall short and sharp.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia & Thailand
Both Cambodia and Thailand are located in a similar climate zone, therefore the best time to visit each country is quite similar. November to February has the best weather, which is cooler and drier than other months. It is also the peak season for Western travelers because it is the wintertime in their countries.
The shoulder season in Southeast Asia traveling is March through May. The temperature reaches its peak, which is often around 35 – 36°C. The high humidity also makes it very uncomfortable. If you cannot handle the heat, reconsider traveling during this time.