Known for its combination of ancient temples and tropical landscapes along with rich cultural heritage, Cambodia attracts thousands of tourists and travellers all throughout the year. However, what's really important is to choose and understand the best time to visit Cambodia. Visitors must decide on the most perfect time to visit this beautiful place since this is what really determines whether they will explore the iconic Angkor Wat, enjoy the warmth of the beach while they relax or be one with the festivities and celebrations in Cambodia. The following guide presents detailed information about the most perfect time to travel to Cambodia alongside critical instructions that optimize your vacation preparations like never before.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
The seasons of dry, hot and rainy determine the annual cycle in Cambodia. The best time to visit Cambodia for a very pleasant experience and utmost convenience is definitely the dry period when the weather remains pleasant. Every season in Cambodia delivers its own special attractions which result in unique experiences for the visitors.
1. Dry Season (November to March)
Tourists consider the dry season the most optimal time for visiting Cambodia because temperatures range between 22°C to 30°C. The pleasant weather during this season generates optimal conditions so that the tourists can explore all the ancient temples and natural reserves along with the hustle and bustle of the busy cities. If you visit Cambodia during this period, you will be able to witness and experience significant religious and cultural ceremonies. Tourists typically visit Cambodia in this season, elevating the costs of hotels and the increasing number of visitors.
Things To Do
- Experience the sunrise at the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat
- Explore the Royal Palace alongside the National Museum and the Killing Fields.
- The town of Siem Reap attracts vacation seekers with its vibrant night markets.
- Dive into underwater diving activities and snorkelling experiences at the coastal islands of Koh Rong together with Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Thmei.
- Celebrate the reversal of the Tonle Sap River with The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November with boat races and street festivities.
- Opt for jungle trekking in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.
Pro Travel Tip: Book accommodations and tours well in advance as this is the busiest travel season. The average daytime temperatures in Cambodia are comfortable but visitors should bring light layers because temperatures drop during morning and evening hours.
2. Hot Season (April to June)
The summer season in Cambodia is not as crowded and it is the best time for budget travellers. With fewer tourists, hotels and tours are cheaper and travelling within the country on a budget is easier. The temperature reaches a maximum of 40°C and outdoor activities have to be scheduled accordingly. Although the inland regions are extremely hot, the coastal regions offer a respite with cool sea breezes.
Things To Do
- Indulge in a beach holiday at Sihanoukville, Koh Rong and Kep with fresh seafood and loads of time to relax.
- Explore breathtaking vistas, nature excursions and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of the area's rare wildlife at The Cardamom Mountains before the rainy season hits.
- Enjoy one of Cambodia's biggest festivals- Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) which occurs in mid-April with water fights, traditional dance shows, temple excursions and street parades.
- Go off the beaten trail to some hidden gems, be sure to stop in Kampong Thom. It has this incredible pre-Angkorian temple complex called Sambor Prei Kuk.
Pro Travel Tip: The daytime heat is very intense, so schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen are essentials. Staying in air-conditioned accommodations can also be a more pleasant experience during this time.
3. Rainy Season (July to October): Perfect for Nature Enthusiasts
Cambodia into a green paradise with vibrant landscapes, making it the best time to visit Cambodia for nature lovers and photographers. Fewer tourists in the area mean visitors can enjoy a serene experience simultaneously while also having lower travel costs. One of the best aspects of the rainy season is a visit to Angkor Wat with fewer tourists. Although showers are usually in the afternoons, mornings are likely to be sunny, a serene and picturesque setting to visit temples.
Things To Do
- Feel the serenity and peace at Kampot and Kep and let your soul feel the freshness of the waterfalls of the region such as Kbal Chhay Waterfall in Sihanoukville and Bou Sra Waterfall in Mondulkiri.
- Enjoy the Pchum Ben Festival in September or October, a noteworthy cultural highlight of this season. This Buddhist festival is all about paying respects to the ancestors and people visit temples to make offerings of food.
- Go on a Mekong River cruise and enjoy the picturesque countryside scenery of rural Cambodia, wooden stilt houses and Cambodian fishing villages.
Pro Travel Tip: Bring waterproof gear and expect occasional travel delays. The rain comes in brief, heavy bursts, with plenty of time for sightseeing in between. Checking weather forecasts prior to planning outdoor excursions will be a good idea to make travel hassle-free.
Travel Tips for the Best Time to Visit Cambodia
- Best for temple hopping: November to March (Dry Season) when the weather is super comfortable for exploring Angkor Wat and other ancient sites.
- Best for budget travellers: April to June (Hot Season) when hotel rates and flight tickets are way cheaper.
- Best for nature lovers: July to October (Rainy Season) when the countryside is very vibrant and Tonle Sap Lake is at its fullest.
- Best for beach holidays: November to June when the hot season offers great beach weather and the dry season comes packed up with calmer waters.
- Best for festivals: November (Water Festival), April (Khmer New Year) and September/October (Pchum Ben Festival).
- Best for photography enthusiasts: Rainy season for lush greenery and dramatic skies; dry season for golden sunrise shots over temples.
- Best for adventure seekers: Hot season for trekking and waterfalls, rainy season for jungle exploration and dry season for long-distance cycling tours.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Cambodia completely depends on your mood. If you want good weather and some cultural excitement, then best time to visit Cambodia is November to March. If you are on a budget, you may want to opt for the hot season from April to June for some excellent bargains and nature lovers will love the greenery and relaxed atmosphere during the monsoon. There is always something to do no matter when you visit, from temple trips to a wildlife safari, beach-hopping and observing some party action.
No matter when you visit, Cambodia’s beauty, cool history and friendly vibe guarantee you’ll have an awesome trip. Whether you’re looking for adventure, some historical stuff, or just chill time, Cambodia’s got something for every traveler, no matter the season.
Hello, why not begin your Cambodian journey today? Start planning your Cambodia adventure today and book your trip to Cambodia with Capture A Trip for the season that best suits your travel style!
FAQs on best time to visit Cambodia
1. What is the best time to visit Cambodia for sightseeing?
The best time to visit Cambodia on a sightseeing tour is during the period November to March when it is dry weather. Comfortable weather with clear skies provides the best experience for visiting common tourist spots of Cambodia like Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
2. When is the cheapest time to travel to Cambodia?
The hot season (April to June) is the ideal time to travel to Cambodia on a shoestring. Fewer tourists mean that you can get excellent deals on flights and accommodations as you bask on Cambodia's beaches and attend festivals.
3. Is Cambodia worth visiting during the rainy season?
Yes of course! Cambodia is quite green and vibrant from July to October. Despite the afternoon showers, mornings are ideal for traveling. And besides, it's a good time to visit nice places in Cambodia such as Tonle Sap Lake and Kampot.
4. What month is Angkor Wat least crowded?
The September and October rainy season is really the ideal time to visit Cambodia if you're looking to visit Angkor Wat without hordes of tourists. The temple is stunning with all the rain washing everything clean.
5. What is the best time to visit Cambodia to enjoy the beaches?
The best time to visit Cambodia for some beach action is from November through to June, when the weather's all sunny and dry. Cool destinations in Cambodia such as Koh Rong and Sihanoukville boast brilliantly clear waters and great snorkeling.
6. What is the best time to experience Cambodian festivals?
If you are planning to visit Cambodia, November to April is the golden period to witness festivals. You have the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November, Khmer New Year in April and Pchum Ben Festival in September/October, all with great cultural vibes.
