← Travel Hub · Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip right. A practical, month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, and prices — so you can visit Cambodia at the right time for your priorities.
November is Cambodia’s absolute sweet spot for travelers. The monsoon rains end abruptly around mid-October, leaving clear skies, comfortable humidity (70-80%), and minimal crowds. Angkor Wat’s stone temples shimmer without oppressive heat, rivers swell with perfect fishing conditions, and festivals like Pchum Ben (Sept) have faded—leaving you with the cultural richness of vibrant markets and temple crowds without the rain or 100°F+ heat.
Dry Season (Nov–Feb)
Hot Season (Mar–May)
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct)
When: December–January (holiday rush).
Why people go: Clear skies, perfect for Angkor Wat sunrise, no rain.
Costs: Hotels €120–250/night (vs €50–80 off-season); tours €50–70/person (vs €30–45).
Book ahead: Angkor Wat sunrise tours (60+ days), major hotels (90+ days), flights (45+ days).
Best months: October–November.
What you gain vs. peak: 25–40% lower prices, 60% fewer crowds, still perfect weather.
Trade-offs: Slightly higher humidity than December (but no rain), some guesthouses closed (book early).
When to avoid: March–May (heat) and June–August (monsoon).
Closures: Most guesthouses in Siem Reap (Jun–Aug), river transport (Jun–Sep), some temple paths (Jun–Aug).
Who should embrace it: Budget backpackers (Jun–Aug, €30–50/night) and photographers (June—lush greenery, rare rainbows).
| Season | Budget | Mid | Comfort |
|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|
| Peak (Dec–Jan) | €90–150/day | €150–220/day | €250+/day |
| Shoulder (Oct–Nov) | €65–95/day | €100–150/day | €180–250/day |
| Off (Jun–Sep) | €45–70/day | €75–110/day | €130–180/day |
1. Book Angkor Wat sunrise 60 days ahead—not just "early." Mid-November tickets sell out by September 1st.
2. Time your trip for the "Golden Hour" at Ta Prohm—November sunsets make the jungle roots glow amber. Avoid December crowds by arriving before 6:30am.
3. Skip April’s Songkran unless you love 100°F heat + water fights. Book a quiet guesthouse in Siem Reap instead (not Phnom Penh).
4. October is Cambodia’s hidden gem—rivers are high for boat tours (like Tonlé Sap), and temples are dry enough for comfortable walking.
5. Never fly into Siem Reap during Pchum Ben (Sept 14–18)—the city shuts down for ancestor rituals. Arrive Sept 13 or Sept 19.
When is the best time to visit Cambodia for pleasant weather and fewer crowds?
November to February. This dry season offers cool, sunny days (20-28°C), clear skies for Angkor Wat exploration, and minimal rain. You’ll avoid both monsoon chaos and peak tourist crushes—ideal for photography, temple hikes, and authentic local interactions.
Does visiting Cambodia in March or April save money without sacrificing weather?
Absolutely. March-April is the perfect shoulder season. Temperatures peak (35°C) but skies stay mostly clear, and prices drop 20-35% on flights/hotels. You’ll enjoy near-perfect conditions with 50% fewer tourists than peak season, making it the smartest value window.
Are there major festivals worth planning around during Cambodia’s rainy season?
Only if you embrace the chaos. July-August features the monsoon flood season, but Khmer New Year (mid-April) and Pchum Ben (Sept/Oct) are culturally vital. Pchum Ben (when temples host ancestral ceremonies) is profound but requires navigating flooded roads—only book with local guides who know current river levels.
Why should I avoid July and August for Cambodia travel?
Because July-August is peak monsoon with 20+ days of torrential rain causing widespread flooding (especially in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh). Roads become impassable, boat trips cancel, and many temples close. Even with a "monsoon discount," you’ll spend 70% of your trip indoors—wasting your trip.
Updated April 2026 · Travel Hub · All Destinations