Read on to find out when is the best time to visit Cambodia or even choose a combined Vietnam and Cambodia holiday.
Located in Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s attractions include the ancient temples of Angkor and the beaches of Sihanoukville. Siem Reap, situated near Angkor, is home to some of the best-preserved temples in the world. Phnom Penh, the capital, offers a mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Khmer homes. The coastline around Sihanoukville features lovely white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Apart from things to do and see, Cambodia boasts unique luxury stays and retreats.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and May when humidity is at its lowest. If you’re interested in seeing the country’s temples and ruins, the dry season — November to April, is the best time to go. However, if you want to enjoy Cambodia’s beaches and islands, the wet season (May to October) is an excellent time to visit, as the water is warm and there are fewer crowds. No matter when you visit, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in this Southeast Asian gem.
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with hot temperatures year-round. The average annual temperature in Phnom Penh is about 27°C (81°F), but it can get as high as 40°C (104°F) during the dry season. The wet season brings cooler temperatures and more rain, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach.
Cambodia in January
January is a great month to visit Cambodia if you’re interested in seeing the country’s temples and ruins. The average temperature for Cambodia in January is 28°C, with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. January is also one of the driest months in Cambodia, so you won’t have to worry about rain disrupting your plans.
● Average Temperature: 27°C
● Average Rainfall: 7mm
Cambodia in February
February is a fantastic month to visit Cambodia if you want to adventure without worrying about the rain. This month is one of the driest months in Cambodia, averaging about one day of rain. Warm temperatures and less rain mean that February is perfect for exploring some of Cambodia’s remote islands, like Koh Rong or Koh Totang.
● Average Temperature: 27°C
● Average Rainfall: 10mm
Cambodia in March
Visiting Cambodia in March will be relatively dry; however, March is one of the hottest months in this area. The average temperature for Cambodia in March is 28°C, with highs of 35°C and lows of 24°C. The lack of rain means that this season is an excellent time to hike in the nearby Cardamom Mountains.
● Average Temperature: 29.5°C
● Average Rainfall: 40mm
Cambodia in April
In April, the average temperature for Cambodia is 30°C, with highs of 35°C and lows of 24°C. April is also a relatively dry month in Cambodia, averaging about six days of rain. Ramping up towards the wet season, April will be the best of both wet and dry seasons so that you can experience its beaches and temples.
● Average Temperature: 30°C
● Average Rainfall: 75 mm
Cambodia in May
May is a great time to visit Cambodia if you want to enjoy the country’s beaches and islands. The average temperature for Cambodia in May is 27°C, with highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C. Although it’s the start of the wet season, May is still a good month to visit Cambodia’s beaches as the water is warm and there are fewer crowds.
● Average Temperature: 29.5°C
● Average Rainfall: 135 mm
Cambodia in June
Because the wet season begins in May, June is another rainy month in Cambodia. However, the wet months of Cambodia are some of the best for avoiding the tourist crowds! June is also an excellent month to visit Cambodia’s temples and ruins, like Angkor Wat, as the rain showers typically don’t start until later in the month and are typically short-lived.
● Average Temperature: 29.5°C
● Average Rainfall: 155 mm
Cambodia in July
The average July temperature for Cambodia is 29°C, with highs of 33°C and lows of 25°C. In July, you can expect rain approximately 16 days of the month. However, the refreshing tropical showers rarely last more than an hour. This time of year is fantastic for visiting the Phnom Penh Prehistoric Attraction Sites, dating back to 1866.
● Average Temperature: 29°C
● Average Rainfall: 170 mm
Cambodia in August
August is a great time to visit Cambodia — the streets and tourist hotspots are quiet due to the wet season, and the frequent rain showers mostly calm the heat. August is also great for browsing through Cambodia’s outdoor markets, as the rains typically don’t start until later in the month. Check out the Russian Market, BKK1 Market, and Central Market to find incredible souvenirs, local foods, and handmade goods.
● Average Temperature: 29°C
● Average Rainfall: 160 mm
Cambodia in September
As one of the two wettest months of the year, you need to be prepared when visiting Cambodia during September, so don’t forget your umbrella. The average September temperature in Cambodia is 28°C, with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. The short frequent showers make Cambodia’s landscape lush with vegetation, so this is a perfect time to take in the countryside views.
● Average Temperature: 28°C
● Average Rainfall: 225 mm
Cambodia in October
Usually, heavy rains drench Cambodia during October, so make sure to pack water-friendly clothing and water-resistant shoes if visiting during this season. In October, the average temperature for Cambodia is 28°C, with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. An October holiday in Cambodia is bound to show you a more authentic side of the country, due to the fewer tourist crowds.
● Average Temperature: 28°C
● Average Rainfall: 255 mm
Cambodia in November
November is a great time to visit Cambodia if you want to enjoy the country’s beaches and islands. November is also perfect for visiting Cambodia’s temples and ruins, as rain is infrequent. With warm and pleasant weather, be sure to explore Cambodia’s neighbourhoods and sample the many street food items, like steamed pork buns or Fish Amok.
● Average Temperature: 27°C
● Average Rainfall: 125 mm
Cambodia in December
In December, the average temperature for Cambodia is 27°C, with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. December is one of the best months to visit Cambodia — the temperatures are pleasant, and a bit of rain makes the environment lush with greenery. December is also an excellent time to explore Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh. Here, you can tour the National Museum of Cambodia and the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Siem Reap is another beautiful city to visit during December — try going for a night out in the famous Pub Street.
● Average Temperature: 27°C
● Average Rainfall: 45 mm
The bottom line
You can never go wrong when choosing when to spend a holiday in Cambodia. Each month offers slightly different weather conditions, but overall, this country is warm and pleasant throughout the year.
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