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Best Time to Visit Cambodia

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The Chanchhaya Pavilion of Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is from November through April, the dry season, when the weather is cool and comfortable for exploring the country.

Cambodia offers travelers a chance to experience Southeast Asia’s diverse rainforests on adventures that include cycling trips under the shady canopy and cruises down sun-washed rivers. Culture and religion intertwine at ancient temples in vibrant villages and visitors are met with breathtaking panoramas of Cambodia’s seas during the best times to visit.

This guide covers the best time to visit Cambodia, depending on your reason for travel, and shares ideas for all types of travelers when there are fewer crowds, and more.

Overview
  1. Best Time for Great Weather
  2. Best Time for Temple Tours
  3. Best Time to Avoid the Crowds
  4. Best Time for Hiking and Trekking
  5. Best Time for Cultural Experiences
  6. Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners
  7. Best Time for Families with Children
  8. Book for the Best Time in Cambodia

Best Time for Great Weather

Beach in Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

Best Months: December • January

The best time to visit Cambodia for great weather is in December and January, when the conditions are perfect for spending time on the country’s breathtaking beaches.

These months fall within the middle of the popular Cambodia dry season, a time when rain is rare and temperatures are moderate. You can expect plenty of sunshine and temperatures ranging from 71.1°F to 86.2°F.

Cruises across the beautiful blue waters, snorkeling off the colorful coast, and afternoons watching the sunset by the sea are experiences to enjoy to the full in December and January.

Best Time for Temple Tours

Banteay Samre temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Best Months: November • December • January • February

November through February is the best time to visit Cambodia to see the spiritual sites and tour the ancient temples.

While Angkor Wat and other Cambodian temples can be busy during December and January, the comfortable temperatures make exploring these cultural sites a breeze. Trips during November or February may provide some refuge from the peak season crowds, letting you discover ancient art and architecture more freely.

Guides can show you a remarkable collection of spiritual sites during this time of the year, as you enjoy cultural exploration when it is at its best in Cambodia.

Best Time to Avoid the Crowds

Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Best Months: June • July • August • September

If you wish to explore Cambodia before the crowds arrive, the best time to visit is from June through September.

During this time, you can enjoy more freedom to experience Cambodia’s cultural activities and outdoor experiences. You can relish trips to Angkor Wat, charming villages, and the beaches when few others are soaking up the splendors of the country.

While these months fall within Cambodia’s wet season, rainfall is quick to arrive and disperse, and you can find plenty of opportunities to experience the magnificent rainforests, cultural landmarks, and beaches between downpours.

Best Time for Hiking and Trekking

Sunny day at a rainforest near Phnom Kulen in Cambodia

Cambodia

Best Months: September • October • November • December

For hikes and treks through the lush Cambodia rainforests, the best time to visit is September through December.

You can spend your afternoons at accommodations that overlook tranquil rivers in the jungle, tour wildlife rehabilitation centers on educational family adventures, or join rangers on thrilling tracking treks to spot Southeast Asia’s rarest creatures.

The great weather in November and December makes this time of the year perfect for capturing scenic photography during your hikes. In September and October, the crowds have not arrived and you can experience Cambodia’s breathtaking outdoors to yourself at times.

Best Time for Cultural Experiences

Traditional Apsara dancers in Cambodia

Cambodia

Best Months: October • November

The best time to visit Cambodia to experience the country’s two iconic cultural festivals, Pchum Ben and Bon Om Touk, is in October and November.

Pchum Ben is a remarkable religious festival that runs for 15 days during the 10th month of the Khmer calendar, while Bon Om Touk is Cambodia’s famous water festival. Each holds tremendous significance for the local people and they are inspiring cultural experiences to attend.

Other festivals, celebrations, and cultural experiences are also possible in October and November, making these months perfect for immersive vacations in Cambodia.

Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners

Song Saa private island in Cambodia

Song Saa private island, Cambodia

Best Months: October • November • March • April

For couples’ vacations or honeymoons in Cambodia, the best time to visit is between October and November, and March and April.

These months offer good weather for enjoying Cambodia’s breathtaking outdoors, while being far less busy than the peak travel months of December and January. For these reasons couples can enjoy the perks of Cambodian travel that is exclusive, romantic, and private.

You can spend your afternoons watching the sunset over the sapphire sea at bungalows above the water, relish spa treatments without a soul in sight, and indulge in delicious authentic Cambodian cuisine as you embrace intimacy on your couples’ vacation or honeymoon.

Best Time for Families with Children

Family visiting the Preah Khan Temple in Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Best Months: September • October • February • March

The best time to bring your family to Cambodia is between September and October and February and March.

These months lie just outside and during the country’s dry season, ensuring the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly adventures. If you travel to Cambodia as a family during this time you can avoid the overwhelming crowds that gather in December and January.

You can also bring your young children or older teenagers to experience the cultural charms and scenic beauty of Southeast Asia in Cambodia on a vacation that falls within their school breaks.

Book for the Best Time in Cambodia

Gate of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia is a fascinating cultural destination with beautiful sceneries and landscapes to explore on a vacation during the best time to visit.

You can use this information as a guide to finding the right time for your couples vacation, family trip, outdoor excursion, and more, depending on your travel style and preferences.

You can also browse our collection of Cambodia Tours & Vacations for inspiration.

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