When is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia?

Winter in Cambodia is the peak travel season, offering cooler temperatures and dry conditions, making it the best time to go to Cambodia for sightseeing. This is the ideal season to explore Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most magnificent temple complexes, without the oppressive heat. Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda also become even more enjoyable to visit in the mild weather.
For adventure seekers, winter is the perfect time to embark on river cruises along the Mekong River or explore the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake. With clear skies and comfortable temperatures, you can fully enjoy Cambodia’s vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and lively cultural festivals.

Spring marks the transition into the hot season, with temperatures rising above 35°C (95°F). However, this season is also filled with vibrant cultural festivities. The most significant event is the Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) in mid-April, a nationwide celebration featuring traditional dances, water fights, and temple ceremonies. It’s a fantastic time to immerse yourself in Cambodia’s cultural heritage and connect with the local way of life.
Although inland destinations can be quite warm, Cambodia’s coastal regions, including Koh Rong and Kep, are great places to escape the heat. Enjoy pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and stunning sunsets while cooling off in the refreshing waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

The rainy season begins in June, bringing short but intense tropical showers that transform Cambodia into a lush, green paradise. The countryside flourishes with vibrant rice paddies and blossoming lotus fields, making it an exceptional time for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
While occasional rain showers occur, they are typically brief and followed by sunshine. This means that popular sites like Angkor Wat remain accessible, and the refreshing climate enhances your experience. Summer is also a great time to take a scenic boat ride through Kampong Phluk’s floating villages, where you can witness daily life on the water in its most authentic form.
Additionally, the crowds during this season are significantly smaller, allowing travelers to explore major attractions in a more peaceful and intimate setting.

As the rainy season comes to an end, Cambodia’s landscapes remain lush and vibrant. This is an excellent time to experience the Bon Om Touk (Water Festival), one of Cambodia’s most exciting annual events, held in November. The festival features thrilling boat races along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, with locals and visitors gathering to celebrate the natural reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow.
The moderate temperatures and occasional breezes during autumn make it ideal for jungle trekking in the Cardamom Mountains or exploring Cambodia’s lesser-known archaeological sites, such as Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. With the land still refreshed from the rains, waterfalls like those in Phnom Kulen National Park are at their most majestic, offering perfect spots for a refreshing dip in natural pools.

For those looking to experience Cambodia and beyond in one unforgettable journey, there’s an exceptional way to seamlessly explore Grand Cambodia and Vietnam tour while immersing yourself in rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. This is an excellent time to experience the Bon Om Touk (Water Festival), one of Cambodia’s most exciting annual events, held in November. The festival features thrilling boat races along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers, with locals and visitors gathering to celebrate the natural reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow.
The moderate temperatures and occasional breezes during autumn make it ideal for jungle trekking in the Cardamom Mountains or exploring Cambodia’s lesser-known archaeological sites, such as Beng Mealea and Koh Ker.