Cambodia has two main seasons — dry and wet — and your experience will vary dramatically depending on when you visit.
Cool & Dry Season (November to February)
The best time for most travelers. Temperatures are comfortable (22-30°C), humidity is lower, and blue skies make temple photography spectacular. This is peak tourist season — Angkor Wat can be crowded at sunrise, but the conditions are ideal. Book accommodation well ahead, especially for Siem Reap.
Hot Season (March to May)
Temperatures climb to 35-40°C. Exploring temples in the midday heat is exhausting — plan sightseeing for early mornings and late afternoons. The advantage: fewer tourists and lower prices. April brings Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey), a three-day celebration with water fights, traditional games, and temple ceremonies.
Green Season (June to October)
Afternoon downpours are common but usually short. The countryside turns emerald green, the moats around Angkor Wat fill with water (creating stunning reflection photos), and tourist numbers drop significantly. Temples are quieter, hotels are cheaper. The rain rarely disrupts travel seriously — it’s often just an hour of heavy rain in the afternoon.
Key Festivals
- Khmer New Year (April) — Three days of celebration nationwide
- Pchum Ben (September/October) — Ancestor festival with temple ceremonies
- Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) (November) — Dragon boat races on the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh, marking the reversal of the river’s flow
Seasonal Breakdown
Spring (March to May): Spring in Cmbodi brings gradually warming temperatures, blooming flowers, and lush landscapes. It is an excellent time for outdoor activities, photography, and cultural festivals. Early spring can still be cool, especially at higher elevations, so pack layers.
Summer (June to August): Summer offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor exploration. However, this is also peak tourist season in many regions, with larger crowds and higher prices. Some areas may experience monsoon rains, so check regional patterns.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is widely considered the best season to visit Cmbodi. Clear skies, mild temperatures, and vibrant fall foliage create ideal conditions for travel. Crowds thin out after the summer peak, and accommodation prices become more reasonable. Harvest season also brings fresh local produce and food festivals.
Winter (December to February): Winter brings colder temperatures, particularly at night and in mountainous regions. However, it offers a unique, quiet travel experience with fewer tourists and significantly lower prices. Some high-altitude attractions may be inaccessible due to snow, so plan accordingly. Winter is also the season for many traditional festivals and celebrations.
Packing Tips by Season
Regardless of when you visit Cmbodi, layering is key to adapting to changing temperatures throughout the day. For spring and autumn, pack a mix of short- and long-sleeve shirts, a light jacket or fleece, and a waterproof outer layer. Summer calls for breathable, lightweight clothing, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a rain jacket for sudden showers. Winter requires thermal base layers, a heavy insulated jacket, warm hat and gloves, and sturdy waterproof boots. Always include comfortable walking shoes, a universal power adapter, and any necessary medications. For visits to religious sites, pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Festival and Event Calendar
Timing your visit to coincide with a local festival can be a highlight of your trip to Cmbodi. Spring often features Lunar New Year celebrations, flower festivals, and cultural performances. Summer brings music festivals, harvest celebrations, and outdoor events. Autumn is a popular time for food festivals, wine harvest events, and cultural heritage celebrations. Winter features holiday markets, ice and snow festivals, and traditional New Year preparations. Research specific festival dates before booking, as many follow lunar calendars and change from year to year. Note that during major festivals, some businesses may close, transport may be crowded, and prices may be higher, so plan accordingly.
