Last checked: October 2026
Cambodia has a clear dry season and a wet season, and the right time to visit depends on whether you want comfortable weather, fewer crowds or lower prices. This guide uses Intrepid Travel for the season and festival details, because it was the most complete source we could read, so treat the figures as general guidance and check forecasts before you travel. Weather figures are historical norms, and actual conditions vary by year.
The Two Main Seasons
According to Intrepid Travel, the dry season runs from November to May and the wet season from June to October. The page is inconsistent about the end of the dry season, because its introduction says November to May while one monthly section says it runs until April. April and May are described as very warm and humid, just before the rains begin. Wet-season rain usually arrives as short, heavy downpours in the afternoon or at night, rather than all-day rain.
Temperatures
Intrepid says temperatures stay in the mid to high 80s Fahrenheit (about 30 to 32 Celsius) for most of the year, dropping slightly at night. In January it lists 68 to 85 Fahrenheit (20 to 29 Celsius) and in February 73 to 90 Fahrenheit (23 to 32 Celsius). October averages about 80 Fahrenheit with humidity around 84 percent, while April and July have humidity around 75 percent. Pack light, breathable clothing and a rain layer, and plan outdoor sightseeing for the early morning.
Best Months for Angkor
- December to March: Popular for the temples, but often hazy and crowded.
- May to June and October to November: Fewer crowds, with sun in the morning and some rain.
- August: Most of the best-known sites are largely quiet and prices are lower, though the rain is heavy.
- November: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
See best places to visit in Cambodia for what to see at Angkor and beyond.
The Coast and Islands
Intrepid lists January for scuba diving and snorkelling in Sihanoukville, February for beach time and island hopping, November for island life and December for snorkelling. The coast is best in the dry months, and the wet season can bring rough seas and heavy rain, so check conditions with your operator before booking boat trips.
Peak and Low Seasons
- Peak: November to March, with the best chance of dry weather and the highest prices and crowds.
- Shoulder: May, between the peak and low seasons.
- Low: June to October, the wet season, which is the quietest time, although Intrepid does not state the low season directly.
Intrepid also says Lunar New Year in late January or early February is very busy and suggests avoiding it if possible, and that December coincides with Christmas and the Australian school holidays.
Festivals and Key Dates
- Lunar New Year: Late January or early February, very busy.
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony: May, marking the start of the rice-growing season.
- Buddha’s Birthday celebrations: June.
- Ancestors Day (Pchum Ben): September.
- Water Festival: November.
- New Year festivities: December.
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and shift each year, so confirm the dates for your travel year before you book. Public holidays can close some offices and shops, and transport is busier.
Which Month Suits You
- Best weather: November to March, with more crowds and higher prices.
- Fewer crowds at Angkor: May to June and October to November.
- Lowest prices: The wet season, especially August, with heavy rain.
- Beaches and diving: January and February, according to Intrepid.
- Festivals: November for the Water Festival, and September for Pchum Ben.
Border and Safety Notes
Season is only one part of planning. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the Thailand land border, and says land crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain suspended. The US State Department rates Cambodia at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, according to a report on the advisory dated 15 September 2026. See the Cambodia travel guide for the full summary, and the Cambodia visa guide for entry rules.
Booking Notes
For November to March, book flights and hotels early, especially around Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year. For the wet season, keep your plans flexible and allow extra time for travel on days with heavy rain. See flights to Cambodia and where to stay in Cambodia.
Planning Around the Rains
If you travel in the wet season, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning, keep the afternoon free for downpours and allow extra time for travel on days with heavy rain. Bring a light rain layer and protect your phone and documents. Because rain usually comes as short heavy bursts rather than all-day rain, many travellers still see the main temples comfortably, with fewer crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Cambodia?
For dry weather, November to March. For fewer crowds, May to June and October to November.
When is the rainy season?
June to October, according to Intrepid Travel, usually in short heavy downpours.
Is August a good time to visit Angkor?
The sites are quiet and prices are lower, but the rain is heavy.
When is the Water Festival?
November, according to Intrepid. Confirm the exact dates for your year.
When is the cheapest time?
The wet season from June to October is the quietest and usually the cheapest.